Our Top 10 Yolanda Adams Songs list takes a look at a popular gospel singer, actress and morning show host. She is one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time. She has sold over 10 million albums worldwide. She has won numerous awards throughout her career. She is the first gospel artist to win an American Music Award. She is the queen of contemporary gospel music. She is also known as the first lady of modern gospel and the reigning queen of urban gospel. She was picked as the number one gospel artist of the decade. Her hits include “The Battle Is The Lord,” “Gotta Have Love,” “Only Believe,” “Step Aside,” “Open My Heart,” “Fragile Heart,” “I’m Gonna Be Ready,” “Hold On,” “Be Still,” “I Believe I Can I Fly,” “Someone Watching Over You,” as well as many others.
Yolanda Adams was born Yolanda Yvette Adams on August 27, 1961. She didn’t get her start in music the way other artists did. She started off as a teacher and a part-time model. When she decided to become a singer, she sang in choirs. One of the choirs she sang with was Southeast Inspirational Choir. They released a single called “For My Liberty” in 1982. She sang different singles before getting signed to a record label.
Just As I Am was released in 1987. It peaked at number eight on the gospel charts. It features the singles “Come and Go with Me,” “Restore Me,” “Signs of the Times” and “Wash Me.” Through the Storm was released in 1991. It peaked at number eight on the gospel charts. It features the singles “My Everything,” “I’m Free,” “Even Me,” “The Only Way” and “Just a Prayer Away.” Save The World was released in 1993. It peaked at number six on the gospel charts. It features the singles “The Battle Is the Lord’s,” “Let Us Worship Him,” “This Joy” and “Right Now.”
More Than a Melody was released in 1997. It peaked at number four on the gospel and Christian charts. It features the singles “Open Arms,” “Gotta Have Love” and “Fly Like an Eagle.” Songs from the Heart was released in 1998. It peaked at number three on the gospel charts and nine on the contemporary Christian charts. It features the singles “Only Believe,” “Still I Rise,” “Is Your All on The Altar” and “God Will Take Care Of You.” Mountain High…Valley Low was released in 1999. It peaked at number one on the gospel charts, number five on the r&b charts and 24 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “Yeah,” “Open My Heart,” “Fragile Heart” and “The Things We Do.” The album sold over one million copies.
Believe was released in 2001. It peaked at number one on the gospel charts, seven on the r&b charts, and number 42 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “Never Give Up,” “I Gotta Believe” and “I’m Gonna Be Ready.” The album sold over one million copies. Day by Day was released in 2005. It peaked at number one on the gospel charts, four on the r&b charts, and 23 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “Be Blessed,” “Victory,” “Someone Watching Over You” and “This Too Shall Pass.” Becoming was released in 2011. It peaked at number three on the gospel charts, 22 on the r&b charts, and 99 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “Be Still,” “Rejoice” and “Gotta Tell Ya.”
Yolanda Adams is an accomplished singer and songwriter. She didn’t just record traditional gospel music. She recorded secular music. Her music touched the hearts of millions of people. She competed with fellow gospel singers such as CeCe Winans, Mary Mary, Tasha Cobbs, Tamela Mann as well as other gospel singers, but she was able to make a name for herself. She has had several hit singles over the years. This Top 10 Yolanda Adams Songs list will feature her best songs.
# 10 – Step Aside
The first song on our Top 10 Yolanda Adams Songs list is “Step Aside” from the Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls soundtrack. The song has a gospel beat. The touching song is about not giving up. When you are feeling down, this song will lift you up. It teaches you to trust in the Lord. He will look out for you and show you the right of way. You should put your pride aside and believe that God will get you through your problems. You don’t have to be a fan of gospel music to get the message in the song. As long as you have faith, you will get the meaning of the song. The lyrics are beautiful and powerful.
This track sounds like traditional gospel music. It will put you in a gospel mood. It features the organ and the drums. They created a gospel feel. It starts off slowly and has a climactic finish towards the bridge. Yolanda Adams’ voice is like an angel. She has amazing control over her voice. She starts the song off softly. She holds a note after she finishes each line and is able to control each note. When she starts belting, she turns the song into a power ballad. There is no stopping her when she starts holding her notes. She makes you want to sing along with her or wish you could hold notes like her. She is the Whitney Houston of gospel music.
# 9 – This Too Shall Pass
The next song on our Top 10 Yolanda Adams Songs list is “This Too Shall Pass” from the Day by Day album. The song has an r&b and gospel beat. If you are familiar with the term “this too shall pass,” you have an idea of what the song means. If you don’t know what the term means, it means nothing good or bad will last forever. If you are feeling down, you won’t always feel that way. Things will eventually get better for you. This song will speak to you if you are going through hard times.
This song is timely because of what is going on in the world. You will need these comforting words to get you through hard times. The lyrics will enrich the body, mind, and soul. The song is music for your soul. The lyrics will give you strength and make you feel empowered. The music sounds like something you would hear in a movie. The melody sounds similar to Whitney Houston’s “I Believe in You and Me” from The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack. It also sounds like “Believe in Yourself” from The Wiz soundtrack. It doesn’t sound like typical gospel music.
The music will resonate with fans of r&b and gospel. It features the piano, violin, and drums. The music has a somber beat. It will make you feel emotional. Yolanda Adams sounds convincing as she lets the listeners know they will get through their problems. She gives the song a dramatic build as she belts the lyrics. She is the only one singing the song. She doesn’t have any background singers. She is the only one needed to make this song sound great. She sounds as if she is reaching up to the heavens. When you hear her voice, it will make you believe that everything will be okay.
# 8 – Hold On
The emotional song is from the What a Wonderful Time album. The song has an r&b and gospel beat. The song teaches you a valuable lesson about holding on to your faith. She doesn’t want you to give up. She motivates you to keep going no matter what. It is never too late to accomplish your goals. As long as you hold on to your faith, your dreams will come true.
The song will encourage you to do more with your life. It is relatable to anyone who wants to accomplish something but believes something is standing in the way of them accomplishing it. The lyrics aren’t traditional gospel lyrics. The lyrics could be in any r&b song that is about not giving up. She doesn’t refer to God in this song so it could be an r&b song instead of a gospel song. The music is upbeat and uplifting. The music is something you would hear at a cookout instead of church. It shows she could do more than just traditional gospel music.
It has a midtempo beat that you can bop your head to. Yolanda Adams sounds subdued in this track. The big voice that we are all familiar with isn’t there for this song. She chose not to belt in this song. Her powerful voice wasn’t needed since it wasn’t that kind of song. She does have a spoken monologue that could have been omitted from the song. It doesn’t hurt the song, but it wasn’t needed.
# 7 – Be Still
The spiritual song is from the Becoming album. The song has a gospel, Christian, and r&b beat. The reassuring song is about God being there when you need answers. God is speaking to you when you feel alone. He wants you to be still and patient. He will come to you. This song is perfect for when you are feeling down and alone. You know that God will always be there for you. She teaches you that when your family and friends turn their back on you someone will be there for you. It is comforting to know that someone will always be by your side.
The music is soft and melodic. It is technically a gospel song, but it sounds more like an r&b song. If you take out the religious references, it could have been an r&b song. The music has a relaxed r&b vibe. You can listen to this while you are relaxing at home. The song is radio-friendly. The piano will put you in a trance. Yolanda Adams doesn’t use her powerful voice in this song. She teases us a little after the bridge by belting a little, but nothing comes of it. If you are waiting for the big note, you are going to be disappointed. Her vocals are still good, but she doesn’t turn the song into a power ballad.
She doesn’t push herself the way her fans know that she could. If she used her powerful vocals, it would have sounded as if she was shouting. The song doesn’t require her to do any power singing.
# 6 – I Believe I Can Fly
The inspirational song is from the Experience album. The song has an r&b and gospel beat. The motivating song is about believing in yourself. It will motivate you to accomplish anything you set out to do. As you may know, this is a cover of R Kelly’s big hit song. Since this is a cover song, the questions are coming. Should she have taken the risk of covering this song? Did she make this song her own? The answer to the first question is no.
This is a song that is so closely related to R Kelly that she took a risk covering it. She set herself up for comparisons to his version. The answer to the second question is yes. She did manage to make the song her own. She keeps the lyrics the same, but she adds runs that R Kelly didn’t. R Kelly’s version is pop and r&b version while Yolanda Adams turns it into an r&b and gospel song. She turns the song into a power ballad. Both versions include background singers, but the singers in this version sound more like a choir. Yolanda Adams’ vocals are much stronger than R Kelly’s.
She does things with her vocals that R Kelly didn’t. She belts and vocally soars throughout the song. She pleases the listeners by holding a note at the end. She gets so emotional that she turns it into a tearjerker. Her voice will move you so much that it will make you want to cry. This version is a showstopper. The original version was a great song, but Yolanda Adams turned it into something special. Her version doesn’t make you forget about the original one, but she will make you appreciate the remake.
# 5 – Fragile Heart
The next song on our Top 10 Yolanda Adams Songs list is “Fragile Heart” from the Mountain High…Valley Low album. The song has an r&b and gospel beat. The nurturing song is about healing. It is about God getting you through rough times. God will show you the way. You have to take it one step at a time. You can’t give up if you have God in your life. If you are dealing with the loss of any kind, this is the song to turn to to help you get through it.
The lyrics are moving and will help you cope with the pain you are going through. You can relate to the lyrics even if you are not a gospel fan. The music is rhythmic and melodic. It doesn’t sound like traditional gospel music. It sounds like an r&b song. Just like other songs on our Top 10 Yolanda Adams Songs list, if she didn’t mention God, it could have been an r&b song. Yolanda Adams’ voice is soothing. It blends well with the music. When you listen to her voice, it is like a friend is talking to you.
She sounds like a combination of CeCe Winans and Whitney Houston on this track. She starts the song off softly and then belts a little in the bridge. She doesn’t turn this into a power ballad. She keeps her voice low-key. She proves she has a beautiful voice whether she is singing power ballads or not. Her diction is flawless. You can understand everything she is saying without having to look at the lyrics.
# 4 – Someone Watching Over You
The encouraging song is from the Day by Day album. The song has an r&b and gospel beat. The comforting song is about God watching over you and will get you through the terrible times in your life. It doesn’t matter what your situation is, you will get through it. God will watch over you. You don’t have to be afraid because God is on your side. Anyone who is down and out can benefit from listening to this song.
The words are cathartic and heartfelt. The lyrics will reassure you that everything will be okay. Knowing that someone is watching over you is comforting. The music is relaxing and will ease your stress. The calming music is infectious and will stay in your head. It features the drums and keys. It has enough tempo to have you bop your head to the beat. It is easy to forget that this is supposed to be a gospel song because it sounds more like r&b music. Yolanda Adams sounds amazing.
She has perfect diction throughout the song. Her voice is very soothing. You could get lost listening to her sing the lyrics. She doesn’t utilize her powerful vocals, but her voice is still captivating. The chorus is very catchy and designed to stay in your head all day. This song is definitely worth checking out. You will want to keep the song on repeat so you can keep hearing it. This is the type of song that will never get old.
# 3 – I’m Gonna Be Ready
The therapeutic song is from the Believe album. The song has an r&b and gospel beat. The glorifying song is about preparing yourself for anything that comes your way. It will help you get through anything as long as God is on your side. The song will give you strength. It will get you through a lot. The lyrics tell you that God will help you get through anything. If you are battling depression, this song will reassure you that God loves you and will never leave you.
This is the type of song that she is comfortable recording. She records songs that inform people that God will be there for them no matter what happens. This song is in her lyrical wheelhouse. The lyrics are passionate and heartfelt. She co-wrote the song so you could tell it means a lot to her. The music sounds more like r&b than gospel. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis co-wrote and produced this song. It sounds like something they would have done for Heather Headley.
The music is very rhythmic and comforting. You can get hypnotized listening to the music. Yolanda Adams sings this with a lot of soul. Her powerful vocals make a reappearance. She teases the audience by singing softly and then vocally explodes like a volcano. She takes you on a vocal roller coaster ride. She belts and holds notes that are worth listening to. She really takes you to church with this track. If you aren’t a fan of her music, you may become one after listening to this song.
# 2 – Never Give Up
This touching song is from the Believe album. The song has an r&b and gospel beat. The courageous song is about never giving up on your dreams. It takes strength not to give up on what you want. You may face a lot of challenges in your life, but you shouldn’t give up hope. Things will get better if you believe.
The lyrics let you know that you shouldn’t be afraid to believe in your dreams. She isn’t just talking about people giving up. She is talking about herself as well. The message in the song is very clear. You don’t have to be a gospel fan to accept the message in the song. The words are very timely with what is going on during these tough times. The music is a mix of r&b and gospel. Fans of r&b and gospel will enjoy this song. The melody is sweet and soars. The music features the piano and drums. It is a ballad, but you can move your head to the music.
Yolanda Adams sounds like Whitney Houston and Heather Headley in this track. Once again, she has perfect diction. She utilizes her powerful voice. She starts the song off softly and gives the listener a treat by belting after the bridge. She turns the song into a mini power ballad. She ends the song softly the way she starts it. The only thing missing was a long note at the end. Other than that, the song is flawless.
# 1 – Open My Heart
The number one song on our Top 10 Yolanda Adams Songs list is “Open My Heart” from the Mountain High…Valley Low album. The song has an r&b beat. The beautiful song is about listening to God. It is about looking for guidance because you are lost. It will teach you to stop making the same mistakes and listen to God. She wants the audience to open their hearts to God. This song is the biggest hit of Yolanda Adams’ career. Every singer has his or her signature song and this is Yolanda Adams’.
It’s easy to see why this song was a big hit for her. This song is uplifting and motivating. It is a song that will please gospel fans as well as r&b fans. The music is the perfect blend of r&b and gospel. It features the piano and drums. The melody sounds similar to “I Wish” by Heather Headley. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wrote both songs so it’s not a surprise that this sounds similar to the other song. Yolanda Adams takes you to church with this song. Her smooth voice has a touch of jazz to it.
She sounds really classy and soulful while she is singing the song. She sounds similar to Heather Headley. Yolanda Adams can sing the alphabet and sound good. Her voice can make you catch the holy ghost. She utilizes her powerful vocals to the best of her ability in this song. Her voice is so beautiful that once again she will bring tears to your eyes.
Feature Photo: Jamie Lamor Thompson
Top 10 Yolanda Adams Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
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