7 Worship Songs Perfect For Vocal Solos (Special Music)

There is a unique power in a solo. While congregational singing is the primary engine of the church, there are moments—during an offering, a communion reflection, or a special event—where it is appropriate for one voice to sing while the church listens. This isn’t a performance; it is a ministry of serving the song to the people.

Choosing the right song for a solo is different than choosing a congregational anthem. You have more freedom with melody, phrasing, and timing because you aren’t trying to keep 500 people on the same beat. These songs allow a vocalist to tell a story, express deep emotion, and invite the room into a time of reflective worship.

Why These Songs Shine As Solos

We selected these songs because:

  • They are dynamic. They allow the singer to showcase range and emotion, moving from a whisper to a shout.
  • They are personal. The lyrics are often written from a first-person perspective (“I”), making them powerful testimonies.
  • They tell a story. They have a narrative arc that engages the listener from the first verse to the final note.

7 Songs For Special Music Moments

  1. Gratitude – This song has become a favorite for soloists because of its raw honesty and dynamic build. Starting with just a simple guitar line and building to the explosive bridge (“So I throw up my hands”), it allows a vocalist to lead the room on a journey of surrender.
  2. Give Me Jesus – A traditional spiritual that fits almost any context. Its simple, haunting melody is perfect for a vocalist who wants to strip away the production and focus entirely on the lyrics. It works beautifully as an acapella opener or a piano ballad.
  3. Is He Worthy – Written with a call-and-response structure, this song is incredibly effective when led by a strong soloist (or a soloist with a choir). It walks through the theology of Revelation in a way that feels like a musical sermon.
  4. Nothing Else – “I’m caught up in Your presence.” This song is intimate and vulnerable. It requires a vocalist who can convey deep emotion and sincerity, making it a perfect choice for a moment of response after a sermon.
  5. Jesus Paid It All – The verses of this hymn are deeply personal confessions of weakness. A soloist can really lean into the storytelling aspect of the verses before the congregation potentially joins in on the familiar chorus.
  6. How He Loves – This song requires a large vocal range and a lot of breath control, making it a great piece for a skilled singer. The poetry of the lyrics (“earth meets heaven like a sloppy wet kiss”) grabs the listener’s attention immediately.
  7. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – While a massive corporate song, Oceans is structurally a prayer. When sung as a solo, it feels less like an anthem and more like a private conversation between the singer and God that the church gets to overhear.

Example Contexts For Solos

Context 1 (The Offertory)

  1. Gratitude – Perfect for the offering time as it focuses on what we bring to God.
  2. Give Me Jesus – A gentle, reflective backdrop for giving.

Context 2 (Response & Altar)

  1. Nothing Else – Sets a holy atmosphere for prayer at the altar.
  2. Is He Worthy – A theological response to a sermon on the end times or the gospel.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Serve the room. Remind your soloist that the goal is not applause; it is edification. If the congregation starts clapping for the performance, the focus has drifted. Point them back to Jesus.
  • Use minimal accompaniment. Let the vocal carry the weight. A single piano or acoustic guitar is often better than a full track because it allows for more rubato (expressive timing).
  • invite participation at the end. A great technique is to have the soloist sing 90% of the song, and then invite the church to join in for the final chorus. It bridges the gap between performance and corporate worship.

Next Steps

Do you have a gifted vocalist who doesn’t always get to shine in a full band setting? Ask them to prepare Gratitude or Give Me Jesus for an offertory next month. Give them the space to minister with their gift.