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.

By Hannah Sweeney, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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