Why Jordan G Welch's "One" is the must-listen gospel album of the year

So forget about yourself, and concentrate on Him.

Gospel music nowadays can be criticised for being somewhat self-centred. Focused on our problems, our issues, our insecurities. While it’s important for us to be self-aware and to be tapped into the things that trouble us, and to make music about that/how God can step into those situations, it could be argued that at times we spend too much time talking about ourselves.

This record by Welch is a welcome change in that it wholly focuses on the goodness of God. The title of the album is apt - once you finish listening to the record, you’ll only be thinking of “One”.

In a sense, it’s almost a perfect worship set - familiar worship/CCM songs such as Forever and Jireh next to hymns such as "Because He Lives”, with very catchy originals such as the title track “One” and “Let Your Praise”. While the Black church argues about CCM vs Black Gospel, Welch synthesises both into her own accessible sound.

One of the standout tracks is “Beatitudes”, an ethereal duet with Gene Moore, where the two weave in and out of a beautiful guitar and strings accompaniment, singing through the familiar texts in Matthew 5 in a way that makes you want to go back and find new meaning in the verses immediately.

The reprise of “One” is one for the musicians, with subtle chord changes from the pianist/MD Brian King pushing the song along to its inevitable build and conclusion.

No track feels out of place, and with the brief or sometimes extended interludes, it really feels like a church worship experience that we’re blessed enough to listen along to.

Album cover for “One” by Jordan G. Welch