Gospel soul is a subgenre of gospel music that incorporates elements of soul music, a genre that originated in the African American community in the United States. The music is characterized by its powerful vocals, emotional intensity, and soulful melodies, and the lyrics often focus on themes of faith, hope, and salvation. Gospel soul has been popularized by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, and Al Green, and remains a beloved genre among Christian audiences today.