What describes music that has religious lyrics often in praise or thanksgiving to God?

The correct answer is Gospel. Gospel music is a genre that originated in the African American church and is characterized by its religious lyrics, often expressing themes of praise, worship, and thanksgiving to God. It combines elements of traditional hymns with rich harmonies and emotional expressions, making it a powerful form of spiritual music.

While Mass, Oratorio, and Motet also involve religious themes and settings, they serve different purposes and are structured differently. The Mass is a specific liturgical ceremony in the Christian tradition, encompassing various musical components, including settings of the Ordinary of the Mass. An Oratorio is a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists, often based on biblical texts, but it is typically performed in concert settings rather than religious services. A Motet is a polyphonic choral work, often sacred, but usually more formal and structured compared to the spontaneous and celebratory nature of Gospel music. Therefore, Gospel is distinctly aligned with the idea of music focused on religious themes of praise and thanksgiving.