The Joy of Music, A Ben Rector Appreciation Post

There for a minute I was feeling real rough

Until I saw that what I had was enough

I didn't know that I could love it this much

Joy (from The Joy of Music)

I don’t remember when or how I was introduced to him, but when asked who my favorite singer/songwriter is, Ben Rector is my answer. No matter what I’m doing or what mood I’m in, his music lightens everything up. It….Color[s] Up My World. (Pun intended. I’m sorry.)

We went to his concert for my birthday last year. The concert wasn’t a performance so much as it was he and 2 of his friends playing music together and letting us watch. He wasn’t trying to impress us, and you could tell they were having fun. It was one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve experienced. 

I could go on and on about what I love about his music. A few highlights: 

+ Ben Rector doesn’t write Christian music, but he’s a Christian, writing music — and it shows. 

+ His lyrics are thoughtful and purposeful — and sometimes that purpose is silliness (Range Rover). 

+ Every time I listen to his music, I’m left feeling uplifted and content. Some of his songs are gentle and moving (Old Friends), some are energetic and inspiring (Living My Best Life), some are just fun (Crazy). They are lighthearted, and also deep and meaningful. 

When I think about the kind of work I want to share (writing, photography, etc…), it’s this. I want to create for the JOY of it and let people watch. Not to perform or impress, but because it’s fun. And it matters.