Ben Rector is a singer-songwriter who has gained a dedicated following for his heartfelt and relatable music. One theme that is often present in his songs is a sense of magical mysticism.*** Rector has a knack for capturing the wonder and beauty of everyday life, but also has a way of infusing a sense of something more, something mystical. His lyrics often touch on themes of destiny, fate, and the inexplicable forces that shape our lives. His songs transport listeners to a world where anything is possible, where dreams can come true, and where there is a deeper meaning to be found in the ordinary. In songs like "Brand New," Rector sings about the transformative power of love and how it can make everything feel brand new.
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Chesterton wrote a book called Orthodoxy , and in it he says, I had always believed that the world involved magic; now I thought that perhaps it involved a magician. But most importantly, I want to believe that this stuff is more than just matter, that we are more than book-smart fish roaming aimlessly on an unconscious rock meaninglessly spinning in an indifferent universe.
In songs like "Brand New," Rector sings about the transformative power of love and how it can make everything feel brand new. He paints a picture of a magical moment where two people connect on a deeper level, creating a sense of enchantment that can't be easily explained. This song taps into a sense of magical mysticism by suggesting that love can have a transformative and almost otherworldly effect on our lives.
Album Review: Ben Rector - “Magic”
Nashville-based singer/songwriter continues to make compelling music on his piano-based new record.
Working out of Nashville, Ben Rector has steadily built a career many independent artists can only dream of. The success of his past album’s title track “Brand New” has allowed Ben Rector the freedom to go for the kind of album he grew up listening to, a synth and piano inspired collection of songs called “Magic.” And magic the record is.
The simplicity of piano and and strings set opener “Extraordinary Magic” and pace us for what we can expect to hear through the entire album. “I Will Always Be Yours,” a song which blurs the line between one's faith in love and one's faith in above, this song could do for Ben Rector what “God Gave Me You” did for Dave Barnes (before Blake Shelton took it to the stratosphere). That is, it could give Ben Rector another audience to experience his music. Something which every artist wants, even if they say they don't.
“Drive” is a slice of sepia-toned nostalgia about young love while “Old Friends” is just as wistful about the kind of bonds that you carry with you with the friends you gained in your youth. These are honest songs about life and certainly the kind of songs that strike a chord with those willing to listen. The same can be said about “Sometimes.” It’s a song (written with Grammy winner Dan Wilson) which finds Ben reminiscing about an old relationship. He doesn’t want to go back to the relationship but he certainly thinks of the impact that it had on him through the years. “Boxes” is a song that takes a look at the decade Ben’s been making music and how he’s really realized his dreams, even if they’re not exactly what he dreamed of originally. These are all songs which are personal to Ben but like any good songwriter with the songs he writes, they take on new meanings to us — the listeners — too.
Everything about Magic, is — well — magic. Ben Rector writes and sings songs that dance in your ears while the lyrics go straight for the heart. He may never be a superstar but as long as records like Magic are being made, he’ll always have “Peace” and a place on the road where he can add more “boxes” to remind him of the power to dream.
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Matt Bjorke
The Editor of Roughstock since 2008, Matt Bjorke also enjoys a sip of good whiskey, watching and discussing films, a good vinyl LP and road trips. He is a graduate of the University of Washington.
I’ve felt the effects of the time-bending spell called grace, the one that makes the past and the future disappear, allowing you to enjoy all the present magic. I’ve experienced sunsets, songs, and sacred spaces that can’t be described by any other word than magical.
Another song that showcases Rector's affinity for magical mysticism is "Forever Like That." In this song, Rector sings of a love that transcends time and space, creating a bond that is unbreakable. The lyrics paint a picture of a love story that is so powerful and enduring that it feels like something out of a fairy tale. Rector's ability to capture this sense of magic and mysticism within the context of a love story is truly remarkable. Overall, Ben Rector's music has a magical quality that sets it apart from many other singer-songwriters. He has a way of infusing his songs with a sense of the mystical and the unexplained, making them feel larger than life. Whether he's singing about love, dreams, or destiny, Rector's music transports listeners to a world where anything is possible, where there is a deeper meaning to be found, and where magic can be found in the most ordinary moments..
Reviews for "Navigating the Mystical Universe of Ben Rector's Songs"
1. Sarah - ⭐️⭐️ - I was really excited to read "Ben Rector Magical Mysticism" as I thought it would be a unique and imaginative story. However, I was sorely disappointed. The plot was lacking originality and felt like a mashup of various popular fantasy novels. The characters were two-dimensional and did not have any depth or development. Overall, I found the book to be dull and uninspiring. I do not recommend it to anyone looking for a truly magical and mystical experience.
2. John - ⭐️ - "Ben Rector Magical Mysticism" was a complete waste of my time. The writing was verbose and pretentious, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot seemed to meander without any clear direction. The author attempted to incorporate mystical elements, but they were poorly executed and lacked any real impact. I found myself struggling to finish the book and was ultimately left unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Emily - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I had high expectations for "Ben Rector Magical Mysticism," but unfortunately, it fell short. While the writing was decent and the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired. The pacing was inconsistent, with certain parts dragging on unnecessarily while others were rushed. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations seemed forced. Overall, it was an average book that didn't leave a lasting impression. I would recommend it only if you're looking for a quick, mindless read.