Tulsa, Oklahoma, singer/songwriter Ben Rector is an absolute marvel. An entirely self-taught musician, he taught himself guitar at age 16, the age at which he also started writing music. He was the youngest ever winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2006, and he’s been making beautiful music ever since. He’s got a lovely voice, and he’s a wonderful musician, but it’s the sweetness of his lyrics and the positivity of his messages that are really resonating with me today.

Rector’s lyrics are so clear-eyed and grown up and relatable, I feel like I could listen to them on repeat as a mood stabilizer. You may recognize his song Brand New which is currently featured in a Celebrity Cruises campaign. When he first released the song, his record label told him he needed to shoot a music video for the tune. He responded by taking the entire budget and flying with six fans to Six Flags amusement park. What a doll!

Love Like This by Ben Rector
Never was an early riser
Used to be an up-all-nighter
Never saw the morning light quite like I do now
Never said no to a party
Never started saving money
Everything is different since you’ve been around
It’s the way you’re smiling at me
It’s in the way you hold my hand
It’s the way I’ve watched you change me
From a boy into a man
It’s a million things about you
And I don’t know what it is
I have never known a love like this

You can follow Ben Rector on his website and on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.