The Joy of Being by Citizens *Jesus Pieces Recommends*

If you're looking for an album that is fresh, worshipful, and uplifting, I recommend you check out The Joy of Being by the band Citizens. The band originally formed in the church Mars Hill under the now-infamous pastor Mark Driscoll, experiencing all the chaos and dysfunction that came along with that (as detailed in the fascinating podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill). As I listen to their music I find it helpful to remember they are no strangers to suffering and the dark side of church culture.

The album is full of worship songs, but I appreciate them because they don't fall into the category of the 90% of all worship music that sounds the same. The lead singer has a unique voice and they don't mimic the most common patterns of the worship music currently topping music charts. But perhaps what I most appreciate is how hopeful and joyful the album is (as the album title suggests). It's not a happy-clappy optimism that is ignorant of the hardships of life, but a deeper joy that is found in the midst of life's trials.

My favorite tracks: All I Need, Joy To Be, and Altogether Good