His music career started in 2008, with the studio album, The Ill-Tempered Klavier, that was released on June 17, 2008, where Christianity Today rates the album five stars, stating, it "can't be recommended more highly, a rewarding and introspective listen from start to finish."[6] He released, The Cymbal Crashing Clouds, on September 26, 2011, while Christianity Today rates the album four stars, writing, "His lyrics are wildly creative; attentive listeners will pick up some clear nods to the biblical prophets, lending gravity to a transporting collection of songs."[7] The song, "Listen!", was reviewed by The Sound Opinion, where they say, "There are diamonds out there, like this song, and diamond cutters, like Ben Shive."[8] He was awarded the GMA Dove Award for Christmas Album of the Year in 2014, for his production on the 2013 album Christmas Is Here by Brandon Heath.[9]