It took me a while to grow into a love of Gregorian chant.  As a 30-something, I grew up on Michael Jackson, Madonna etc.  A decade ago I found Tower of Power and got into that funky beat.  When I made my own Catholic music CD (note to any music directors visiting, I did not write the songs with liturgical use in mind and hope no one ever does try to use it in the Mass), I incorporated all my influences, heavy on Andrew Lloyd Weber and even some Queen, maybe a little of the country music upbringing I had - I always liked Dolly Parton.

So of course, without any formal appreciation for music, my knowledge limited to the experience of popular music, and no previous exposure to Gregorian chant, I was not an instant fan.  I didn't understand how the music was organized, or that it had a pulse to it, and just how intricately beautiful it is.  People who truly understand will describe Gregorian chant as surely what the music of Heaven must be like. 

One of the things I'm coming to understand and appreciate is the rhythm of the chant.  At first I was merely trying to make sense out of the neumes with their various dots, squiggles, and lines.  But it was only in singing some of the Propers of the Mass, truly striving to sing them as they were intended and to do well in rendering them, that the rhythm started to emerge for me.

Without being an expert in interpreting chant, the best thing you and I can do is listen to good recordings of Gregorian chant.  One of the most beautiful CDs I came across was Chanticleer's Mysteria.  If you want to hear some gorgeous Holy Week and Easter Gregorian chant, this CD is your ticket.  There are also four antiphons n honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The quality of the singing and the recording are superb.