You'll Have Something To Say By The End...
Posted August 08, 2009
By SarahFine_NRT, Staff Reviewer
If you know the story behind this album and the many fires that were walked through to get it out--then you’ll already know that Matthew West has something to say.
Recorded in late 2007 after his vocal surgery, many people (Matthew included), wondered if he would ever be able to sing again. The answer? Yes.
With his previous albums, ‘Happy’ and ‘History’, Matthew had already made a name as one of the top writers in the CCM genera, proving why once again with this album. Starting off with a string arrangement, the album soon shifts into the title track. Matthew again uses his whimsical sense of humor to convey his message and capture the audience, and it never ceases to disappoint.
‘The Motions’ (the current #1 song on the Christian charts) is next, a passionate cry to God to live a full life for Him, and not just lukewarm and empty. The worshipful ‘You Are Everything’ and ‘The Center’ follow. ‘Center’ (sounding much a like a cross between Jimmy Needham--meets--tobyMac) offers some of the best lyrics on the album. The next few songs, ‘Save A Place For Me’ and ‘Life Inside You’ deal with heavier issues of death and heaven and a teenage couple contemplating abortion, and ultimately choosing life.
‘Safe And Sound’ is a soothing lullaby written for Matthew’s daughter, Lulu. ’The Moment Of Truth’, a though provoking tune on the choices we make in life, is followed up by the comical yet sincere song ‘Friend In The World’ (with a cameo experience by tobyMac, throwing back to the dc Talk track ‘The Hardway’). Very similar to his song ‘Next Thing You Know’, it’s sure to leave a smile on your face and a song in your heart. The album closes with the moving ballads ‘Al The Broken Pieces’ and the standout on the album, ‘Stop The World’, about cutting out the noise of the world and getting in tune with our Creator (the little bit at the end of this track with Matthew and Lulu is sure to get you laughing…)
I bought this album on a whim in 2008, and it has since become one of my all time favorites. Matthew’s ability to make you laugh and think at the same time is truly a gift from God. He is an amazing lyricists with a bright future in Christian music. Thinking about buying this album? Stop thinking and do it--take my word for it. :) View All Music And Book Reviews By SarahFine_NRT | View SarahFine_NRT's Profile
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