Artist Info:Discography Album length: 11 tracks Street Date: June 21, 2005
Matthew West can write a hit single. He proved it a few times over on his debut
Happy two years ago. If you’re not familiar with the name, he’s the guy who wrote "More," - the
"I love you more than the sun and stars" song (Everyone with a collective "Ohhh…that
guy!). He also wrote the quirky "The End," and the sweet "You Know Where to Find Me." Playing an
acoustic brand of pop/rock, he has a like-ability about his music that is hard to resist, and
Happy perfectly displayed that potential. Now, in 2005, West returns with the equally likeable
History.
The album is a little more epic and eclectic than Happy was. It starts on an almost epic
note on the title track, which deals with redemption. The Matthew West that fans have come to expect
returns on the next track, "Next Thing You Know." It’s quick, catchy, and personable. Fans will have
fun singing the "la la la"s of this already-hit single.
But that’s about all they will get in the way of light, fluffy pop. The rest of the album is piano
driven, or more rock-oriented. Regardless of which, the songs are decisively heavier lyrically. And
to be perfectly honest, most do not really stand out, with the exception of a few quite exceptional
tracks. "The Day before You" is a sweet ballad to either God or West’s wife, Emily. Whichever way you
want to take it, it’s a beautifully thought out track that displays what West is capable of.
So in the end, History is a mixed bag. A song may start to bore you, but then the next one
gets you singing along. And back and forth until the album concludes. Some songs are forgettable, but
others are brilliant. Matthew West has obviously matured since Happy, but he hasn’t lost his
sense of fun or adventure. There’s still some growing to do, and West hasn’t solidified his place in
CCM history just yet; but a few years down the road, and with a couple of more albums under his belt,
things could be very different.
- Review date: 09/06/05, written by Josh Taylor
Artist Info: 
