Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review



Matthew West
Something To Say



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 41 minutes, 50 seconds
Street Date: January 15, 2008


Matthew West has proven himself worthy in the hit department ever since his single "More" dominated radio, and he has continually improved as an artist over the years. West's latest project, Something To Say will make you forget about every musical flaw in Matthew West's past. The lyrics alone have enough depth and emotion to satisfy any listener remotely happy with poetic lyrics.

The songs on Something To Say were written during a taxing time in Matthew's life, so there is a more personal aspect to this album than the two preceding it. The record proves miracles can happen, seeing as vocal chord surgery often alters one's voice. Following West's surgery, he had to remain silent for two straight months, and his latest release couldn't be more aptly titled because of it.

It has been nearly three years since History, the album that reminded everyone of why Matthew West is one of the most influential songwriters in the Christian music industry. A lot of musicians succumb to mediocrity after such a long hiatus. West misses that mark by a landslide with this underestimated release that will have a hard time lingering on the shelf. The first half of the record is upbeat, unrelenting in faith, and surprisingly intriguing. History was a fairly solid release that offered your typical fluffy pop sound, but with songs like "The Motions" and "The Center," Something To Say is anything but a buffet of the "same old stuff." "The Center" surprisingly has the pop stylings of TobyMac and if you did not know you were listening to Matthew West, you might think it was Toby was "Boomin'" through your stereo instead. Just when you think the song is about to become repetitive musically, West throws in some techniques that truly make the song his own. Similarities to such artists usually work to the musician's disadvantage, but West makes this light comparison satisfying. It's almost as if there's an added element that helps craft the record into something rare and memorable.

"Life Inside You" is an encouragement to all teenage girls who are pregnant, everyone who struggles with addiction, and all of those who are lost. This is the kind of song that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up - a song that changes you for the better. "The Moment of Truth" asks listeners to look at what Jesus gave on the cross when they are wondering what they have to lose with taking that next pill or ending life altogether. West isn't afraid to tackle the heavier song topics. The album ends with "Stop The World," a song begging God to block out all worldly things, so the focus can be on Him. The song rounds out the album and brings it out to a close in a slow, yet spiritually calming way.

Something To Say is essentially a storybook of every Christian's life. The problems that have to be dealt with, the struggles with faith, and the importance of looking at the bigger picture. Fans were Happy with West's debut and excited to accept History as something of the past in his sophomore release. Hopefully they're ready to listen to what he has to say on his third effort. Every track on the album is worthy of a listen. This is one of those rare gem's that doesn't require the use of a skip button and this isn't the type of album that you forget two weeks after purchasing. This is the kind of record that influences people and solidifies an artist's career. Matthew West might have been silenced for a short period of time, but this album proves that he sure has plenty left to say.

- Review date: 1/11/08, written by Jessica Gregorius



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

. Record Label: Sparrow Records
. Album length: 12 tracks: 41 minutes, 50 seconds
. Street Date: January 15, 2008
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Intro
  2. Something To Say
  3. The Motions
  4. You Are Everything
  5. The Center
  6. Save A Place For Me
  7. Life Inside You
  8. Safe And Sound
  9. Moment Of Truth
  10. Friend In The World
  11. All The Broken Pieces
  12. Stop The World
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, October 29, 2025
ALBUMS
Brandon Lake Amazon Music Songline [Provident]

SINGLES
Tikae Maestro Dwell (ft. Kingdmusic) - Single [Tribe Rua]

This Friday, October 31, 2025
ALBUMS
1K Phew What's Understood 3 [Reach]
Hope Deferred Darkness Remains [The Charon Collective]
Vic Lucas The Journey [Syntax]
MORIAH Nice Life - EP [F2]
SEU Worship What A God [Live at JOGS] (feat. Abbie Gamboa) - EP [Provident]
Testimony of Apocalypse Agony in the Garden [Roxx Records]

SINGLES
Alphein Working - Single [Syntax]
Chris Caro It's Okay - Single [Syntax]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Still - Single [Syntax]
Dreamers My Heart His Home - Single [DREAM]
Dust and Grace He Made It All - Single [MTS]
Roxanne Grace Try Again - Single [DREAM]
Jericko Skeletons - Single [Syntax]
Kingdmusic Speed Dial (ft Mégan Rose) - Single (independent)
The Light Superior Ghost - Single [Rottweiler]
Lock & Chi Do To Me - Single (independent)
John Long Simple Pursuit - Single (independent)
My Place Was Taken Rude Awakening - Single [Rottweiler]
No Vain Glory ROYALTY (CHOSEN) - Single [Syntax]
Polished Arrow Music LOTW - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Poor Old Lu The Hurting - Single (independent)
Razzie & Joz NEW PETRO (ft. 4KL) - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile Pain is My Best Friend (At My Best) [ft. THE EXILED] - Single [Syntax]
Jordy Sam Hard Days (ft. IAN) - Single [Syntax]
Silent Reflection The Air - Single [Syntax]
Still Remains The Wound and the Weapon - Single (independent)
Warren Zeiders How Great Thou Art - Single [Warner]

This Saturday, November 1, 2025
SINGLES
Relentless Pursuit He Is Coming - Single (independent)

Next Friday, November 7, 2025
ALBUMS
Biscuits Country Fried LoFi - EP [Circle Back]
Jekalyn Carr JEKALYN X LEGENDS [WayNorth]
DAMIAN DAMIAN [DREAM]
Josh Garrels Peace To All Who Enter Here, Vol. 2 (independent)
Amy Jay Mnemonics (independent)
(UN)WORTHY From the Belly of the Beast - EP (independent)

SINGLES
Damian If I Should Fail - Single [DREAM]
Hillside Recording Everlasting Father - Single (independent)
Ian Austin, Heather Suzanne Somewhere Far - Single (independent)
Life.Church Worship Tanto - Single (independent)
Sacrificial Betrayal Take Risk - Single (independent)
Zane Walls YOU ARE THE FIRE (feat. JontheKid) - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images