- Content: Why Matthew West Wanted to Share This Album With the World
Movieguide® Contributor
Matthew West released his new album, Don’t Stop Praying, last week, and a whole lot of thought and heart went into its message and design.
“I was like, okay I’m not just writing one song. I want to create a whole statement with my album, and so since the beginning, for better or worse, I’ve always approached my albums like searching for that big idea,” he told the Christian Beat last week. “I call it my umbrella idea because like an umbrella covers over, you know, whatever else you’re trying to keep dry…then all the other songs kind of fall under the umbrella…or if you’re building a house, you’ve got that foundational piece, and so with this album, the minute I wrote ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ and that song was done, I was like that’s not just a song on a record. That’s the idea.”
“So that’s where the foundation gets built or the umbrella opens up and then all the other songs start to find their way in place all with that theme of prayer,” the five-time Grammy nominee continued. “Now it’s not like a concept album, but for me it kind of is. So I’m thinking about as I’m putting the different pieces of the puzzle together, I’m writing these different songs in their own way.”
Once all of the songs fell into place, the album took on a theme that reminds everyone of the power of prayer.
It’s “encouraging people to discover the wonder and the power and the strength and the praise and the amazing life-changing gift that we have been given with the opportunity to have a conversation with our creator, day in and day out and all the different songs are about the different types of prayers that we pray and the reminder that he hears us whenever we call on his name,” West said.
“Each song in its own way is inspired by the different types of prayers we find ourselves praying throughout our lives,” he said on social media last week. “We pray prayers for strength when we are weak, prayers for a miracle when we need a breakthrough, prayers for purpose when we feel lost. Most of all, I wanted to make a record that echoed the call I have felt in my own heart to hit my knees like never before and never forget that the most important conversation I could have today and every day of my life is with the One who made me, knows me, and has the best plan for my life.”
West’s title track, released seven months earlier, rose to the No. 1 spot on Christian Airplay’s chart. It marked West’s 13th time to have a song go no.1 on the Billboard charts.
Movieguide® reported:
Grammy-nominated artist Matthew West dropped a new single at the beginning of this year called, “Don’t Stop Praying.”
“‘Don’t Stop Praying’ went to #1 this week on the @billboardcharts and I’m so grateful! Getting that call from my record label will never get old! I’m thankful for all of the radio stations sharing this song with their listeners around the world” West wrote on Instagram. “More important than any chart position, I have always aimed to put songs into the world that hit people’s hearts with a message they needed to hear, and the minute this song was written, I felt in my heart that this was a message for our world right now. Whatever it is you’re praying for, and no matter how long you’ve been praying, don’t stop!”
Last month, ASCAP named West as its Christian Music Songwriter of the Year. West appreciated the recognition of his abilities and accomplishments.
“Of all the different hats I get to wear, I’ve always thought of myself as a songwriter first. So to be recognized again this year by @ascap is such an honor,” he wrote. “ I’m so thankful for all of the artists and writers who allow me to get in the room with them and create! And I’m thankful for all of you who allow the songs I write to be part of your soundtrack and part of your lives. –mw”
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