Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News, January 2008: MATTHEW WEST GIVES CRITICS AND FANS SOMETHING TO SAY

MATTHEW WEST GIVES CRITICS AND FANS SOMETHING TO SAY

NEWS SOURCE: Turning Point
January 24, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Something To Say, the highly anticipated third studio recording and first project in more than two years from Sparrow singer/songwriter Matthew West, released last week to critical acclaim and top sales. The project debuts on Neilsen SoundScan’s Christian Retail Chart at #10 this week, while West was the best-selling Christian artist on iTunes last week.

In addition, both Christian and mainstream critics are embracing Something To Say:

“… Matthew West has penned tunes for Rascal Flatts, Natalie Grant, Mandisa and Billy Ray Cyrus, but he saved the best for himself here. …West does indeed have Something To Say, and listeners will find themselves moved by his revelations.” —Billboard Magazine

“West’s strengths as a songwriter—and, now, seasoned performer—come to the fore with his latest, Something To Say. …West returns with a collection of big, dramatic pop/rock that both reinforces his reputation and expands his craft.” —CCM Magazine

All of West’s promotional appearances for Something To Say drew capacity crowds around the country last week, including an overflow audience in his hometown of Downers Grove, Illinois. West gave a special concert at Hobson Road Community Church, where his father serves as pastor. In addition, a release day mini-concert drew more than 400 people at Northwestern Book Store in Maple Grove, Minnesota, while earlier this week, West served as guest co-host of the national “Air 1 Morning Show” with Jeannie Green.

Produced by Brown Bannister, Ed Cash and Christopher Stevens, Something To Say is West’s most personal project to date, following vocal surgery last year that left him unable to speak or sing for a total of two months.

The project’s debut single, “You Are Everything,” has become a multi-format hit, landing this week at #3 on R&R’s Christian AC Indicator chart and #4 on R&R’s Christian AC National Airplay chart. The single is also #7 on R&R’s Christian Soft AC/Inspo National Airplay chart and #17 on R&R’s Christian CHR National Airplay chart.

For further information on Matthew West, visit www.matthewwest.com, www.myspace.com/matthewwestmusic

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