Matthew West Keeps the Focus on Jesus

from Our Editors

1 min read ⭑

Matthew West

Matthew West is keeping the focus simple on his new album, “Jesus Is King,” out September 25.

The 12-song project is built around the phrase “Jesus is ____,” with each track pointing to a different part of Christ’s character — his goodness, faithfulness, strength, grace and redemption. The title track opens the album, while a reprise closes it, giving the record a clear theme from beginning to end.

For West, that message came from a personal place. “These songs were written in moments when I needed that reminder myself,” he said, explaining that the album grew out of his own need to remember who ultimately has the final word.

Several songs have already offered a preview of the project, including “Good,” “Back to Jesus,” “Here & Heaven” and “Younger Me.” The latter finds West looking back at his teenage faith, early rejection in Nashville and the family life that followed, while tracing God’s faithfulness through each season.

West has described “Jesus Is King” as a reminder to surrender control rather than rely on his own plans. After more than two decades of recording and songwriting, the album brings that idea back to one basic question: who is really on the throne?