Main Review
Two years after releasing the chart topping Something to Say, which featured the Grammy-nominated single “The
Motions”, the Dove-nominated Singer/Songwriter Matthew West brings us his fourth Sparrow Records release, and
perhaps his most memorable project to date; The Story of Your Life. In February 2010 West asked his audience to send
him their life stories, this collection of songs is the result of those stories.
Each song tackles a different issue; abuse, adoption, divorce, bullying, cancer. But each song offers hope. Hope for
anyone who has ever been through such issues and struggles.
The album starts off with the title track (The Story of Your Life), a song inspired by a girl in foster care. It reminds us that we
can spend our time dwelling on our past regrets, or we can move forward and do something with our lives. The song is
then followed by the albums first single “My Own Little World”, a song West wrote as a personal response to all the
stories he received. Unfortunately the song doesn’t quite hit the mark, musically; it’s just much too similar to “The
Motions”.
“Strong Enough” was inspired by a young lady who had plans to go to college, but due to a tragic car accident was unable
to do so. She suffered through eleven surgeries. This song is a song of encouragement for anyone who has ever felt like
they weren’t strong enough. It reminds us that God is our strength and He can get us through anything. “One Less”
speaks of adoption. “To Me” is about middle school bulling and is written from a parent’s perspective.
The four standout tracks are undoubtedly “Two Houses”, “Broken Girl”, “Survivors”, and “The Healing Has Begun”. “Two
Houses” speaks of divorce and is written from the child’s prospective. “Broken Girl” is no doubt my personal favorite track
on the album. It’s a song about abuse, heartache, and brokenness: “You’re not the worthless they made you feel/There is
a Love they can never steal away/And you don’t have to stay broken girl…” “Survivors” is a song about cancer and how it
affects ones life. The album ends splendidly with “The Healing Has Begun”, it speaks of the shame and pain of our past
that we carry within us, the pain and shame that only God can heal.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, this album is filled with honest, deep, and straight forward lyrics that bring hope to anyone who has ever struggled
with these issues. This is perhaps Matthew West’s best project to date. The biggest issue with the album is the music.
Musically it’s generic and even predictable at times. Even so, this is a solid release. Die hard fans will not be
disappointed, and newbie’s are sure to enjoy it as well.
Review Written By: Rebecca Rycross [rebecca.rycross@christianmusicreview.org] on 9/29/2010
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