Matthew West is an American Christian singer-songwriter born in 1977 in Illinois, now based in Nashville. Nominated five times for a Grammy Award, he has also written more than 375 songs for other artists. His song "Hello, My Name Is" spent seventeen consecutive weeks at number one on American Christian charts.
Matthew West grew up in Illinois, the son of a pastor, sitting in the front row during his father's services. Passionate about music from his teenage years, he earned a scholarship to study music at Millikin University. In the late 1990s, he released three independent albums before signing with Universal South Records. His first album, "Happy" (2003), which won a Dove Award, featured the single "More," which stayed at number one on adult contemporary Christian charts for nine weeks.
Over the years, Matthew West has built a dual career as both a solo artist and a sought-after Nashville songwriter, writing songs for Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Mandisa, and Point of Grace, as well as for country artists like Rascal Flatts. Nominated five times for a Grammy Award, he has released a dozen studio albums and nine books. His new album, "Jesus Is King," is set for release on September 25, 2026.
- Origin
- Downers Grove, Illinois, USA (based in Nashville, Tennessee)
- Style
- Contemporary Christian pop (CCM)
- Active since
- Late 1990s, major signing in 2003
- Good to know
- More than 375 songs written for other artists, five Grammy Award nominations
How did Matthew West get started?
The son of a pastor, Matthew West grew up surrounded by church music before earning a scholarship to study at Millikin University in Illinois. He released three independent albums in the late 1990s, a period of learning before landing a deal with Universal South Records.
His first signed album, "Happy" (2003), brought him recognition thanks to the single "More," which stayed at number one on adult contemporary Christian charts for nine weeks and earned two Dove Award nominations.
What makes Matthew West stand out?
Matthew West leads a double musical life: a solo artist in his own right, he is also one of Nashville's most sought-after songwriters, having written more than 375 songs for other Christian and country artists. Several of his most memorable songs, such as "The Story of Your Life" and "Forgiveness," are built on real stories sent to him by fans, an approach that grounds his lyrics in lived experience rather than abstraction.
Where should you start with Matthew West?
Start with "Good," his single that had the fastest rise of his career on Christian radio in 2026, then listen to "Younger Me," a personal look at his own faith journey, followed by "Jesus Is King," the flagship track from his new album due out in late September 2026.
songs
Good
Released in 2026, this single became the fastest-rising song of his career on Christian radio: a song about grace received without having to earn it.
Younger Me
Written solo, this song sees Matthew West speak to his own past, from the rejection he faced in Nashville to his family life today, as a reminder that God was faithful every step of the way.
Jesus Is King
The flagship track from his new album, co-written with AJ Pruis, a declaration of Christ's eternal authority amid the surrounding noise.
Discography
- 2026Jesus Is King· due out September 25, 2026
- 2024Don't Stop Praying
- 2023My Story Your Glory
- 2020Brand New
- 2017All In
- 2015Live Forever
- 2012Into the Light
- 2010The Story of Your Life
- 2008Something to Say
- 2005History
- 2003Happy
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Matthew West?
Matthew West is an American Christian singer-songwriter born in 1977, based in Nashville. A solo artist and sought-after songwriter, he has released a dozen albums and written more than 375 songs for other artists.
Is Matthew West a Christian?
Yes, Matthew West is a contemporary Christian music (CCM) artist, the son of a pastor, whose lyrics are often built on real stories of faith sent in by his fans.
What is Matthew West's most famous song?
"Hello, My Name Is" ranks among his biggest hits, spending seventeen consecutive weeks at number one on American Christian charts. "The Motions" and "Forgiveness" are also among his most streamed songs.
Where can you listen to Matthew West?
His music is available on all streaming platforms as well as on his official YouTube channel, where he posts music videos, lyric videos, and content tied to his albums.
Does Matthew West write for other artists?
Yes, alongside his solo career, he has written more than 375 songs for artists such as Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Mandisa, Point of Grace, and even Rascal Flatts.
What is Matthew West's latest album?
His new album, "Jesus Is King," is set for release on September 25, 2026, following "Don't Stop Praying" (2024) and "My Story Your Glory" (2023).