NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Five-time GRAMMY-nominated Christian artist and songwriter Matthew West releases his 13th studio album, Don’t Stop Praying, available everywhere today. Featuring 12 powerful tracks all written by West, the moving project showcases his captivating artistry and skilled songwriting in a new light, adding to the over 250 songwriting cuts to his name across his monumental career. Building on the momentum of release week, West won his sixth ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year award at the ASCAP Christian Music Awards this past Sunday (9/29) and received six GMA Dove Award nominations, recognizing his accomplishments as both a songwriter and an artist.

“The best way I can describe this record is that it’s a record filled with songs that have been not just written, but lived,” shared West. “Each song in its own way is inspired by the different types of prayers we find ourselves praying throughout our lives. 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. I hope these songs inspire people to discover for the first time or maybe rediscover the power of a prayer.”

LISTEN: DON’T STOP PRAYING

Already released songs “Don’t Stop Praying,” “18 Summers,” “Last Page of the Bible” (feat. Anne Wilson) and “Chosen” join eight new heartening tracks to complete the project. All backed by a central, uplifting message, the new album encourages listeners to commit to the power of prayer in 2024 and to carry with them the message that we have a God who sees us, knows us, chooses us, loves us and hears us when we pray. West’s powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics portray this positive message seamlessly through each track, creating an encouraging atmosphere of unique stories and personal experiences told in each song.

The album opens with West’s Christian radio single, “Don’t Stop Praying,” which notched the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart in July, tying him with TobyMac for the most No. 1s among solo artists on the 2003-launched chart. The song’s January release marked the largest debut streaming week in the history of West’s storied career and remains his fastest streaming song, out-streaming all other first singles from his previous albums. “Last Page of the Bible” (feat. Anne Wilson) showcases the complementary vocals of the frequent collaborators, while fan favorite “18 Summers” touches on a personal experience in West’s life, showcasing a “myriad of realities that plays out beautifully” (People).

The central theme of the album doesn’t stop at today’s release. West’s ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ movement is in full swing, fueled by his headlining Don’t Stop Praying Tour, the release of his eighth book, “Come Home For Christmas” and ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ yard signs scattered throughout Nashville. The signs aim to uplift and inspire anyone looking for a message of encouragement and to connect with fans, listeners and his community. Visit dontstoppraying.com to learn more and watch the movement come to life here.

An eight-time author, West has notched 35 No. 1 songs as an artist and songwriter combined and has received five GRAMMY nominations and a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination. He eagerly awaits his 17-stop Don’t Stop Praying Tour—in partnership with Awakening Events—this fall and winter to continue sharing his music’s encouraging message nationwide. Keep up with West and his upcoming announcements at matthewwest.com and on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.

Don’t Stop Praying track list:
1. “Don’t Stop Praying” (Matthew West, Jeff Pardo)
2. “Last Page of the Bible” (feat. Anne Wilson) (Matthew West, Anne Wilson, Jeff Pardo)
3. “Chosen” (Matthew West, Jeff Pardo)
4. “Unashamed” (Matthew West, Jeff Pardo, AJ Pruis)
5. “My Why” (Matthew West, AJ Pruis)
6. “18 Summers” (Matthew West, AJ Pruis, Jeff Pardo)
7. “Life Is Good” (Matthew West, Jeff Pardo)
8. “Goodbye Yesterday” (Matthew West, AJ Pruis)
9. “The Place Only We Know” (Matthew West)
10. “God’s Hand” (Matthew West)
11. “Breakthrough’s Coming” (feat. Stephen McWhirter) (Matthew West, Jeff Pardo, AJ Pruis)
12. “To Be With Jesus” (Matthew West, Jeff Pardo, AJ Pruis)

Don’t Stop Praying Tour dates:
Oct. 30, 2024 in Pensacola, Fla. at Saenger Theatre
Nov. 1, 2024 in Knoxville, Tenn. at Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church
Nov. 2, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. at Beach Church
Nov. 3, 2024 in Eden, N.C. at Osborne Baptist Church
Nov. 7, 2024 in Clarksburg, W. Va. at Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center
Nov. 8, 2024 in Bensalem, Pa. at Christian Life Church
Nov. 9, 2024 in Frederick, Md. at International Community Church
Nov. 10, 2024 in Anderson, Ind. at Madison Park Church of God
Nov. 14, 2024 in Naperville, Ill. at Calvary Church
Nov. 15, 2024 in Gaylord, Mich. at E-Free Church Gaylord Campus
Nov. 16, 2024 in Fond du Lac, Wis. at Lighthouse Christian Church
Nov. 17, 2024 in Lincoln, Neb. at Lincoln Berean Church
Nov. 18, 2024 in Mt. Vernon, Ill. at Central Christian Church
Nov. 21, 2024 in Searcy, Ark. at Searcy High School Performing Arts Center
Nov. 22, 2024 in Leesville, La. at Christian Living Fellowship
Nov. 23, 2024 in Abilene, Texas at Abilene Convention Center Auditorium
Nov. 24, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas at Oak Hills Church – Crownridge Campus

Photo credit: Hannah Burton

ABOUT MATTHEW WEST:
Matthew West is a five-time GRAMMY nominee, NSAI’s 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, ASCAP’s 2023 Golden Note Award recipient and a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards and has been named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.” Dubbed “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), West has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications and notched 35 number one songs combined as an artist and songwriter.

In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards seven times and has more than 250 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Anne Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Danny Gokey, Casting Crowns and others. The release of Don’t Stop Praying marks his 13th studio album. Composed of 12 inspiring tracks, West encourages listeners to commit to the power of prayer in 2024. West’s most recent single “Don’t Stop Praying” released earlier this year marks his biggest streaming single debut in his 20-year career.

Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: “Come Home For Christmas,” “Give This Christmas Away,” “The Story Of Your Life,” “Forgiveness,” “Today Is Day One”, “Hello, My Name Is, “The God Who Stays” and his latest, My Story Your Glory 30-Day Devotional with one more slated for 2024. He is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life.

For more information visit www.matthewwest.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

Courtesy of OH Creative