Something To Say

The title of Matthew West’s third album is tinged with irony. After a burst of radio success, this rising Christian artist underwent treatment for vocal cord polyps and was forbidden to sing for a time. Something to Say find West fully regaining his voice both literally and figuratively. Much of his commentary here deals with everyday moral dilemmas from a God-centric perspective. There are hints of Steven Curtis Chapman’s earnestness in these tracks, as well as Mark Schultz’s story-telling ability. West adds his own modern-pop twists, particularly a knack for rhythmic word-slinging. Songs like “Life Inside You,” “A Friend In the World” and “The Moment of Truth” touch upon typical family crises (addictions, unwed motherhood, broken marriages) with a level head and a compassionate heart. With “The Motions” and “The Center,” he searches for the Lord’s presence amidst the psychic clutter of 21st century life. The music here is sleek pop-rock, not especially novel but still punchy enough to keep the grooves simmering. West’s restored voice catches the right jittery note on the title tune and sinks deeply into atmospheric balladry on “Stop the World.” On tracks like these, Something to Say speaks its piece with conviction.