Provident Label Group / Story House Collective

Release Date: January 5^th 2024

Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre

Matthew West – Don’t Stop Praying – Single (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

1. Don’t Stop Praying

Matthew West’s been at it in the music industry for quite some time, and we as a site have been covering all things Matthew here. We even wrote a blog post not too long ago about his impact and influence on the music industry as a whole, along with an album review of his most recent album My Story Your Glory, as well as his current Christmas single Because of Bethlehem. We wrote a review on Brand New, his Christmas album We Need Christmas, as well as his standout singles ‘What If’ and ‘Truth Be Told’, with Lathan Warlick and Carly Pearce respectively. He’s just been a guy that’s been as unassuming as you can get- writing songs about other people’s experiences, all the while, reminding us to find each of our own personal moments in these songs that are just for Matthew as it has been for each of us that have journeyed with him all these years. It is in the process of writing not just for himself, but for others, that has made his decision when he started writing songs based off other people’s experiences from from 2010 onward, one of the most impactful and revolutionary things to happen in CCM, in a long, long time. Now Matthew has given us another reason to be joyous and excited about his music- another song, most likely from a forthcoming project either later this year or next year.

‘Don’t Stop Praying’ released in January 2024, and is by far one of the most heartfelt, convicting and challenging songs I’ve heard in recent memory (out of all Matthew West songs)…I guess, ever since ‘Truth Be Told’? An anthem and a powerful song to ring in 2024, we are encouraged through this poignant and compelling melody, to not lose heart and to pray consistently, knowing full well, that praying even when things don’t make sense, or we’re unsure about the outcome, is allowing us to live by faith, as we press into Him and follow Him wholeheartedly. It’s refreshing, and a continual reminder to keep turning to Jesus, and especially in this year of 2024, and the heightened politicial climate around the world, prayer is needed now, much more than ever before. A song that can be either released as a standalone single; or may be part of a larger project Matthew is creating at the end of the year, ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ as it stands, is arguably one of my favourite songs of the year thus far; challenging us listeners to never give up, even if what we’re praying for, may seem too lofty or farfetched from a human standpoint. Stemming from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (‘…rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you…’), ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ is a hopeful track above all, as we press into this reminder, that He is still working, miracles even, especially when we may not see the fruits. Well done Matthew for this emotive and heartfelt song. Looking forward to whatever the next album produces, and if it’s anything like this track, then this new project will be one of the most anticipated albums for the remainder of 2024.

‘…every year I land on a personal theme that becomes a mission statement for my own faith journey. We’ve all been to a place where discouragement can make us wonder if God really hears our prayers. I wrote this song for anybody who’s ever felt like giving up or losing their faith. I couldn’t be more excited to start the new year off with this new song. I hope it encourages anyone who hears it to join me in a commitment to prayer in 2024. Pray for our families, for our friends, for our enemies, for our nation, for our world. God hears the prayers of his people, so don’t stop praying…’

Score: 5/5

RIYL: Maddie & Tae, Micah Tyler, Sanctus Real, for KING & COUNTRY, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Florida Georgia Line, Sidewalk Prophets