For his fifth studio album, Matthew solicited stories from his fans, receiving an overwhelming amount of letters (over 10,000) from which he crafted the 11 songs of The Story Of Your Life. He emerged as a fantastic story teller, wrapping his personal experiences in accessible hooks and pop music. #7 Album Of 2010 | Posted December 21, 2010Дў008's Something To Say established Matthew West as a great singer/songwriter in my book. вЂњMy Own Little WorldвЂќ perhaps serves as a capstone to the entire album, describing a person who lived in their own вЂњlittle worldвЂќ and then was awakened to the bigger picture of need and GodвЂ™s work in the world.Д¬lick here to add a video. вЂњBroken GirlвЂќ tragically recounts the countless stories Matthew received about sexual abuse вЂ“ and describes the healing and redemption that Christ promises. The song вЂњFamily TreeвЂќ describes how Christ gives us a new identity and legacy and life, while вЂњOne LessвЂ™ chronicles the joy of adoption and helping those most in need. From joy to sorrow, struggle to victory, and life and death. And they covered a wide range of human experiences and emotions. The stories gave Matthew a window into what his fans had experienced in their lives.

Radio stations, media outlets, and retailers caught the vision and helped spread the word of this unique album. When he opened up this opportunity to his fans, the message spread quickly вЂ“ and soon almost 10,000 stories were submitted.

Rather than write about what he was experiencing in his life, he asked his fans to submit the stories of their lives. For his new record, Matthew West did something unusual: He turned the microphone around.

The story of your life