Matthew West on ‘Jesus Is King,’ Surrender & Why Every Story Matters

Matthew West joins Brandon Woolum for a conversation about his upcoming 14th studio album, Jesus Is King, arriving September 25. West shares why the project became a deeply personal reminder to surrender control and put Jesus back on the throne of his life.

During the interview, Matthew explains how every song on Jesus Is King was written to help complete the statement “Jesus is…” — pointing to Christ as good, faithful, our strength, our life and the One who never stops pursuing us. He also dives into the message behind “Back to Jesus,” a song for anyone who feels like their mistakes, shame or wandering have taken them too far from God.

Matthew also opens up about staying inspired after 14 albums, why he still believes in creating a complete album in the streaming era, and what years of hearing other people’s stories have taught him about grace and redemption. He gets candid about moments of discouragement in his own career and shares how his wife Emily, his parents and fellow artists like Michael W. Smith help encourage him and keep his focus on Jesus.

Jesus Is King releases September 25, with the Jesus Is King Tour taking Matthew West across the country this fall.