Personable singer/songwriter Matthew West will release his second album, “History”, on July 5th. The set follows his popular debut, which earned numerous award nominations and made history of its own.

Produced by Kenny Greenberg (Ashley Cleveland, Kelly Minter, The Mavericks) and Jason Houser, “History” features lead-off single Next Thing You Know, about West’s decision to become a Christian after watching Billy Graham preach on television. Another standout cut is The Day Before You, which the artist wrote for his wife. Country group Rascal Flatts recorded a version of the song last year on its multi-platinum release, “Feels Like Today”.

West extoling his wife Emily’s praises after her recent win at the 36th Annual GMA Music Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for West’s album “Happy”

“I’m excited about “History” because it carries this common theme throughout the whole album: Our lives are history in the making,” West explains. “And I hope the album will inspire listeners to look at life from a different perspective, an eternal perspective. I’ve been reminded time and again that God has a specific plan for me, and it’s not just to be successful in the eyes of the world, it’s to be a history maker in the light of eternity.”

Notably, the new album’s title was semi-inspired by a headline – “Matthew West Makes History” – that appeared soon after the release of his debut, “Happy”. That project’s first single, More, had just spent nine weeks at #1 on the U.S. Christian Adult Contemporary (AC) chart according to Radio & Records (R&R) magazine—longer than any other new artist in the record books.

R&R tallied More as the most played Christian AC song of 2004, and the tune won the 2005 ASCAP Christian Music Award for Song of the Year.

“Happy”, released in December 2003, charted three hits, and West received five 2005 GMA Music Award nominations, including New Artist, Song of the Year, and Pop/Contemporary Song and Album.

To hear snippets of “History”, go here. Then visit a local Christian retailer on July 5th to pick up your copy of Matthew West’s new album “History”. Click here to find a Canadian Christian retailer near you.