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JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Lenny Smith

Lenny Smith
You Are My Hiding Place

Street Date: November 23, 2016
Style: Singer-Songwriter / Folk-Rock
Buy It: iTunes
Buy It: Bandcamp
Buy It: AmazonMP3


Do you enjoy music that seems like the sounds of a family reunion? If so, Lenny Smith has got the stuff you've been looking for. His sound is reminiscent of The Welcome Wagon or a weathered Sufjan Stevens with a pinch more of that hometown grit. His latest release You Are My Hiding Place is a conglomeration of heartfelt songs of praise and prayers to the Lord. Musically, the songs are communal with eclectic arrangements that feel like they belong on a Jared Hess film soundtrack. Some might be put off by that but it truly is something unique and strangely special. Songs like "Teach Me My God," "You Are My Hiding Place," and "You Are A Good Shepherd" are rich in affection and Biblical depth; not to mention the instrumentation is reminiscent of Harry Nilsson. "Ask Me Not To Leave You" and "All Things Work Together For Good" are excellent examples of useful and gifted ways of implementing scripture through song – but honestly there is less adaptation and more readings with a melody. The album concludes with the sincere declaration of praise in "With All My Heart." It's a sweet song of commitment to the Lord, and the message is reinforced with the sweet crowd vocals throughout the track. This is music without an apology or fear of radio stations not liking the sound of the artist; and it is that blatant freedom that gives this album more weight than most. Overall, I don't imagine everyone diving headfirst into this album; as a matter of fact, most people may think it's almost not serious – but it is! And in that respect, Smith has made a beautiful work of art. Unfortunately, it will more than likely get overlooked by shiny or newer contemporary music, but I say, "Nay! Give this album a chance!" It may grow on you or at the very least make you wonder if current contemporary artists are actually writing songs inspired by the Word of God and not just really nice things to make the masses feel good about themselves. This reviewer may be drinking the Kool-Aid but Lenny Smith, your art is without a doubt unusual but most definitely special.

- Review date: 3/16/17, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: Great Comfort Records
. Album length: 12 tracks: 40 minutes, 45 seconds
. Street Date: November 23, 2016
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Bandcamp
. Buy It: AmazonMP3

  1. Teach Me, My God (3:14)
  2. Ho! Everyone Who Thirsts (3:28)
  3. There Is A River (3:17)
  4. You Are My Hiding Place (3:23)
  5. You Are A Good Shepherd (4:27)
  6. Who Is This One (2:53)
  7. City, O City (3:18)
  8. Eyes Have Not Seen (3:21)
  9. Ask Me Not To Leave You (3:21)
  10. Tell Me, O You (4:04)
  11. All Things Work Together For Good (3:11)
  12. With All My Heart (2:48)

 

 

 

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This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
ELI GABLE Glory Bound - Single [Capitol CMG]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Claire Leslie Thank God I'm Not Alone (from Claire's Phone) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Tommy Royale, gio. Like Dat - Single [Capitol CMG]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



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