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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 Wednesday, August 13, 2025
ALBUMS
Various Artists Songs We've Been Trying To Tell You About (And Others We Haven't), Vol. 14 [JFH Music]

This Friday, August 15, 2025
ALBUMS
Mark Bishop Grandkids - EP [Sonlite]
The CCC Collective Brooklyn Culture (independent)
Equippers Worship Awe [DREAM Worship]
The Final Witness Beneath The Altar [Rottweiler]
Grammatrain Flying Collector's Edition CD [Girder]
Grammatrain Lonely House 30th Anniversary Edition CD [Girder]
Katy Nichole Honest Conversations [Centricity]
REFVGE REFVGE 1 [Syntax]
Relentless Pursuit Apocalypsis (independent)
V1 Worship Archives [DREAM]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]

SINGLES
ANTHNY no stages - Single [Provident]
Johan Åsgärde Coming Home - Single [Gotee]
Dave Barnes Everything But Mine - Single (independent)
Chris Caro Pain Pt. 3 - Single [Syntax]
Jeff Deyo There is a Fire - Single [NWN]
Drenae Dead Seed - Single [Syntax]
F'rael Pardon My Grace - Single [Syntax]
Jeremy and Adrienne Camp Worthy Of It All / I Exalt Thee (Jeremy and Adrienne Camp Version) - Single [Sparrow]
Linc Worship I Know - Single (independent)
Steven Malcolm All God - Single [Curb]
Jeannie Ortega Little Girl is Gone - Single [Syntax]
outr.cty Testin' Your Luck (ft. Selah the Corner & Dre Murray) - Single [Syntax]
Matt Redman Let Me See Jesus / Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (feat. Charity Gayle) - Single [Integrity]
Rhymes in Harmony Beautiful Name - Single [Syntax]
Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, & Elevation Worship So So Good (Live) - Single [Fair Trade]

VINYL
Grammatrain Flying Vinyl [Girder]
Grammatrain Lonely House 30th Anniversary Edition Vinyl [Girder]
Newsboys Going Public Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, August 22, 2025
ALBUMS
Lecrae Reconstruction [Reach]
Lizzie Morgan Not My Will [Provident]
Josiah Queen MT. ZION [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Dust and Grace Hallelujah - Single [MTS]
Good Weather Forecast Today (feat. Elijah Thomas) - Single [DREAM]
Roxanne Grace Try Again - Single [DREAM]
Mainstream Worship Invitation - Single [DREAM Worship]
V1 Worship Been So Faithful - Single [DREAM Worship]



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