A Painter Passing Through

AMG Review of A Painter Passing Through

James Chrispell
All Music Guide

With the release of A Painter Passing Through, Gordon Lightfoot appears to have found his home and has turned in his best work in years. Gone are the uncertain arrangements of the past; in their place there is a welcome return to the essence of the Sundown musical era. Full of pastoral points of view, A Painter Passing Through shows that Lightfoot has regained his voice and his ability to tell stories that enthrall his listeners enough to keep them coming back for more. Of note are "Much to My Surprise," "On Yonge St.," and the title cut, which show a personal simplicity while also giving a great eye for detail. "I Used to Be a Country Singer" is an electric country-rock tune that is a joy to behold. If one can forget the past ten years or so of Lightfoot's career, get hold of A Painter Passing Through and bask in the glow of one of music's premier storytellers. It's Gordon Lightfoot at his best in years.