John Lewitt - The Beaten Path

John Lewitt

The Beaten Path
​self-release; 2022

3.9 out of 5

​By My Nyugen
​

Toronto, Canada’s John Lewitt is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who delves into the country, folk and Americana genres. As a prolific songwriter and producer, Lewitt has written music for film and TV and other similar opportunities, having written and recorded even for crazier things like social media ads and Virtual apps! Most recently, the CBS TV show ‘The Young & The Restless’ has used his song “For All Time” from his latest The Beaten Path album. With a whole lot of experience under his belt contributing to various bands over the years, Lewitt’s solo work is more suggestive of his personal journey.

You can see him exploring what it’s like to grow up in the ‘70s and ‘80s with lyrics that speak firsthand about those times. Audiences from that era will find themselves feeling nostalgic and sentimental over a sound they can definitely connect with. Over the years, Lewitt has picked up a thing or two and his seventh album The Beaten Path is indicative of this musical journey. 

The Beaten Path opens up with “Stop Me In My Tracks” that struts in with a jaunty rhythm. I loved the energy of this track. This song had the vibe of Lewitt in a bar, waiting for someone to just ‘wow’ him. This track had a fun-loving feeling to it. I was immediately drawn in. Some ambient guitars roll into the start of “More To Love.” Feeling very melodic and sentimental, Lewitt’s vocals come in with full-on emotions. This proved to be a rock song with notes of folk and Americana in it. Some percussion and guitar lights up the sound on “Late To The Game.” The sparse sound really highlighted a warm vibe. This country-bent sound had a way of surrounding listeners. I really liked this direction this acoustic track was heading in as background vocals add a lush vibe to the overall sound. 

“Roses, Diamonds & Champagne” is another in the slow burning vein. Lewitt really belts out on this acoustic ballad. There was a mellow vibe to the sounds here. Some more acoustic guitar comes in on “Living This Way.” Leaning into a honeyed sound, Lewitt is at ease belting out country-bent and Americana tunes with his ear-pleasing vocals. Some keys and radioactive guitars light up the sound on “Look Into My Eyes.” The album picks up on this driven number. I was loving the jaunty rhythms. This was another warm love song from the artist.

On “Blood,” some more melodic guitars come in for a great sound. This was a happening folk number filled with emotional singing from Lewitt. The addition of the harmonica was a great inclusion. On “For All Time,” what sounds like the banjo sounds out here. Next, Lewitt’s easy-going vibe settles into the music. There is absolutely no rushing on this song as Lewitt takes his time to build up the emotions and vibes. The sound of the fiddle makes for a great addition. More slow grooving instrumentals come into this recording on “See You Thru.” The sound carries with tones of emotion and mood. Lewitt closes with another touching number that will definitely leave you feeling something. 

​Similar to his other releases, his most recent release The Beaten Path comes from a very personal place for the artist. There is no sign of politics in sight in these oftentimes bright and cheery songs that are fashioned to give you some good ole rock n’ roll fun. With that being said, there’s a very classic rock sense to these tracks that reminds me of Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty and more. Lewitt’s latest release is definitely an experience, so be sure you give this album a spin today!

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