Yesterday Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Brian Wiltsey posted about his 2009 album Lucky Ones turning 17 yesterday. So that made me dive back into the archives and revisit my review of that album. If this is your first introduction to Wiltsey, it’s not a bad way to get started. Dive into your preferred DSP and give the album a spin today.

Five years ago this writer was confident Brian Wiltsey would rise from the Atlanta music scene and vault himself a major record deal. Five years have passed and unfortunately that has not happened. Whether it’s case of the depleting expenses of record labels or just a lack of focus, Wiltsey, a singer/songwriter in Atlanta has gone unnoticed for years, and it’s about time, us music fans do something about this.

His fifth and most recent effort Lucky Ones, is easily his best, as it blends minimalism (mostly guitars and piano) with first-rate musicianship. Check out the David Mead-esque “Tonight,” or the falsetto croon of “Another Day.” If you want solid songwriting, check out the caustic kiss-off of the title track or the Lennon eulogy, “The Killer.” For something different, Wiltsey dives into the 80s songbook and offers a truly original version of Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels.”

The album’s true gem though is the soaring anthem “Drown,” an epic song that packs it all in, and leaves nothing left on the table. Its probably Wiltsey’s best vocal performance to date with one of his most memorable melodies to boot. On the quieter numbers, such as the flawless, “What We Keep Inside,” and the inspirational, “Won’t Fall Down,” he probes the depths of romance, and picks apart the nuances while still managing to stand firm and confident. Few broken-hearted folks have ever found their footing this comfortably, but that’s the magic of Atlanta’s best-kept secret. He’s always comfortable and always confident, and never disappoints, even when his heart is on the line.

Expertly co-produced by Marshall Tucker and former John Mayer-collaborator Clay Cook, the album shimmers and glows in all the right places. Wiltsey, whose worn his hat as a Kravitz-like rocker on previous studio efforts goes for something far more mellow and cerebral and the results are nothing short of spectacular. There have been glimpses of greatness on his prior albums, but not nearly as many as on this one. No, there aren’t any should-be singles or Billboard hits here, but there is earnest, engaging, heart-on-the-sleeve performances, and when its done as well as this, it goes without saying that it deserves a bigger audience.

Held back by financial constraints, Wiltsey has spent the better part of the last four years playing coffeehouse gigs and performing covers to the Atlanta music scene. Though he’s shared the stage with some of the city and region’s biggest names, the spotlight always seems just outside his grasp. Lucky Ones though, will change that. An always consistent songwriter, Wiltsey has never been better than on this effort. If this is your first introduction to his music, then this is the perfect place to start. Armed with vast vocal range and an uncanny knack for writing solid hooks, this is an aurally-pleasing delight. If the record industry doesn’t pay attention now, then clearly they’re far worse off than we ever imagined. — http://www.residentmediapundit.com, January 15, 2009

EDITOR’S NOTE (2026): The record industry did not pay attention but the publishing houses did. Wiltsey never scored that record label, but he has snagged his fair share of licensing deals.