BITTERSWEET, Ky. — To be honest, there are many great country music artists out there in radio land, but not many of them get me too excited these days. I’m not complaining; but if you sift through as much music as I do, it can get to be monotonous when so many sound similar.

So you can imagine when I discover someone that is different; someone unique; someone with a style all his own, well, I get excited again and I want to listen to his music continually.

That’s how I felt when I first heard Brett Young. This new talent hails from California, but has the potential to set the Nashville crowd on fire.

He has an acoustic sound with a rock solid voice that doesn’t remind me of anyone but Brett Young, and that’s a good thing; no, that’s a great thing.

Young stands out in a crowd and in today’s country music environment that is essential, as least in my humble opinion.

To me the measure of a great singer is, do they sound great alone; no big bands behind them, no chorus of backup singers, no fireworks on stage. And Young passes that test with flying colors.

His first, full album was released earlier this year and debuted at No. 2 on the country charts.

Ironically, had it not been for an injury, the name Brett Young may have been on a baseball jersey instead an album cover. He was a standout player (pitcher) in high school and went to Ole Miss on a baseball scholarship, but an elbow injury ended his baseball playing days.

While I’m sorry the baseball thing didn’t work out, I’m certainly glad the music career is working out. His first album is great from end-to-end featuring several hits including In Case You Didn’t Know and Sleep Without You. I can’t say I have a favorite because I like everything I have heard from this guy.

As much as I love country music, I would be much happier to find a few more Brett Youngs in the world. But maybe that’s why I like his music so much, there doesn’t seem to be another one like him. While there are so many performers out there trying to sound like someone else, Young is a breath of fresh air.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.