BITTERSWEET, Ky. — I thought I would take a look at the year’s first country music chart, thanks to the good folks at Billboard. And I must say there is a variety of artists – new and not-so-new – who are sprinkled throughout the menu during this first full week of 2018.

The older I get, the more I have to research all the newer names that are appearing on the various charts these days; there seems to be so many with which I am somewhat unfamiliar.

One problem I have is due to the music that is available via social media or online services, that allow me to pinpoint my music to a specific era, artist or genre. Don’t get me wrong; I love the ability to do that.

But listening to Top 50 radio gets away from me, and I have to remind myself to turn this car around and head back that way to get more of a variety of the many performers that are making their way into country music stardom.

One of the first things I noticed on the recent chart is the name Kane Brown. This guy is a story all by himself. Appearing four times in this week’s Top 50, this young Georgia/Tennessee native started out putting homemade videos on social media.

Looks as though it is paying off – his highest chart-topper, “What Ifs,” is currently at the No. 3 spot and features Lauren Alaina, another young Southern performer who came to fame via “American Idol.”

Thomas Rhett is another name popping up more than once on the current chart. In fact, he has two songs in the top 10: “Marry Me” at the 2 spot and “Unforgettable” at No. 10.

One familiar name that really surprised me was Taylor Swift. Yes, that’s the same Taylor Swift who exited the country music world to perform more pop music. This selection, entitled “New Year’s Day,” is only slightly country-sounding, at least to me, but it is typical TS and is a really good song.

While Swift the singer is back, Swift the writer has been seen on the charts several times in the last year with her award-winning song “Better Man,” performed by Little Big Town. Somehow I knew she would be back on the country lists, but I think some of that is due more to the musical diversity on the charts these days. Either way, it is good to see that name on the Top 50 Country.

For you traditionalists, there are still some familiar names like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan. So, it looks as though the year is off to a good start at the country music buffet, with something for everyone.

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.