BITTERSWEET, Ky. — If I told you I get excited about all the music I listen to, that wouldn’t exactly be the truth. I do get excited for the opportunity to do what I do every time I put the pen to paper – or, as I should say, fingers to keyboard.

But there are those times when I’m not all that thrilled. However, I will never write about it here because, as my momma told me, if you can’t say something nice, keep your mouth shut.

So, in talking about Lee Ann Womack’s new release, The Lonely, The Lonesome and The Gone, I must admit, this is one of the best albums I have heard all year. I’m a big Womack fan anyway, and this new release is something special. It’s one of those collections that is good from top to bottom; in this case, really good, excellent, in my humble opinion.

Lee Ann has a voice that is all her own. You hear an influence of perhaps Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette when she performs, but make no mistake about it: She is no copycat. That is refreshing at a time when many artists have a tendency to sound so much alike, I have a difficult time telling one from another.

But in keeping with what my momma told me, I’ll just say this: Womack sounds better than ever and is proving to the country music world that you don’t have to be in your twenties and half-dressed to make great music that should be all over the radio.

Now, many of the selections on this latest effort will not make Womack a regular visitor to the top 10 list, and that is a real shame because this music is diverse and it gives you a glimpse into a different person than what we have heard before.

She has expanded her horizons with this new album, and you have to give her credit for that – and she is doing it at a time when so many other artists are playing it safe and walking a tight line musically.

Nothing wrong with that, but this album shows Womack’s ability to explore her musical range. It’s country and bluesy and raw, if I may use that word – and yes, it is a compliment. And she brings it all together with that great voice.

Here’s to spreading your wings, Lee Ann; well done.

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.