BITTER SWEET, Ky. — Alright, I must admit that when it comes to the music I personally listen to, I don’t often stray from my country roots, although I was a big Doobie Brothers fan back in the day.

But there is a new album out that will likely bust sales records for the year right through the roof. So I thought I should tackle Taylor Swift’s newest release, 1989.

First, let me say this ain’t country, not even close. But that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise coming from an artist that has always walked that country/pop line. Many great country stars have fared well in the pop genre, just ask Dolly Parton about that.

The other point I want to make is Swift is not one of those stars who can occasionally go to the local Walmart on Saturday morning to get a package of glazed doughnuts and a big bottle of orange juice.

Everybody knows her. She is likely the most popular star on the planet. With this newest album, she is showing up on nearly every television channel I get, and I have the deluxe cable package.

For me to appreciate what she is doing lately, music-wise, I had to visit her early music. While she may have a pop following, I think she has a country heart. I really like her older tunes.

I have heard that this move away from country is permanent, but Swift has always crossed the pop line and has done it well. I think because of that, country music has many more young listeners than it would have if Taylor had become a pharmacist or a teacher or a welder. (I’m a big fan of welders.)

My point is, for any musical genre to survive, a new generation has to become involved and T.S. brought a crowd with her – a big crowd. If she stays in pop land, I hope many of her first-fans will still remain country fans.

The 1989 collection is full of electronics and a little throwback to the 1980s or 1990s. My favorite song on this release, by far, is the chart-topping Shake it Off. If you haven’t heard this song, you have been on submarine duty because it is everywhere.

It’s one of those songs that makes you snap your fingers and tap your foot. And you know, if a song does that to me, it’s alright even if it belongs in a different musical category.

While country music will forever be my favorite, occasionally I like to listen to something different. With that, I give Swift a 91, A- on the 1989 release, but I move her to the head of the class on staying fresh with her music and growing her legions of fans – country or not.

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.