This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Next Big Thing? Well, far as I know, Vince Gill is already plenty big in New Country circles. But with his latest CD, the supple-voiced singer-guitarist sounds like he’s aiming to be the next big crossover star.
In contrast to the cloying romance that dominated 2000’s Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye, Next Big Thing is an upbeat and varied affair, with bouncier beats, hookier melodies and songs that have one ear cocked to the pop charts. The boogie-jive title cut and the twangy Don’t Let Her Get Away (both co-penned with ex-NRBQ guitarist Al Anderson), the bluesy Real Mean Bottle and the contemporary bluegrass of The Sun’s Gonna Shine On You reflect Gill’s energetic new stance, while the Cajun bounce of Old Time Fiddle, the Tex-Mex balladry of We Had It All and the old-timey two-step honky-tonk of Without You make it clear he isn’t forsaking his roots for rock. A few too many sappy ballads make the hour-long CD flabby around the middle, but with some judicious use of the skip button, it’s easy to tell that Next Big Thing is the best thing Gill has done in some time.
