Introduction
“My Next Broken Heart” is a rollicking country tune by Brooks & Dunn, released on September 30, 1991 as the second single from their debut album Brand New Man . Crafted by the powerhouse trio—Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and Don Cook—the song epitomizes early ’90s neo‑traditional country with high-energy honky‑tonk flair paired with rock‑tinged guitar licks .
Upon its release, “My Next Broken Heart” quickly ascended the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming Brooks & Dunn’s second consecutive Number One hit following “Brand New Man” . It held the top spot on Billboard for two weeks—from December 21 to December 28, 1991—and topped Radio & Records in mid-December . This streak solidified the duo’s meteoric rise, marking the first time a duo launched four straight No. 1 singles from a debut album .
The lyrics present a self‑aware protagonist who, after being recently rejected, embraces the heartbreak cycle—accepting that he’ll likely “get my next broken heart,” but willingly risking it to feel alive again. Critics praised Ronnie Dunn’s fierce, playful vocals and the sharp couplets—like “I thought all along you’d be the death of me / But I found one tonight who wants what’s left of me”—characterizing the song as a “tongue‑in‑cheek classic” and giving it an “A” rating .
Brooks & Dunn wrote this song alongside “Brand New Man” in their first collaborative writing session under Tim DuBois’s guidance—a session that surprisingly produced two chart-topping hits in one day . The resulting debut album went on to sell over six million copies, thanks in part to this song’s infectious charm .
The music video, filmed in rural Texas just like their debut visuals, premiered in October 1991, adding visual storytelling that matched the song’s upbeat yet bittersweet vibes .
In essence, “My Next Broken Heart” helped define the Brooks & Dunn sound: sharp songwriting, bold vocals, and a seamless blend of traditional and modern country—anchoring their journey to becoming one of the genre’s most influential duos.