Irish singer-songwriter Janet Devlin returns with a sparkling expansion of her acclaimed work in “Not My First Emotional Rodeo,” a deluxe edition that dives deeper into the heart of her country-rock world. Building on the success of the original Emotional Rodeo, which topped the iTunes Country Chart and earned widespread radio play, this release offers fans a richer, more textured listening experience, packed with bonus tracks that showcase Devlin’s fearless creativity and storytelling chops.
The deluxe edition balances swagger, introspection, and heartfelt charm. Tracks like “Candy” carry upbeat energy, while “If He Wanted To He Would” drifts into reflective mid-tempo territory. “Plastic Pistol” injects darker, western-inspired tension, and “Psycho Ex” delivers a cheeky bite, contrasting beautifully with the wistful tenderness of “Hooked.” Fans of her previous work will also revel in the addition of her flyaway hit “Houston,” now gaining BBC Radio 2 spotlight, alongside a live gospel rendition of “I’ll Fly Away” recorded at Nashville’s legendary Blackbird Studio.
A standout moment of the deluxe album is Devlin’s stripped-down take on Kenny Rogers’ classic “The Gambler.” Recorded at Hotel Québec in Hertford, the acoustic approach, combined with Devlin’s ethereal vocals and a subtle male counterpart in the second half, transforms the familiar song into an intimate, slow-burning ballad that highlights her versatility and emotional depth. It’s a tender, reflective centerpiece that perfectly complements the energy and storytelling across the rest of the album.
Beyond the studio, Devlin’s live performances continue to cement her reputation as a commanding presence, from festival stages like C2C and The Long Road Festival to headline shows at The British Country Music Festival and Colours, Hoxton. The deluxe edition not only breathes new life into Emotional Rodeo but also underscores Devlin’s journey from X Factor standout to a fully realized, genre-defying artist.
Janet Devlin’s ‘Not My First Emotional Rodeo’ is intimate, fearless, and impossible to ignore.
