Janet Devlin is adding a splash of colour to her country rock universe with “Candy,” and trust me, this one is anything but predictable.
The Irish singer-songwriter has just unveiled the official visualiser for the track, lifted from the deluxe edition of her album Not My First Emotional Rodeo. On the surface, “Candy” feels bright and bubbly. The visualiser leans into that playful tone, matching the song’s lively pulse. But underneath the sweetness sits a story with a little more bite.
Co-written with Chris Markey, “Candy” dives into a topic that country music does not often approach with empathy. Instead of leaning into stereotypes around so-called sugar baby relationships, Janet flips the narrative. She explores what happens when something that looks transactional from the outside turns into something genuine and complicated. It is not glossy fantasy. It is messy, flawed, and surprisingly tender.
Janet has shared that the idea sparked from a casual conversation, possibly inspired by something she had seen online. What fascinated her was the emotional twist, a character who unexpectedly falls in love in a situation many would dismiss outright. The result is a track that feels bold yet compassionate, tackling a taboo subject without judgment.
Recorded in Nashville during the sessions for Emotional Rodeo, “Candy” also marks a moment of artistic growth. Janet found herself pausing the studio session after realising the original tempo was not working. Speaking up was nerve-racking, especially in a room full of musicians she admired, but that decision changed everything. The faster version unlocked the playful chorus she had been chasing and kept the track from feeling too heavy. After multiple vocal attempts and a period of stepping away, she returned months later and finally captured the performance that made it click. Sometimes distance really does make the magic happen.
Praised by Russell Crowe, who once took her on tour and compared her to Stevie Nicks for her ability to be both ethereal and direct, Janet Devlin continues to carve out a space that blends Irish charm with country rock fire. From her early days on The X Factor at just 16 to the deeply personal Confessional era and now the confident storytelling of “Candy,” she keeps evolving.
With “Candy,” Janet Devlin proves that even the sweetest-sounding songs can carry depth. It is playful, yes. But it is also daring, heartfelt, and another reminder that she is not afraid to tell stories others might shy away from.
‘Candy’ is a fearless country pop gem
