There are some artists who reinvent themselves every album, and then there’s Janet Devlin, who somehow reinvents the genre around her. With ‘Not My First Emotional Rodeo‘, the Irish songstress returns to the dusty trail she carved last year with ‘Emotional Rodeo’, and this time, she’s brought extra swagger, a few more tears, and a truckload of attitude.
When the original record dropped back in November 2024, it was a revelation: a chart-topping, country-tinged confessional that saw Devlin swap ethereal folk for Nashville grit, and make it sound as natural as breathing. Now, with this deluxe edition, she proves that lightning does strike twice…especially when you record 24 songs in three days.
The new material slots so neatly into the world of ‘Emotional Rodeo’ that it’s hard to imagine the album without it. ‘Candy‘ leads the charge, a whip-smart, toe-tapping number that’s pure country-pop joy with a sly wink. It’s got the kind of confident sparkle that could light up a festival stage or a Sunday drive alike.
Then there’s ‘If He Wanted To He Would‘, a slow-burner that glows with quiet defiance. It’s one of those tracks that sneaks up on you, equal parts heartache and empowerment, delivered with Devlin’s signature blend of vulnerability and steel. Elsewhere, ‘Plastic Pistol‘ takes a darker turn instrumentally, but plays with Janets cheeky innuendos, while ‘Psycho Ex‘ brings the kind of mischievous storytelling that country music was built for.
But perhaps the emotional centrepiece of this deluxe edition is her rendition of ‘The Gambler‘. Forget everything you know about Kenny Rogers’ classic, Devlin strips it back to bare bones and heartstrings. Recorded live at George Ezra’s Hotel Québec Studio, her version transforms the song from a honky-tonk tale into a tender fireside confession. Her voice, delicate but unwavering, draws out every ounce of wisdom and weariness from the lyrics. When the male harmony enters midway through, it’s goose-bump territory. It’s no wonder she saved it for a “special occasion”, this performance feels like one.
Where many deluxe albums feel like a cash-in or an afterthought, ‘Not My First Emotional Rodeo’ feels like a celebration, the closing of a creative chapter that was too rich, too raw, too Janet to fit on one record. These songs aren’t B-sides but essential puzzle pieces that complete the picture. In true Devlin fashion, she’s done it all without losing her quirk, humour, or humility.
If ‘Emotional Rodeo’ was Janet’s grand entrance onto the country stage, this deluxe edition is her victory lap, confident, creative, and gloriously unfiltered.
