Expanding on last year’s Emotional Rodeo, this 22-track deluxe release isn’t padded out with throwaways or novelty ex Janet Devlin has never been an artist to sit comfortably inside one box, and with ‘Not My First Emotional Rodeo (Deluxe)’ she blurs the lines between country, Americana, pop, and rock, stomping straight through them in worn leather boots and proving she belongs on every side of the fence.
tras. Instead, it feels like the second half of a story that was simply too big for one album. There’s grit, melody in abundance, and emotional weight that actually lands.
‘Candy’ rides on upbeat momentum and glossy hooks, but there’s a knowing edge beneath its sugar coating. ‘If He Wanted To He Would’ slows the pace, leaning into restraint and quiet frustration. On the opposite end of the spectrum, ‘Psycho Ex’ is sharp, playful and unapologetically dramatic, proof that Devlin can still have fun with the chaos without dulling its bite.
Across the full tracklist, her voice stands out the most. It’s instantly recognisable, smoky without being heavy, fragile without ever sounding weak. There’s a rawness to the way she sings that anchors even the most radio-friendly moments. Tracks like ‘Best in You’ and ‘Hooked’ pull everything back to basics, letting melody and emotion lead rather than production tricks.
Unlike many deluxe releases that feel like contractual obligations, ‘Not My First Emotional Rodeo’ feels necessary. These songs complete the emotional arc Devlin started on the original album. With heartbreak, defiance, nostalgia, humour and a restless search for meaning running through the entire collection.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5Sq35GVxpr2cxYp6jFJJB1?si=oifIp9ZaTOmx342wno2XDQ