Album Review: Janet Devlin – Not My First Emotional Rodeo

Janet Devlin returned this month with an extended version of her album Emotional Rodeo – Not My First Emotional Rodeo. 

Speaking on the deluxe album Janet shared “When I left Nashville after doing 24 songs in three days for Emotional Rodeo, I knew I was going to have to do a deluxe! There was no way I was going to fit all my favorites onto one album alone and I definitely wasn’t going to let them stay on my computer collecting dust! I love the album listening experience, and I create my albums for those who do too. I want there to be a journey when you put it on – ups, downs and everything in-between. The downside of this was that I had to cut tracks I always thought would be on the original record. Now I could’ve made another album, but these songs felt very much a part of the same era of my life that the album was for.”

The extended version features 8 additional tracks, 6 originals and two covers, on the back of the already familiar 14 songs that make up the original album. Beginning with recently released single Candy – an upbeat track with a lot of swagger that gets the new songs off to a strong start.

Janet manages to balance that delicate pop/country vibe that many artists aspire to with true authenticity. Houston dips a little more strongly into more traditional country music territory, whereas tracks such as Psycho Ex are definitely more playful and pop-inspired, showing Devlin’s wide ranging take the modern country genre. The tracks sit nicely alongside the original album whilst also managing to add new dimensions and depth.

Plastic Pistol has to be the favourite of mine. A darker track, dripping with tension and melancholy, it’s another refreshing variation in tone and, to me, the standout. A stripped back version of The Gambler and and a stirring live version of I’ll Fly Away round out Not My First Emotional Rodeo further enhancing the country spirit on this expanded release.

Listen to Not My First Emotional Rodeo here.