Single Review: Janet Devlin – “Confessional”

On September 20th, 2019, Janet Devlin released her newest single, “Confessional.” It’s a more folk-influenced track, with fiddles and a driving, steady drum beat to accompany the string instruments and the chorus of voices that launch you immediately into what almost feels like a dark fairytale setting. The vocals are smooth and her voice is powerful, yet not overbearing. She sprinkles in glissandos and falsettos at the right times, and it all comes together to create a really strong and sound track when it comes to the instrumental and vocals aspect. 

The track itself is the title track and first single released in anticipation of her second album, set for release in the Spring of 2020. Her devoted fans have waited patiently for this album, her fanbase having grown since her debut on the X-Factor in 2011 due to her quite popular YouTube presence. The single tells the tale of her own self discovery, and about defeating her own personal demons. It is raw and real, and relatable to anyone who has also had to go on their own journey to discovering who they truly are. She talks about how she has, “things that I have buried low,” and apologizes for that, almost seeming to exude guilt for hiding things about herself for so long. It’s an empowering track that she doesn’t really hold back from, and you can tell it’s something she has pondered over for a while.

Personally, it’s not the music I would normally listen to but I still enjoyed it. Growing up I played violin and loved fiddling, so hearing that was really fun and that was something that I felt added some unique aspects to the track. I had never heard of Devlin before and was shocked with how powerful her voice was, yet how much control she seems to have over it.

You can check out the video for “Confessional” below!