Chappell Roan's The Rise & Fall Of A Midwest Princess - A Soundtrack Of Self-Discovery
Jun. 20, 2024 • By Jason Elhilow
DescriptionA review of Chappell Roan's album The Rise & Fall Of A Midwest Princess and how it reflects her own discovery partnered with the queer experience.
MessageWe recommend listening to The Rise & Fall Of A Midwest Princess to form your own opinions about the album.
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Chappell RoanIntroductionTo start off, yes, I am quite a few months off from the September 2023 release of this album. And, yes, I only recently fell in love with Chappell. But this is certainly something better late than never, as, quite like her career, Roan's debut album, The Rise & Fall Of A Midwest Princess, has a level of importance and prestige that supersedes time.
Many may not be familiar with Chappell Roan yet, and that may be due to her rather recent rise to fame. She's been making music for almost a decade, shifting genres and record labels and producers, though only in the past few has an audience latched onto her. Specifically, Roan has found herself welcomed into the LGBTQ+ community, both due to her adoption of drag and support of drag queens, but also the fact that she, herself, is a lesbian.
As mentioned, in late 2023, Chappell released her first official LP, with a title reminding audiences of her Midwestern upbringing. Since my discovery of the record a little while ago, it has been an immense force in my life, capturing me with the heart and soul of her artistic journey. It swaps between bombastic breaths of fresh air and subtle ballads of breathtaking emotion, each song telling a unique story in the artist's slow rise to the woman she has become today.
Rise & Fall explores some seriously complex topics, while also simply telling stories of first loves or moving away from home. It's expertly explicit, and heartbreakingly honest. It's surprisingly sexual and dutifully disco/80s-inspired, yet raw, like peering into the personal diary of a young adult, torn between the conservative world of her upbringing and the taunting images of freedom the outside paints. It's truthfully one of the few albums that has ever brought me close to tears (and laughter, too). I never connect THAT deeply to music. Though somehow, in the depths of this rising star, in the cracks of her innately distinct yet universal tale, I found something I beyond relate to, and that feeling has hit me like a train. Her music may not be for everyone, but I know I'm not alone in my love, as, with the recent advent of many fests and performances, many others would say the same.
So, let's take a look at some of the album's best songs, and get those earworms stuck in your head just as much as they are in mine.
Favorite SongsMy first two favorites are Red Wine Supernova & Naked In Manhattan, their compelling narratives exploring her experiences as a queer woman in the world, all underscored by rich and emotive beats. Supernova exudes a dreamy, romantic quality, with lush instrumentation and ethereal melodies mixing with an upbeat tone that evokes the intoxication and complexity of love and lovemaking. Manhattan, on the other hand, pulsates with energetic electro-pop beats, capturing the callow, enchanting essence of embracing one's true identity in the vibrant cityscape of Manhattan. Through these tracks, Roan masterfully intertwines her personal journey with dynamic musical landscapes, offering listeners an empowering and deeply relatable experience.
Pink Pony Club & Casual are dynamic tracks that poignantly combine heartfelt storytelling with captivating sounds. Pink Pony, inspired by her very real experience of entering a gay bar, bursts with energy, celebrating Roan's journey towards self-acceptance and finding herself. Its infectious pop beat, vibrant synths, and catchy chorus invite fans to join her in a joyous, unrestrained dance of personal expression. Meanwhile, Casual delves into the nuanced emotions of modern relationships, its sultry, soulful undertones, and Roan's expressive vocals, introspecting on desire and vulnerability. There is constant questioning if the situationship she is in is, in fact, one, or if they are going to become serious. Together, these tracks not only highlight her life, but also showcase her versatility as an artist, blending pop exuberance with depth to create music that resonates on numerous levels.
My Kink Is Karma stands out with its playful lyrics, exploring themes of justice and retribution in relationships through the guise of finding it "hot." Roan’s powerful vocals are paired with a pulsating beat that embodies the tension and release inherent in the song’s narrative. The track’s energetic production, blending pop sensibilities with a touch of rock edge, creates an empowering atmosphere. Clever wordplay makes it an instant hit, while also highlighting Roan's knack for songwriting that resonates on many levels. On the other hand, Hot To Go is a celebration of pride and self-confidence. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hooks are perfect for the dance floor, the song already spurring a set of moves seen in its music video, with it capturing the exhilaration of embracing one’s true self in the uncomplicated desperation to find a lover for the night. Her expressive performance is infused with a sense of glee and freedom, an electronic pop background by producer Dan Nigro featuring bright synths and a driving rhythm to help underscore the track’s lively and unapologetic spirit. It’s a bold declaration of queer love, inviting listeners to join in the celebration of identity and community, the song acting as the perfect anthem for the month of June.
By no means is this list complete, as only six out of the fourteen-piece tracklist was featured, but let it be known that EVERY song on this record is a masterpiece, and it is one of the few albums where I can say that with 100% confidence. Not even favorites like Taylor Swift's 1989 (TV) or even Olivia Rodrigo's Guts knock it out of the park like Chappell did, which is a bigger testament to this album's quality more than any words I manage to mutter out of my meager mouth.
ConclusionChappell Roan’s The Rise & Fall Of A Midwest Princess is a remarkable debut that stands out for its heartfelt storytelling, rich emotional layers, and phenomenally fun energy. Through standout tracks that mirror her own experience, Roan crafts a deeply intimate yet universally relatable narrative. Each song offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery, love, and resilience, making the album not just a collection of songs, but a cohesive story that resonates on many levels.
Chappell Roan's music has had a profound impact on the queer community, resonating deeply with listeners who see their own struggles and triumphs reflected in her songs. Her openness about her growing up/coming out experience provides much-needed representation in the music industry, where LGBTQ+ (and especially sapphic) voices are often marginalized. Through her candid lyrics and authentic storytelling, Roan offers a sense of solidarity and empowerment to her audience, helping to foster a more inclusive and accepting environment for all, regardless of sex or sexuality or gender identity/expression and so on. She is going to be the next big thing, is already "your favorite artist's favorite artist" and "your dream girl's dream girl," and won't be stopped anytime soon.
This album is not just an achievement for Chappell, but an inspiring addition to the broader annals of contemporary music; I cannot wait to see what comes next. And, hopefully, you can't too.
Many may not be familiar with Chappell Roan yet, and that may be due to her rather recent rise to fame. She's been making music for almost a decade, shifting genres and record labels and producers, though only in the past few has an audience latched onto her. Specifically, Roan has found herself welcomed into the LGBTQ+ community, both due to her adoption of drag and support of drag queens, but also the fact that she, herself, is a lesbian.
As mentioned, in late 2023, Chappell released her first official LP, with a title reminding audiences of her Midwestern upbringing. Since my discovery of the record a little while ago, it has been an immense force in my life, capturing me with the heart and soul of her artistic journey. It swaps between bombastic breaths of fresh air and subtle ballads of breathtaking emotion, each song telling a unique story in the artist's slow rise to the woman she has become today.
Rise & Fall explores some seriously complex topics, while also simply telling stories of first loves or moving away from home. It's expertly explicit, and heartbreakingly honest. It's surprisingly sexual and dutifully disco/80s-inspired, yet raw, like peering into the personal diary of a young adult, torn between the conservative world of her upbringing and the taunting images of freedom the outside paints. It's truthfully one of the few albums that has ever brought me close to tears (and laughter, too). I never connect THAT deeply to music. Though somehow, in the depths of this rising star, in the cracks of her innately distinct yet universal tale, I found something I beyond relate to, and that feeling has hit me like a train. Her music may not be for everyone, but I know I'm not alone in my love, as, with the recent advent of many fests and performances, many others would say the same.
So, let's take a look at some of the album's best songs, and get those earworms stuck in your head just as much as they are in mine.
Favorite SongsMy first two favorites are Red Wine Supernova & Naked In Manhattan, their compelling narratives exploring her experiences as a queer woman in the world, all underscored by rich and emotive beats. Supernova exudes a dreamy, romantic quality, with lush instrumentation and ethereal melodies mixing with an upbeat tone that evokes the intoxication and complexity of love and lovemaking. Manhattan, on the other hand, pulsates with energetic electro-pop beats, capturing the callow, enchanting essence of embracing one's true identity in the vibrant cityscape of Manhattan. Through these tracks, Roan masterfully intertwines her personal journey with dynamic musical landscapes, offering listeners an empowering and deeply relatable experience.
Pink Pony Club & Casual are dynamic tracks that poignantly combine heartfelt storytelling with captivating sounds. Pink Pony, inspired by her very real experience of entering a gay bar, bursts with energy, celebrating Roan's journey towards self-acceptance and finding herself. Its infectious pop beat, vibrant synths, and catchy chorus invite fans to join her in a joyous, unrestrained dance of personal expression. Meanwhile, Casual delves into the nuanced emotions of modern relationships, its sultry, soulful undertones, and Roan's expressive vocals, introspecting on desire and vulnerability. There is constant questioning if the situationship she is in is, in fact, one, or if they are going to become serious. Together, these tracks not only highlight her life, but also showcase her versatility as an artist, blending pop exuberance with depth to create music that resonates on numerous levels.
My Kink Is Karma stands out with its playful lyrics, exploring themes of justice and retribution in relationships through the guise of finding it "hot." Roan’s powerful vocals are paired with a pulsating beat that embodies the tension and release inherent in the song’s narrative. The track’s energetic production, blending pop sensibilities with a touch of rock edge, creates an empowering atmosphere. Clever wordplay makes it an instant hit, while also highlighting Roan's knack for songwriting that resonates on many levels. On the other hand, Hot To Go is a celebration of pride and self-confidence. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hooks are perfect for the dance floor, the song already spurring a set of moves seen in its music video, with it capturing the exhilaration of embracing one’s true self in the uncomplicated desperation to find a lover for the night. Her expressive performance is infused with a sense of glee and freedom, an electronic pop background by producer Dan Nigro featuring bright synths and a driving rhythm to help underscore the track’s lively and unapologetic spirit. It’s a bold declaration of queer love, inviting listeners to join in the celebration of identity and community, the song acting as the perfect anthem for the month of June.
By no means is this list complete, as only six out of the fourteen-piece tracklist was featured, but let it be known that EVERY song on this record is a masterpiece, and it is one of the few albums where I can say that with 100% confidence. Not even favorites like Taylor Swift's 1989 (TV) or even Olivia Rodrigo's Guts knock it out of the park like Chappell did, which is a bigger testament to this album's quality more than any words I manage to mutter out of my meager mouth.
ConclusionChappell Roan’s The Rise & Fall Of A Midwest Princess is a remarkable debut that stands out for its heartfelt storytelling, rich emotional layers, and phenomenally fun energy. Through standout tracks that mirror her own experience, Roan crafts a deeply intimate yet universally relatable narrative. Each song offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery, love, and resilience, making the album not just a collection of songs, but a cohesive story that resonates on many levels.
Chappell Roan's music has had a profound impact on the queer community, resonating deeply with listeners who see their own struggles and triumphs reflected in her songs. Her openness about her growing up/coming out experience provides much-needed representation in the music industry, where LGBTQ+ (and especially sapphic) voices are often marginalized. Through her candid lyrics and authentic storytelling, Roan offers a sense of solidarity and empowerment to her audience, helping to foster a more inclusive and accepting environment for all, regardless of sex or sexuality or gender identity/expression and so on. She is going to be the next big thing, is already "your favorite artist's favorite artist" and "your dream girl's dream girl," and won't be stopped anytime soon.
This album is not just an achievement for Chappell, but an inspiring addition to the broader annals of contemporary music; I cannot wait to see what comes next. And, hopefully, you can't too.
