Welcome to CalTimes’s Album of the Week series! We will be reviewing our favorite albums and artists old and new, across all genres. If you have any suggestions, please email us!
If you’ve heard of Chappell Roan before, it most likely wasn’t before this past summer, even though the artist has been releasing music since 2017. Roan’s rise to fame truly began in the spring of 2024, as she opened for Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” tour. Roan was also featured in performances at Coachella, the New York Governer’s Ball, and Lollapalooza this past year, furthering her exposure in the media and growing her fanbase. Now, you can’t go anywhere without hearing her biggest hits, such as “Good Luck, Babe!” or “HOT TO GO!” She is now known for her incredible stage presence and wide vocal range.
We are quickly approaching the first birthday of Chappell Roan’s debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Released on September 22nd, 2023, the album takes the listener on a journey through both the midwest and L.A. As you make your way through, each track demands your attention in its own bright, glittering way with its pop and synth-pop genres. While using sounds of disco and 80s pop, the artist uses themes of the queer experience, drag, and different relationship dynamics all within the 50-minute album.
Let’s look over the songs that stick out the most, starting off with the opening track— “Femininonmenon.” With its catchy chorus and beat, the song takes on a unique stance on the online dating scene. Roan also highlights her experience of dating women in comparison to dating men.
In track 5, “Casual,” Roan showcases her phenomenal vocal range. We hear her voice in a soft, flowy tone, with a subtle buildup to the outro of the song which she delivers in full force. This song tells the story of pining and despair towards Roan’s partner throughout their situationship. Listeners can practically feel the emotions that Roan experienced seeping out of the song. While being one of the most beautiful songs on the album, it also has some of the most explicit and suggestive language that is included.
In track 7, “HOT TO GO!,” the song’s sound is everything loud and bright, with a pure 80’s ring. We are introduced to yet another catchy chorus, in which Roan uses the concept of cheerleading to spell-sing out the title. This became popular on social media after Roan introduced a dance to go along with the song in live performances, getting the audience involved.
Track 11, “Pink Pony Club,” is the perfect representation of Roan’s aesthetic. The artist incorporates both her dreams in L.A. and her roots in Missouri. As she chases after the fantasy of being on stage performing, she remembers the voice of her mother expressing the indecency of her craft. Roan showcases some of her favorite themes, once again emitting disco, camp, and drag-inspired sounds.
Rating: 9/10
Bringing back the popularity of 80s synth-pop and highlighting the experiences of many, this album is truly one of a kind. Chappell Roan uses an array of sounds and themes to beautifully tell her story. Additionally, the growing popularity of the album and the artist herself is paving the way for future young, queer artists. “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” is undoubtedly worth a listen, and with this only being her first album, Roan is an artist to watch in future releases.
