By: Abby Cristofaro
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess can only be described as celebrating queer joy. In her debut album, Chappel Roan combines the eccentric sound of upbeat feminine pop music with an appreciation and representation of the LGTBQ+ community. Using a mixture of ballads and upbeat dance music, she encapsulates traditional drag and performance art that have rarely been seen by a feminine pop artist before.
Songs like “Pink Pony Club” and “Super Graphic Modern Ultra Dream Girl” establish the album’s theme: growing up and embracing your identity. The only words I can describe this album are joyous and fun.
The passion can be heard in Roan’s voice, and I experienced unparalleled emotions while listening to the album. The breakout singer makes you feel heard, related to, and supported by her lyrics while remaining lighthearted and charismatic. Roan’s ability to evoke emotions brings her listener into a state of nostalgia with the song, “HOT TO GO!”. By using a cheerleader chant in the chorus to bring a sense of high-school cattyness and energy to the track.
One of the album’s most popular songs is track two, “Red Wine Supernova,” which beautifully encapsulates Roan’s passion and quirkiness. Falling between a ballad-like chorus and a fast-paced chant chorus fully establishes the singer’s sound. With lyrics like “She was a Playboy, Brigitte Bardot, She showed me things I didn’t know” and “I like (I like) what you like (what you like), Long hair (no bra) that’s my type (that’s right),” she tunes into her queer identity, something that there is a demand for in pop-music.
Roan is one of a kind, unique, and an artist people have been looking for tirelessly. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a strong debut for the singer, which will gain significant traction for the artist and have many anticipating her future work
