Recently blowing up after a series of performances featuring her theatrical costumes and spirited energy, Chapell Roan has taken the internet by storm with her infectious disco-pop melodies from her full-length album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. 

Released back in Sept. 22, 2023, the 14-track discography delves into the experiences of self-discovery, romance, and queer identity with songs such as “Red Wine Supernova,” “After Midnight,” “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl,” and “HOT TO GO!”

Initially writing songs in the dark pop and ballad genres back in 2018, Chappell Roan drew a lot of influence from artists such as Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey as she mentioned in an interview with the publication Refinery29. This was evident in her earlier songs like “Die Young” and “Good Hurt” from her School Nights Extended Play. Similarly, Rolling Stone also noted Roan’s experiences of being let go by her label and moving back to her hometown in 2020 which allowed her to find new inspiration for the songs that would become her hit debut studio album.

A significant departure from her earlier singles and extended plays, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a record that blends elements of synth-pop, new wave, and disco. Roan also cited prominent artists such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears—iconic pop musicians who have inspired this album. In line with that, the album carries a “campy” pop sound influenced by drag shows, also reminiscent of Roan’s performance style in her live shows. 

Magic in the air

Opening with a string-laced melody, “Femininomenon” features a ballad-like verse that later erupts into a chorus about online dating culture and gender stereotypes faced by women in heteronormative relationships. Accentuated by elements of rock and ‘80s synths, the song hypes up listeners for what’s to come in the next tracks of the album. Moreover, it empowers women to start their own “femininomenon” of female empowerment.

“Red Wine Supernova” has become a compelling queer anthem from the singer-songwriter’s discography. Capturing the experiences of queer romance, the song outlines the magic of this with the lyrics “Baby, why don't you come over? Red wine supernova, falling into me.” With airy vocals and strong acoustics, the track immerses its listeners in what seems to be the best night of their lives. Another notable aspect of the song is its snappy bridge that has become a “fun chant” to perform with a crowd as described by Roan in an interview with Capital FM.

One of the more underrated songs on the record is “After Midnight,” a bass-heavy tune that dives into the night-life experiences. Roan narrates the dangers of being out late at night with lyrics such as “My mama said, ‘Nothing good happens when it's late and you're dancing alone.’" But this is juxtaposed against the pre-chorus, where the singer-songwriter slowly breaks free from her fears of danger, “This is what I wanted, this is what I like. I've been a good, good girl for a long time.” This song certainly encourages listeners to explore the real-world and enjoy life while still being cautious. 

A waltz with courtship

Next up is “Casual,” which provides a break from the pop-infused melodies. An angst-filled rock ballad, the song laments the phenomenon of “situationships,” which are described as “casual” romantic relationships that aren’t exactly labeled. Leaning more into the themes of romance and heartbreak, Roan detailed on her YouTube Shorts about how she has grown tired of romantic experiences turning into “situationships.” With the lyrics, “I know what you tell your friends, it's casual, if it's casual now,” the song gives off a melancholic tone, reflective of the bittersweet nature of her romantic experiences. 

Upon listening to “Coffee,” listeners can encounter a gentler side of Roan which is nostalgic of her earlier musical style. She detailed the pain of meeting up with a former lover and moving on from them. Highlighted with a piano-driven background and an acoustic cascade of notes, the singer-songwriter sings with a despondent tone, “If I didn't love you, It would be fine. Meet you for coffee, only for coffee. Nowhere else is safe, every place leads back to your place.”

The rise of a new pop princess

Moving on to the sixth track, “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” jumps right back into the themes of self-expression, empowerment, and rejection of societal norms. Similar to “Femininomenon,” this track follows the rise of a confident and independent woman who refuses to settle with unfulfilling relationships, gender stereotypes, and aims to embrace her unique identity. Roan belts out in the chorus, “Uh-huh, I'm through. With all these hyper mega bummer boys like you. Oh yeah, I need a super graphic ultra modern girl like me,” which displays her self-confidence.

“HOT TO GO!” is another track that listeners mustn't miss from the album. Regarded as an upbeat dance song, the track is one Roan wanted to dance to with her fans in a “cheerleading-style beat”, as inspired from her childhood dream of wanting to become a cheerleader. 

One should also note that Roan teaches her fans the accompanying dance which is stylistically compared to the song “YMCA” by Village People. “HOT TO GO!” as a song full of high energy, is colorfully kitschy, and embodies the description of being “camp” with its memorable lyrics and vibrant production. The song has become a trend on the social media platform TikTok with users dancing to the song.

Another song worth mentioning is “Pink Pony Club.” While it’s the first single released in comparison to the previous tracks featured here, the track has gone through a long journey, being released way back in 2020 in midst of the pandemic. She details her experience of self-discovery back then with the lyrics “Oh mama, I'm just having fun. On the stage in my heels. It's where I belong down at the Pink Pony Club.” The track is powerful and surreal, sprinkled with ‘80s new wave elements that make it as expressive as Roan intended.

Everyone’s favorite artist’s favorite artist

While it has almost been a year since the release of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and considering that she has been in the music industry for so long, it’s high time for her to get recognition for her talent and impactful themes. Roan’s artistry and music have greatly influenced this generation, providing a safe space, especially to the queer community, to express themselves more freely. From her synth-driven melodies to heartfelt ballads, there are a wide range of experiences and emotions evoked by her music.

Supplementary Recommendations:

• “Naked in Manhattan” - A song about sexuality and coming-of-age, Roan wrote the track when she was coming to terms with her own attraction to women. 
• “California” - Expressing homesickness and disappointment, this song was written in light of Roan’s setbacks in her career back in 2020. 

With that, Chappell Roan succeeds in capturing the hearts of her listeners. She creates songs that can be enjoyed by her as an artist and by the fans who listen to her music. Furthermore, she roots her lyrics from personal experiences that have resonated with today’s pop music fans, making her one to watch in the music scene.

Dance to the vibrant songs of Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,  available on various platforms.