Today I will be reviewing The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan. The album was released on September 22nd, 2023, and was met with widespread acclaim, the album later exploded in popularity during the summer of 2024 after she released a follow-up single, “Good Luck, Babe!” This project is Chappell Roan’s studio debut album, although 9 out of the 14 songs on the project were released as singles before the album was released. Before I listened to the album fully just recently, I had heard bits of it throughout the years, and I had always wondered who was behind these catchy and fresh songs. So, after immersing myself in the whole album and having the album in my rotation for a month, I thought this would be a good time to review it.
1. Femininomenon
The album starts with a memorable opener that I’m divided on. First of all, I have to say it has an insanely catchy chorus, making it a good song to maybe play at a dance. Also, right away on track 1, the unique and electric production instantly emphasizes that this isn’t just another generic, oversaturated pop album like the ones we have come to expect in the mainstream. I can see why many love this song with Chappell’s very infectious energy. Still, for me, it gets corny pretty fast, and this is mainly because it’s made for a certain audience, making me often unable to relate to the themes and messages prevalent in this project.
2. Red Wine Supernova
“Red Wine Supernova” introduces some synths in the production, which contributes to a nostalgic feeling throughout the song. Being quite a pace slower than the opening track, it makes itself much more reflective especially with Chappell singing mainly about navigating romance and discovering herself. This is one of my personal favorites as Chappell makes the lyrics more vague than many other songs to appeal to a larger population.
3. After Midnight
In this song, the vibe leans towards a melancholic feel that captures the atmosphere of the ’80s. This track is primarily about how fun life and activities are after midnight, making it a fun song to play anywhere at night. It captures the situation it describes perfectly and is an amazing song overall.
4. Coffee
Track 4 slows things to a crawl and Chappell delivers a slow and honest performance that encapsulates the grounded side of attraction. On paper, the composition of “Coffee” is really simple, there’s no in-your-face production and no crazy switch-ups, but simplicity done right is always good. It’s often hard for artists to make compelling slow songs that aren’t boring, but “Coffee” is done extremely well.
5. Casual
Track 5, “Casual” dives into the complexity of Roan’s relationships, and the beat is very laid-back and reminiscent to older pop. Chappell’s storytelling really shines on this song, and the emotion in her voice adds to that. For the intended audience of this album, this song is also easy to connect to, making it the comfort song of many.
6. Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl
Stepping out of the slower-paced songs, track 6 throws the listener into a bold and empowering song, showcasing Chappell at the boldest part of RFMP. I could see this being played at a club, the energy is just electrifying.
7. HOT TO GO!
By far the most party-friendly song on the track list, this song is versatile in a way that makes it very appealing and lovable to anyone. The production is absolutely phenomenal in the way it creates the atmosphere of this song. “HOT TO GO!” is vibrant, fun, and it celebrates the freedoms of living through an unforgettable performance from Chappell that is full of energy. This song is simply impossible to not enjoy.
8. My Kink is Karma
Taking a darker edge, Chappell uses a sarcastic tone in the verses before the song launches into a complex and memorable chorus. In this song she explores taking revenge in relationships.
9. Picture You
Track 9 eases into a soft lullaby-like sound to start the song, showcasing a softer side of Chappell’s writing. I think songs like “Picture You” and “Coffee” do such a great job of balancing heartfelt slow songs and upbeat pop on the album, and having breaks in between each type is what keeps RFMP so consistent and well-rounded.
10. Kaleidoscope
Not shifting particularly far from the song before, the song keeps a soft composure with piano and synths being prominent in the production. Although not the most memorable track for me due to my inability to relate to Chappell’s themes, this is a song all about personal growth and makes it feel like a pivotal part of the album.
11. Pink Pony Club
“Pink Pony Club” is a fan favorite to many as it stands to Chappell’s audiences as a celebration of freedom and identity. Keeping the feel of the ’80s in this song, it seems like the RFMP formula is truly special as the track list is filled with hit after hit.
12. Naked in Manhattan
Inviting the listeners in with familiar production, this song flows very smoothly, blending Chappell’s vocals with the instrumentals. She also paints an image of late-night Manhattan very vividly in this song, and the overall tone is very raw and honest.
13. California
In “California,” Chappell focuses on the appeal of escaping and having new beginnings, hence the track title, “California” being the place she’s escaping to from the Midwest. This track captures a daydream feel like Chappell is thinking about life in California while she’s not there.
14. Guilty Pleasure
Closing the project on a high note, Chappell circles back to the themes of self-discovery and acceptance prominent throughout RFMP. If the energy was low before this song, then Chappell made sure you finished the album feeling as hyped as you did going in.
Overall, I think The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is an amazing pop album worth listening to for any pop fan. It’s unique and different while adhering to what makes pop so compelling. Although it’s hard for me to relate to the themes of the album and understand the story Chappell Roan tells, it is musically rich enough for anyone to get hooked. For being only Chappell’s first studio album, it is extremely well done and I’m excited to see what she delivers in the future.
