Review
'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess' bursts open with glitter, nerves, mascara smudges, and enough synth-pop sparkle to make a John Hughes prom scene blush. Chappell Roan turns her debut into a bold, emotionally fizzy coming-of-age ride, tracing a path from a conservative Midwest hometown toward bigger, freer, neon-lit possibilities. There’s a real sense of self-invention here, with queer liberation, romantic chaos, and theatrical daydreaming all twirling under the disco ball.
The album’s upbeat side is deliciously rad: 'Femininomenon,' 'Red Wine Supernova,' 'HOT TO GO!,' and 'Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl' bring that cheeky, high-energy pop sass with hooks built for shouting in the car. Then 'Pink Pony Club' struts in with its aching fantasy of finding chosen family and stage-light freedom in a West Hollywood gay bar, even when home expectations tug at the hem of the glitter dress. I adore how Roan can make a song feel campy and vulnerable at the same time, a trick not every pop star can pull off without face-planting into the fog machine.
The softer moments give the album its emotional bite, especially 'Coffee,' 'Picture You,' and 'Casual,' where uncertainty, longing, and messy situationships get the full diary-under-the-bed treatment. 'After Midnight' also deserves a little confetti toss for capturing the thrill of desire with a wink and a raised eyebrow. 'California' may not hit as hard for every listener, but it still fits the larger story of chasing dreams and wrestling with disappointment. At 14 tracks and 49 minutes, 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess' feels vivid, chaotic, tender, and totally alive: a debut with big hair, bigger feelings, and a heart doing jazzercise in the spotlight. - Beth
Artist Bio
Chappell Roan is a pop singer-songwriter from Missouri who started releasing music in the late 2010s, gaining more attention with her 2023 debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Her style mixes synthpop, dance-pop, and a campy, theatrical flair, with honest lyrics and a bold sense of humor. Chappell has opened for artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Fletcher, and her music is often compared to Caroline Polachek, Kim Petras, and Carly Rae Jepsen. She’s known for her energetic live shows and strong LGBTQ+ following, as well as her playful approach to pop music.
