Chappell Roan has been an ‘underground’ artist for years. She had been singing behind the scenes for pop idol Olivia Rodrigo in songs like “Get Him Back!” and “Lacy” before making it big this summer. One album and 14 singles make up her discography though she has also risen in popularity thanks to her unique dresses, suits, and outfits.
Her only album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess has attracted a lot of attention, with some songs hitting and staying in the top 10 on streaming for weeks. In this review, I will highlight a few specific songs from this album.
I rate each song on how ‘catchy’ it is, the actual lyrics, and the specific vocals.
When it comes to catchiness, the songs that stand out the most are “HOT TO GO,” and “Naked in Manhattan.” They both have catchy lines that repeat. “HOT TO GO” also has a popular dance, signing out the letters as you sing it. Overall, the album gets a 10/10 for catchiness.
For lyrical composition, there are a few songs that stand out. “Pink Pony Club” for its bridge, “Red Wine Supernova” for its second to last verse, and “My Kink is Karma” for both its bridge and its second to last verse. My personal favorite of the three is “My Kink is Karma” with a song about how you’re doing better than your ex after a breakup. For lyrical composition, I give this album a 10/10.
“After Midnight,” ”Casual,” and “Ultra Graphic Modern Girl” all are vocally phenomenal. They have a perfect mixture of low notes and high notes, showing Roan’s range as a singer. The vocals also mix incredibly well to create what feels like a story within the song. Once again, 10/10.
I have been listening to pop songs for years, and it’s amazing to see Roan make a name for herself within the industry. Overall I give this album a 10/10, and some of her best songs are not even on it. Her singles hold amazing songs including “Good Luck Babe,” “Love Me Anyway,” and more.
I recommend this album to anyone looking for a feel-good beat to sing along to and to anyone who wants to see more LGBTQ+ inclusivity in mainstream music.
