"The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" - Chappell Roan
(Amusement/Island Records)
1) Femininomenon
A perfect opening track, this deals with wanting more; "I'm so sick of online love". The switch-up with the tempo in this track is genius.
2) Red Wine Supernova
This deals with exploration; "Fell in love with the thought of you". The bridge is terrific.
3) After Midnight
She doesn't want to be classified or deemed as a "good girl"; "I'm feeling kind of freaky, maybe its the moonlight".
4) Coffee
This slowed down track packs a lot into it; "I'll meet you for coffee, cause if we have wine, you'll say that you want me, I know that's a lie....If I didn't love you, that would be fine". Some really powerful lyrics.
5) Casual
She's stuck between a 'friends with benefits' situationship and a relationship; "you said 'we're not together', so now when we kiss, I have anger issues".
6) Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl
With a dance beat, this track deals with how she's over it, dealing with the same type of person; "I'm through with all these hyper mega bummer boys like you". A really fun track.
7) HOT TO GO!
This track has a sort of "Mickey" (Toni Basil) feel to it, along with Madonna; "it's all in my head, but I want non-fiction".
8) My Kink Is Karma
With a half-time feel, she's gleeful at her ex's downfall; "ruined my credit, stole my cute aesthetic......using your distress as foreplay".
9) Picture You
There's a different vibe (a classic kind of sound). This track is so well-written, dealing with self-pleasure along with a wistfulness; "Do you feel the same, I'm too scared to say half of the things I do when I picture you".
10) Kaleidoscope
Vocally this acts as a showcase for what Chappell can do, but I find that it drags a bit. The aural vibe is similar to "Picture You", but with this track it feels like it doesn't really go anywhere.
11) Pink Pony Club
Chappell Roan paints a picture on this track about staying true to herself.
12) Naked In Manhattan
Late in the album, I find "Naked In Manhattan" to be a standout on what she's capable of accomplishing.
13) California
A mournful track, this deals with all the times she's felt like she's let the past version of herself down (through all of the roadblocks to get to this moment).
14) Guilty Pleasure
There's a sort of Lana-vibe present here; "feels like pornography watching you try on jeans".
"The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" is up there among debut works from an artist. She's been on a journey to get to this moment (getting turned away by prior record labels), but hearing this album its just hard to imagine anyone turning her down. There's a lot of variety here, from up-tempo dance beats to some brilliant slowed-down tracks. I can't wait to see where she goes next. (90.9)
90.9 "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" Chappell Roan
87.9 " Hit Me Hard & Soft " Billie Eilish
87.3 "Cowboy Carter" Beyoncé
85.9 "Short n' Sweet" Sabrina Carpenter
69.6 "Djesse Vol 4" Jacob Collier
69.3 "New Blue Sun" Andre 3000
