While Chappell Roan’s debut studio album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (TRAFOAMP) may have been out for over a year already, it continues to be a fan favourite, cementing Roan’s status as one of the most intriguing and unique emerging artists in pop music today. With its bold and honest exploration of identity, belonging, and heartbreak, the album resonates with listeners worldwide, and her distinct aesthetic only further distinguishes her as an icon in the making.

 

Serving as a culmination of Roan’s journey over the past few years, this album feels like much more than a simple collection of songs – it is a cathartic scream into the world about the importance of empowerment, a celebration of femininity, and a testament of Roan’s ability to connect with her listeners on a real and down-to-Earth level.

 

his album feels like much more than a simple collection of songs – it is a cathartic scream into the world about the importance of empowerment, a celebration of femininity

 

Roan’s musical journey began in 2017 with the release of her debut EP School Nights under Atlantic Records. The EP presented listeners with a more folk-influenced sound compared to her current music, and in 2018 she started working with acclaimed producer Dan Nigro, who helped her craft the bold, distinctive pop sound we know and love today. After the release of her single ‘Pink Pony Club’ in 2020, however, Atlantic Records dropped Roan from their roster, a decision that led her to leave Los Angeles and return to her hometown in Missouri, where she regrouped before continuing to work on TRAFOAMP. Drawing on her experience of leaving home for Los Angeles, Roan’s debut album is steeped in themes of love, heartbreak, queerness, and womanhood, all delivered with a trademark feeling of eloquence, passion, and brutal honesty.

 

One of the most distinct qualities of the album is its celebratory embrace of femininity. Tracks like ‘Femininomenon’ and ‘Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl’ are prime examples of Roan’s ability to incorporate upbeat, electronic-infused pop sounds with lyrics that explore the frustrations of navigating relationships with men, all while unapologetically exuding a confident and carefree energy. These tracks radiate a certain joy and empowerment that Roan seems to nail in almost all of her releases, as she refuses to allow men or societal expectations dominate her music. This album feels closer to a compilation of anthems that celebrate the euphoria of being a woman and the power that comes with owning your identity unforgivingly.

 

As the album progresses, songs like ‘Red Wine Supernova’ and ‘After Midnight’ only further showcase Roan’s artistry, both of which tap into the exhilaration and freedom of queer self-discovery. These cheerful, pleasure-infused tracks embody the joys of being queer, with catchy lyrics and erotic wordplay that hook in listeners and stick in the minds of all who love Roan. Perhaps the most standout quality of these songs (and Roan’s personality as a whole, for that matter), is her refusal to censor her experiences, or tone down the ways in which she expresses her queerness in her art. She has always described what she does as drag, and she has even featured other fellow drag queens at her live shows and in her music videos. These songs, and Roan’s aesthetic, serve as a vibrant reminder of why queer representation in mainstream music matters, and how vital it is in today’s pop-landscape.

 

these songs, and Roan’s aesthetic, serve as a vibrant reminder of why queer representation in mainstream music matters

 

However, TRAFOAMP has dips and peaks in its mood and tone. Roan’s emotional depth and vulnerability features on more sombre tracks such as ‘Coffee,’ ‘Casual,’ ‘Picture You,’ ‘Kaleidoscope,’ and ‘California.’ These tracks in particular take a more introspective approach into Roan’s experiences, and invites listeners into the heartache, confusion, and melancholy that often accompany love, self-discovery, and all the joyful qualities of her more high-tempo tracks. While the albums brighter and more jubilant tracks highlight the rises of Roan’s journey as a pop princess, these slower ballads place importance on really allowing oneself to revel in the inevitable lows, acknowledging that these are core experiences for not only queer women but humanity as a whole.

 

Roan’s vocals really shine on these more subdued tracks; her gut-wrenching vulnerability and the explosive power of her singing voice is breathtaking to listen to, with vocal flips and high notes galore, all of which work together to really elevate the emotional weight of these tracks. Roan, simply put, has found the perfect balance between high-energy pop anthems and raw, impassioned ballads, making the album feel like a fully realised portrait of Roan’s life up until today. TRAFOAMP is, without a doubt, a true reflection of the multitude of rises and falls she has experienced as a self-proclaimed Midwest Princess.

 

Roan’s cultural significance in the pop world today is undeniable. Her work resonates deeply with fans who feel as though they are represented and given a voice by her music. In a world where representation in mainstream media is slowly but surely expanding, especially as we are seeing a surge of pop-girls in the mainstream today, Chappell Roan stands out as an artist who is unafraid of pushing boundaries, embracing her queerness, and delivering music that is both sonically and lyrically exceptional. Her blend of nostalgic 80s-inspired pop and her own distinct sound and aesthetics certainly makes her a figure to watch.

 

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a triumph for Roan, and her unbridled success from the album could not be more deserved. She has truly become a pillar in today’s pop renaissance, and this album is a remarkable achievement that places her at the forefront of a new wave of queer pop artists. This may just be the beginning for this Midwest Princess, but I think the world should be very excited to see where she goes next.