It’s been a little while since we’ve had an amazing pure-pop record. And Chappell Roan is single-handedly bringing back that standard with her debut album “The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess”. The nostalgic feeling that is embedded in this record is reminiscent of Lady Gaga’s “The Fame” as it introduces us to someone who is already ahead of the curve and has star power written all over them. From the poignant contrast of playful and witty songwriting with raw vulnerability, to big singalong’s that you know are going to go off live, this record is only the beginning for the American singer-songwriter. 

Opening with “Femininomenon”, she immediately sets the tone with this blend of intimacy and chaos. Poising the question “Dude, can you play a song with a fucking beat?”, she breaks the fourth wall and directs the listener to feel that energy balance throughout the transitions of the song. “Red White Supernova” and “After Midnight” gives us a nostalgic taste of Lady Gaga with some references to “Summerboy” and “Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)”, as she serves us camp-pop. And then she shows the listener the other side of her artistry with the raw intimacy of “Coffee” that hears her admitting she can’t meet up with an ex-lover for anything other than a coffee as she’s still in love with them and doesn’t want to cross that line as she knows they aren’t good for her. “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, it would be fine.” she sings. Taking that sonical intimacy she brings her creative wit into “Casual” with the iconic lyric; “Knee deep in the passenger seat and you’re eating me out. Is it casual now?”. While that lyric is meant to shock and be a little tongue-in-cheek, she also perfectly describes the conflicting feelings behind that situation that will have you instantly relating. 

“Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” and “Hot To Go” bring you back to that glam pop era with a little bit of Scissor Sisters and Kesha influence sprinkled throughout. And now we’re officially halfway through the record, and she isn’t slowing down in delivering the standout moments. “My Kink Is Karma” is a clear highlight on the record, and is one that Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo fans will flock to with lyrics like; “People say I’m jealous but my kink is watching you ruining your life, you losing your mind, you dyeing your hair”. There is a sonical angst on this track that gives a different dimension and energy to the record. “Pink Pony Club” then delivers one of the most important moments of the record with the story of her wanting to leave Tennessee and move to LA so she can explore her queer identity and immerse herself in drag and queer culture, but being met with disapproving comments from from her mother. “God, what have you done, You’re a pink pony girl and you dance at the club. Oh mama, I’m just having fun. On the stage in my heels, It’s where I belong down at thePink Pony Club” she sings. 

“Naked In Manhattan” is Marina & The Diamonds “Electra Heart” coded, while “Picture You”, “Kaleidoscope” and “California” deliver some more somber moments before closing out the record with the disco-infused “Guilty Pleasure”. She ties this big pink bow around the record with the chaotic cohesiveness that brings together different sonical references but a consistent strong lyricism. 

Chappell Roan already knows who she is as a pop artist, and “The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess” cements that she is the future. This is a record that other artists will use as a blueprint in years to come just like how Lady Gaga’s “The Fame” was used heading into the 2010’s. Chappell is ahead of the curve, and you’re about to be hearing her name a whole lot more.