Week 32: Chappell Roan- The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

I have to confess I didn’t know much about Chappell Roan until I listened to the debut album. All I knew is she was supporting Olivia Rodrigo on her “GUTS” tour, and that her stock has risen since that has happened. It is also worth noting the record was released last year and didn’t fare so well. It is amazing what exposure on a grand scale can do, though and it certainly has for the Missouri vocalist. Anyway, here is a track-by-track review:

Femininominon:

The opener’s first verse has quite a powerful message about being in love with someone online and how it seldom works. This is then followed by a bombastic chorus with synths and sublow bass. It showcases her ability to switch up her emotions.

Red Wine Supernova:

Ever since the unique charm of ‘Champagne Supernova’ by Oasis caught my attention, I’ve found myself drawn to songs with similarly quirky titles. This uptempo-pop track, unlike its melancholic counterparts, exudes a unique charm. Its tempo perfectly captures the exhilarating feelings of a new relationship, where everything seems to be on an upswing. The synthesiser and the artist’s witty and cheeky lyrics add a distinct flavour to the song, making it a delightful listen.

After Midnight:

This one is quite a personal track. Chappell came out as a lesbian and is worried about her parents reaction. She also feels shame for not taking life too seriously and enjoying it.

Coffee:

We have reached a moment of tenderness and quiet on the album with this piano ballad. Her melancholic lyrics about moving on after a breakup are matched by her soft vocals reflecting that heart-sinking feeling.

Casual:

Remember those power ballads that were popular in the 80s? Well, this is one. The mood has drastically shifted as Chappell ups the tempo of this emotional ditty. The topic this time is about having your profound feelings for your lover dismissed. The song clings on to optimism that their perspective will be the same as yours, and that feeling of it never will, and it’s time to go before the pain gets too much.

Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl:

The upbeat track is about not caring what others think of you when dating and cutting loose those wasting your time not getting to know you.

HOT TO GO!:

How you are reading this is how it is sung. I dare anyone not to be smiling along to this uptempo and cheerful track. With its infectious beats and catchy lyrics, it’s utterly understandable that this is a crowd favourite and the highlight of her concerts. This is the ultimate cheesy-pop dance track that is for everyone.

My Kink is Karma:

The song is about karma, as the title suggests. Chappell finds pleasure in knowing that an unpleasant ex is finally getting karma.

Picture You:

Another downtempo ballad, where she sings softly yet powerful.

Kaleidoscope:

Another downtempo track addresses how her best friend has crossed the line regarding intimacy.

Pink Pony Club:

This sounds like a name for a strip club, and funnily enough, the song is about a small-town girl who leaves home to become a stripper at the world-famous Pink Pony Club in Santa Monica. Well, at least in Chappell’s imagination, anyway. 

Naked in Manhattan:

Chappell discusses her sexuality on this one as she dabbles with experimentation and risks with a new lover.

California:

This is an ode to her love of music that also describes the pitfalls of becoming a musician, like feeling pressure not to disappoint everyone who believes in her. It is also a shot at her former label, which never gave her a chance after her first few songs were not well received. It’s ironic how that all worked out for her after their haste to dump her. Showing how California music moguls do not always have your best interests and are too impatient with talented artists.

Guilty Pleasure:

The closer combines all the subjects discussed so far. The intro appears to represent another ballad with the acoustic guitar playing before bursting into funky synths during the chorus.

Song recommendations: ‘HOT TO GO!’, ‘California’, ‘Red Wine Supernova’

7/10