The Rising Star of a Midwest Princess: My Review of Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan’s album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

Often hailed as the Midwest Princess by her fans, queer singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is climbing the popularity charts with her hit album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Born as Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, she adopted her stage name Chappell Roan from her late grandfather, Dennis K. Chappell in his honor. The last name Roan came from his favorite song, called Strawberry Roan, an old Western song about a pinkish red horse.

Roan left the Missouri state to pursue her career after being discovered on YouTube by Atlantic Records. They dropped her in 2020, and she moved back home but eventually returned to LA to chase her dreams. Later on, Amusement Island Records signed her in 2023 where she made a name for herself with her sensational album.  

Her album, which debuted on Sept. 22, 2023, has fueled her rapidly expanding fanbase. Soon, Roan’s popularity sky-rocketed after opening for Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour with some of her best hits including “HOT TO GO!”, “Red Wine Supernova” and “Pinky Pony Club”. 

I have to admit, before Olivia Rodrigo’s tour, I had never heard of Chappell Roan. Knowing she was set to open for Rodrigo, I wanted to surprise myself with her music going in. However, after seeing her perform, I realized her music was unlike anything I had ever heard before. 

Roan brought a punk rock flair and an ‘80s attitude, getting everyone dancing to her songs. Her stage presence is even more so with her powerful vocals; her stage outfits and makeup paying homage to drag culture along with her go-go boots.The crowd was electrified. From listening to other artists, I believe the best music is the kind that gets everyone moving, which Roan’s songs did. A couple of days after the concert, I finally had a chance to listen to her album. 

I’m disappointed that this album flew under my nose when it came out last year. I’m a bit shocked that I didn’t discover it until now. It’s safe to say her music is attested to by her 6 thousand sold albums. 

From this point forward, Chappell Roan may have truly crafted one of the best pop albums in decades. With a mix of upbeat tracks and slower ballads, you can really hear the emotion and uniqueness the lyrics bring to the singer. Not to mention, Roan’s creativity with her clever play on words including certain “wands” and “rabbits” in Red Wine Supernova. Her music, which blends pop and alternative elements, stands out with a unique sound that is rare to find nowadays. However, it wasn't just her spellbinding lyrics that made me love her music; it was the bravery and openness to her queerness she poured into it.

For songs like “Pinky Pony Club”, she expressed her desire of being herself after her first experience at a gay bar called The Abbey. The bar was one of her first times seeing other queer people so open and proud. In an interview with HeadLiner Magazine, Roan said she realized she could be any way she wanted to be and no one would bat an eye. Roan said she felt overwhelmed with complete love and acceptance and from there, she started writing songs as the real her. 

Roan’s distinctiveness from other artists not only sets her apart but also signals the greatness that lies ahead for her career as a rising star in the music industry. Her unique blend of musical styles and passionate lyricism promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the industry for a lifetime.