Reviewing Midwest Princess in 2024

Hello! Buckle up because I have a big post for today. You read the title correctly. I will rank and give my opinions on all 14 songs from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, the first studio album by Chappell Roan. This isn't news to anyone. The album's been out for over a year already, but I am chronically late to things that are relevant. I love all of these songs, so pitting them against each other was hard. Also, this is a subjective ranking based on my own personal taste. If you've read my previous blogs, you might know what my number 1 song is. Even then, I hope you enjoy!

14- "California"

First of all, this song is gorgeous. You know the album is a 10 out of 10 when nothing on it sounds bad. "California" is just the least good. I like the chorus but feel like it got too repetitive, and the verses were just a little boring as well. But the lyrics, though? As someone planning to move out of the city I've spent my whole life in, I can definitely see this being relatable in a couple of years. It seems like the opposite of "Pink Pony Club," too. Where "Pink Pony Club" is about moving away and everything working out, this is about missing home and feeling like a failure. It's really somber and hits hard.

13- "Picture You"

So, this is a ballad. It automatically goes higher on the list (I'm sorry, I don't like ballads). It's still super pretty. Chappell's vocals are gorgeous, especially the vocal flips in the bridge, and so is the instrumental. I love the idea of a traditional love ballad, but it's sapphic. It's an emorional song about, quoted from YouTube comments, "straight up jorkin' it." That's awesome. Even though I don't have much to say about this one, I love that it exists. Thank you, Chappell.

12- "Kaleidoscope"

Okay, so another ballad, but like it's so beautiful. The piano and Chappell's heartfelt vocals are enough to make me emotional. And the chorus? Her head voice is so pretty, and then the piano and strings are stunning. I'm not the biggest fan of the lyrics, though. They're just a little too vague, and associating kaleidoscopes with rainbows is a little on the nose. But this song is just so sweet and somber. It has such a bittersweet feeling to it.

11- "Coffee"

Last ballad. Everything about this one is so beautiful, and it cements itself as the best out of the slow songs. The intro alone is ethereal. Every time I hear it, I frown and go, "Man, I'm about to be sad." The chorus is a little basic, but it works. I love the specificity of the lyrics. It's just... they aren't all great. I'd like to highlight: "You said let's do the park. 'Cause I love the park." Just the concept is so original, and I can see how it could be relatable to many people. The switch-up for the last chorus is heartbreaking, but it makes the song hit harder.

10- "Guilty Pleasure"

I have terrible news: I had the hardest time remembering this song. The only reason it's so high on the list is because it isn't the most memorable. It's so good, though. It's folky and slow in the beginning; then, it turns into a dance song in the chorus. And it's literally just about being horny. The chorus is so catchy and fun. I love the vocals, instrumental, and lyrics. I think I would just prefer if it were a tad faster and a little shorter, as the end drags on a little. Overall, it's a great closer for the album. It's just kind of mid in my eyes.

9- "After Midnight"

Man, another mid-tempo disco song. I love how groovy it is, and the tempo doesn't bother me. It's just that I've heard too many songs in this specific retro genre. I like Chappell's take on it but am glad there aren't others like this on the album. It's really fun, though, and the chorus is catchy. I like the little vocal flairs. They're probably my favorite aspect from any Chappell song, and they're really what make this song stand out. The "I love a little drama" line in the chorus makes me so happy. Lots of personality. I'm not rocking with the "be a freak in the club" during the bridge but admit it is funny. I like this song, but it's not my favorite.

8- "Naked in Manhatten"

Now we're getting into the songs I hold closer to my heart. And dude, this song?? I can't explain it. It's so simple but so fun. I will admit it's a little forgettable on first listen, but after a couple more, it's such a banger. The prechorus has such a cinematic build up. I'm obsessed with the lyrics, too; the sapphics won with this one. The chorus literally makes me want to jump up and down, twirl my hair, etc. This song represents being queer and in love so well. The only thing I don't love is the spoken part at the end, but that's a small complaint. I feel like it'll only go lower on my ranking with more time.

7- "My Kink is Karma"

So this is the only song on the album that I headcannon as about a man, even though I have no clue. I didn't like "My Kink is Karma" at first because it sounded like a ripoff Taylor Swift song, and now I really embrace that. Every time I listen to this, I just picture two exes who are doing everything to spite each other. I think the intent is that Chappell is doing great while the ex is suffering, but I really like picturing both parties going through it. I also love how heavy and robotic the synths are. It's usually not something I like, but it works here. The chorus feels so climactic, like it's what would be playing during a big breakup or mental breakdown. This song feels distressing in a good way.

6- "Casual"

This song, man. I used to be unable to listen to it because I couldn't stop laughing at the chorus. "Knee deep in the passenger seat and you're eating me out" played completely serious? It's so blunt and raw. After I started taking this song seriously, I realized it's so pretty. And it's slow. I never like slow songs. It's unique, has good lyrics, and even makes me emotional on some listens. I'm so surprised I like this song. I haven't even listened to it that many times. It's just that objectively good. It's nostalgic in a strange way. I associate it with the music video so much and love the sea aesthetic. It's rare to see a song put such an impactful picture in my head. Once again, thank you, Chappell.

5- "Femininomenon"

This song was my introduction to Chappell, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. It's just so silly. The chorus is so good. It's kind of like "Guilty Pleasure," where it starts as a slow ballad but fakes you out. Like the spoken chorus with just the synth at first?? I can not help but do the call and response. And the bridge?? I can not take it seriously. This is possibly the most fun song I've ever heard. I will admit that I first heard it in an AMV so will forever associate it as an AMV song, but that's okay. I watched Chappell's ACL set, and she opnened it with this song and it's such a great concert opener. It's the perfect song to hype you up and dance to. I just can't spell "Femininomenon" for the life of me.

4- "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl"

I think this is the most exhilarating song I've ever heard. Like a fast, groovy, sapphic dance song? The scream-like vocals in the chorus? The spoken intro with the iconic "fugly jeans" into the pre-chorus?? The first thing I thought when I heard this was, "Wow, this is such a mall song." I think it's the only time I've said that for a song that isn't basic or boring. I can't explain my admiration for this song. The whole "screw men, they stink, and we're in love and super cool" concept is crazy. It's so silly but so perfect. I think you can catch on to the fact that I love goofy and campy songs, and this is peak camp. I have a dream writing project that, let's just say, is queer and apocalyptic, and this would probably be the theme song.

3- "Pink Pony Club"

This song is nearly five minutes long. It's not the fastest thing ever. With all due respect, it shouldn't be this low on my list. A ballad in my top 3? It's just... It's "Pink Pony Club." This song is iconic. Listening to "Pink Pony Club" feels like how it probably was for my parents and to listen to The Rolling Stones or something. This is music, you know? Getting together with other people at a large music festival and screaming the lyrics. It's just so celebratory. Starting with piano accompaniment, then the synth notes for the chorus? And the guitar solo? There's no way there's a sick electric guitar here, too. It's so repetitive but really fun. This is a song that I experience more than listen to. It is top 3 by mere icon status.

2- "Hot To Go!"

I love this song, not even considering the fact it blew up in popularity. It's so fun. The plucky synths, the 80's vibes, the lyrics?? I don't even mind that there's a dance. Chappell's personality really shines here. There's such a nice blend of vocals and spoken parts. And the anthemic chorus is everything. This is a concert song if I've ever heard one. It's another song where I feel like I am experiencing it, not listening. And the little outro is so fun. Honestly, I think this song best represents the album. It gives off a Midwest country vibe, but it's fun and queer. Maybe I just associate it with the music video too much. It's not a new take, but this is definitely the sapphic YMCA. I don't have as much to say about it as some of the others on this list, but that's just because it's perfect. There's nothing I would change.

1- "Red Wine Supernova"

We made it! And you already know. "Red Wine Supernova" is my number one pick. I'm not going to say a ton because I actually made a full post about just this song and my love for Chappell Roan as an artist. So I will just do a little reiteration: yeah, I still love this song. I don't care that it's kind of basic and not too original. It can still be my favorite song off the album. It's just so fun and the most explicitly queer, in my humble opinion. I could picture this on "Glee" and Santana and Brittney singing it to each other or something. It's got everything I want in a song: camp, catchiness, fun lyrics, danceability. It's exhilarating in the same way as "SGUMG" or "Naked in Manhatten" but a little more toned down. It's perfect and just makes me so happy. But definitely read my other post if you haven't.

If you read all of this, you are a real one. Thank you so much! I've been scared to make more outright queer posts on my blog because I have Christian friends, but I'm going to be a little brave today. Love is love, and music is music, and I just want to listen to Chappell Roan and be happy. People should be able to listen to the music they like... A very harsh take, I know. Anyway, I'll wrap this up because this is way too long. I've been Grace, and I'll see you next time!

(Album cover for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess credited to Chappell Roan and Amusement Records)