The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan

Bibliographic Information:

Title: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

Artist: Chappell Roan

Copyright Date: September 2023

Record Label: Island

Format: Music Album

Genre: Pop

Awards: None...Yet

Interest Level: The themes and language within this album mostly reflect the age of Chappell herself as she is a 25. This content could potentially skew towards new adult rather than young adult. However, teens consider her an icon and her music an inspiration, especially for the queer community.

Running Time: 49min 8sec

Album Description:

This album is a pop fruity and sparkly way of explaining the complicated truth of learning how to find yourself through exploration, figuring out new adulthood, and experiences of love. This is her first album including the best new and old songs.

Artist Background:

Chappell Roan is the drag persona of Kaleigh Rose Amstutz from Willard, Missouri. She grew up in a small town feeling like she couldn't be her true self and that there was a space lacking for the queer community. This feeling has encouraged her to make campy music with incredible outfits. She encourages the drag community to participate in her shows and for her fans to express themselves or even become someone else for a night.

Critical Evaluation:

I have fallen in love with Chappell Roan and this album! While she is not a new artist, she has very recently picked up a lot of popularity on social media, all around the music industry, and with teen and queer communities. This album was made to be performed and encourages others to live a life they are proud to express. Chappell gives a voice to a largely unheard community and shares her experiences being queer in the midwest and around America. This album is a camp pop sensation that makes you feel happy and sad but also so incredibly free. My all time favorite song on this album is "Pink Pony Club" I can't stop singing it! Chappell Roan has become a large part of the 2024 election as her song "Femininomenon" is being used a theme for Kamala Harris.

Creative Use for a Library Program:

Dance Party- Because of the fun and campy vibes of this album, Librarians may plan a dance party and dress up night, especially during pride month. This dance party should encourage attendees to dress up in whatever outfit they want and let loose.

Drag Book Club/ Q&A- If possible Librarians will invite drag queens and kings to host a book club with books that match the energy of Chappell Roan songs and answer questions teens may have about their experiences in drag and the queer community growing up.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

The main concern adults may have with this album are the mature or sexual themes that are presented in in many of the songs, such as the song "Casual." However, Chappell Roan points out that many of the themes mentioned in her songs are in other mainstream music that describe heteronormative relationships (Nguyen, 2024). This album contain 4 songs deemed explicit out of 14. Despite the "adult" themes, it is unrealistic to assume that teens do not consider their sexuality and want to hear about experiences they may share .

Speed Round Album Trailer:

Chappell Roan creates an album meant to be sung, meant to be screamed, accompanied with fun dances and even campier outfits. This album begs you to be anyone you want, to experience love of all kinds, and to dance on tables with high heels on. Slay Queen!

Reason for Inclusion:

I included Chappell Roan's newest and first official album The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess because it is all the rage right now, especially on Tik Tok which is ruled by teens. This artist and this album inspires young people to be who they truly are, creates a space to explore your identity, to feel proud of themselves, and to love viciously, regardless of societies opinions. She is a young icon and I believe that many teens look up to her!

Check out:

Check out this Teens In Print article about the impact of Chappell Roan

References:

Andrade, S. (2023, October). Chappell Roan doesn’t care if she’s going to hell. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2023/10/14/chappell-roan-queer-pop/

Horn, O. (2023, September). The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. [Review]. Pitchfork. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/chappell-roan-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-midwest-princess/

Leon, Y. (2024, May). It’s a “Femininomenon” — The impact of Chappell Roan. Teen in Print. https://teensinprint.com/its-a-femininomenon-the-impact-of-chappell-roan/

Nguyen, K. (2024, April). Chappell Roan's Big Year: The 'Midwest Princess' Examines How She Became A Pop "Feminomenon". Grammy's. https://www.grammy.com/news/chappell-roan-big-year-interview-coachella-performance

@chappellroan. (2024, February). I suppose you might see me on your local news 🎀. [Post]. Tik Tok. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.tiktok.com/@chappellroan/video/7339754369946111274