The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess explained

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Type:studio
Artist:Chappell Roan
Cover:Chappell Roan - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.png
Recorded:2018–2023
Genre:
Length:49:08
Label:
Producer:
Prev Title:School Nights
Prev Year:2017

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Chappell Roan. The album was released on September 22, 2023 through Amusement Records, an imprint of Island Records. Primarily a pop record, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess also contains elements of synth-pop, pop rock, new wave, folk-pop, rock, dance-pop, country, and disco.

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was met with widespread acclaim and praised by music critics for its bold and emotionally charged nature. Reviews also complimented the album's engaging blend of sharp songwriting, dynamic pop elements, and Roan's vocal performance. Several publications ranked it on multiple year-end best albums lists for 2023. The album earned Roan her first Grammy Award nominations at the 67th annual ceremony, including for Album of the Year. She is one of sixteen artists in history who have earned Grammy nominations in all of the "Big Four" categories in one night.[1]

Roan promoted the album by headlining the Midwest Princess Tour in 2023 and 2024, along with appearances on NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concerts, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Background and recording

Roan was signed to Atlantic Records and living in Los Angeles by 2017, when she released the EP School Nights, a "folk-leaning" project.[2] In 2018, Roan started working with Dan Nigro, owner of the Amusement imprint, eventually releasing the singles "Pink Pony Club" and "Love Me Anyway" in April and May 2020, respectively.[3] [4] She released "California" that August, and was dropped by Atlantic shortly after. "Pink Pony Club" and "California" were both ultimately included on The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

Roan moved back to her home state of Missouri where she worked to save money to move back to Los Angeles, at which point she resumed working with Nigro, and signed to his Island Records imprint Amusement.[5] The album is inspired by Roan's experience leaving her hometown in Missouri for Los Angeles to pursue a career as a singer. During her journey of self-discovery, Roan navigated love, heartbreak, and embraced her sexual identity – themes that would become central to the record.[6] Roan has stated that The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess allowed her to "come to accept [her] queerness".[7]

Critical reception

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess received critical acclaim upon release.[8] [9] According to the review aggregator Metacritic, the album received "universal acclaim" based on a weighted average score of 85 out of 100 from 7 critic scores. Olivia Horn of Pitchfork called the album "a bold and uproarious introduction, buoyed by sturdy songcraft and steely indifference to good taste", also writing that Roan is "blessed with a powerful and versatile voice". Otis Robinson of DIY summarized it as "thoughtful, a little unhinged and entirely contradictory, merging the alt-pop seriousness of Lana Del Rey with the untethered preppy charm of Lorde to go full throttle into messy, emotional fun".

NMEs Hannah Mylrea dubbed it a "bratty, wacky record of huge pop bangers" as well as an "album that combines Roan's electrifying pop stylings with her funny, irresistible songwriting". Sam Franzini of The Line of Best Fit opined that Roan "is a blazing tour-de-force on her debut album. She tackles every corner of human sexuality, psychology, desire, and lust, all on some of the hookiest choruses of this year". Robert Moran of The Sydney Morning Herald described it as "pop at its most fun and life-affirming".[10]

Year-end lists

Publication/critic! scope="col"
AccoladeRank
Alternative Press50 Best Albums of 2023style="text-align: center;" -[11]
Billboard50 Best Albums of 202313[12]
Coup De MainBest Albums of 20233[13]
Dork50 Best Albums of 202311[14]
Nylon10 Best Albums of 20238[15]
Pitchfork22 Best Pop Albums of 2023style="text-align: center;" -[16]
PopBuzzBest Pop Albums of 20231[17]
Rolling Stone100 Best Albums of 202312[18]
The A. V. Club27 Best Albums of 20232[19]
The AlternativeTop 55 Albums of 20235[20]
The SkinnyThe Skinny's Albums of 202319[21]
TIME10 Best Albums of 20234[22]
Uproxx74 Best Albums of 2023style="text-align: center;" -[23]
Vogue27 Best Albums of 2023style="text-align: center;" -[24]
Publication/critic! scope="col"
AccoladeRank
Time OutThe Best Albums of 20242[25]

Accolades

Organization! scope="col"
YearCategoryResult
ARIA Music Awards2024Best International Artist[26]
Danish Music Awards2024International Album of the Year[27]
Grammy Awards2025Album of the Year[28]
Best Pop Vocal Album

Track listing

Note

Personnel

Musicians

Technical

Commercial performance

Although not an immediate commercial success, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess garnered a cult following in the months after its release and became regarded as a "sleeper hit" by early 2024. The album's commercial breakthrough was largely influenced by Roan's supporting act on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts World Tour, her performances at music festivals like Coachella and Governors Ball, and the success of her follow-up single, "Good Luck, Babe!". By June 2024, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess had climbed the charts, peaking at number one in Ireland, New Zealand and the UK, plus within the top five of the US Billboard 200. Subsequently, several of its singles ("My Kink Is Karma", "Femininomenon", "Casual", "Pink Pony Club", "Red Wine Supernova", and "Hot to Go!") entered the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time since their release.[29]

Charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Argentine Albums (CAPIF)[30] 5
Croatian International Albums (HDU)[31] 2
Greek Albums (IFPI)[32] 50
Icelandic Albums (Tónlistinn)[33] 13
Lithuanian Albums (AGATA)[34] 24

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormatLabelRef.
VariousSeptember 22, 2023[35] [36]
September 20, 2024Cassette[37]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Grein . Paul . Grammy Awards: All the Artists Who’ve Been Nominated in the Big 4 Categories in the Same Year . . . November 22, 2024 . November 8, 2024 . November 12, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241112230636/https://www.billboard.com/lists/grammys-big-four-nominations-same-year/ . live .
  2. Web site: 2024-05-02 . The Rise of Chappell Roan: Queer Pop's Midwestern Princess . 2024-11-08 . Marist Circle. Epstein. Hannah. en-US . September 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240922014142/https://www.maristcircle.com/arts-entertainment/2024/5/2/the-rise-of-chappell-roan-queer-pops-midwestern-princess . live .
  3. Web site: Grady . Constance . Chappell Roan spent 7 years becoming an overnight success . . . November 22, 2024 . August 21, 2024 . subscription . July 20, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240720132018/https://www.vox.com/culture/358464/chappell-roan-rise-and-fall . live .
  4. Web site: Ginsberg . Gab . 10 Cool New Pop Songs To Get You Through The Week: Alec Benjamin, Dagny & More . . . November 22, 2024 . May 4, 2020 . November 29, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221129160139/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/new-pop-songs-playlist-may-4-alec-benjamin-9370982/ . live .
  5. Confessions of a 'Midwest Princess': How Chappell Roan's Debut Album Arose From the 'Deep Pits of Hell' to Become a 'Dream Come True'. Variety. Shafer. Ellise. September 22, 2023. September 27, 2023. December 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231228165448/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/chappell-roan-debut-album-rise-and-fall-midwest-princess-1235719522/. live.
  6. Daw . Stephen . 2022-12-20 . Chappell Roan's Big Year: How the DIY Indie-Pop Star 'Casual'-ly Thrived in Her Post-Label Era . 2024-08-13 . Billboard . en-US . November 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231115221037/https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/chappell-roan-interview-2022-casual-1235186590/ . live .
  7. How Chappell Roan Found 'Complete Freedom and Euphoria' Making Her Debut Album. Rolling Stone. Mier. Tomás. September 21, 2023. September 27, 2023. December 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231228165340/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/chappell-roan-midwest-princess-freedom-queer-identity-1234828846/. live.
  8. Mendez II . Moises . June 14, 2024 . How Chappell Roan Skyrocketed to Pop Stardom . July 18, 2024 . . she released The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess with Amusement Records ... to widespread acclaim.
  9. News: 2024 . Chappell Roan Release New Single 'Good Luck, Babe! . July 18, 2024 . . The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess–earning her praise, critical acclaim . July 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240718133143/https://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/chappell-roan-releases-new-single-good-luck-babe/ . live .
  10. News: Dropped by her label, she's now made the funnest (and queerest) pop album of the year. The Sydney Morning Herald. Moran. Robert. September 22, 2023. September 27, 2023. December 5, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231205230359/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/dropped-by-her-label-she-s-now-made-the-funnest-and-queerest-pop-album-of-the-year-20230918-p5e5i5.html. live.
  11. Web site: Anna . Zanes . Neville . Hardman . Alessandra . Schade . December 12, 2023 . 50 best albums of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Alternative Press Magazine . en-US . October 19, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231019002246/https://www.altpress.com/best-albums-2023/ . live .
  12. Glicksman . Josh . December 6, 2023 . The 50 Best Albums of 2023: Staff List . December 27, 2023 . Billboard . en-US . December 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231206175633/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-albums-2023/ . live .
  13. Web site: The Best Albums Of 2023. Coup de Main. Carly. Lola. Shahlin. Butler. Jacob. Graves. 2023-12-13. 2024-12-01.
  14. Dork . December 18, 2023 . Dork's Top 50 Albums of 2023: 50-41 . December 27, 2023 . Dork . en-US . December 27, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231227043838/https://readdork.com/features/dorks-top-50-albums-of-2023-50-41/ . live .
  15. December 20, 2023 . NYLON's Top Albums Of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Nylon . en . December 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231228225226/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/nylons-top-10-albums-of-2023 . live .
  16. Web site: December 12, 2023 . The Best Pop Music of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Pitchfork . en-US . December 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231226235154/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-pop-music-2023/ . live .
  17. Web site: The best albums of 2023 . Popbuzz.com . January 17, 2024 . December 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231215085718/https://www.popbuzz.com/music/features/best-albums-2023/ . live .
  18. November 30, 2023 . The 100 Best Albums of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Rolling Stone . en-US . November 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231130155736/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-2023-1234879538/ . live .
  19. Web site: December 13, 2023 . The 27 Best Albums of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . The A.V. Club . en . December 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231214010251/https://www.avclub.com/best-albums-2023-1851094504/ . live .
  20. Web site: The Alt’s Top Releases of 2023. The Alternative. 2024-12-01.
  21. Web site: The Skinny's Albums of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Theskinny.co.uk . en . March 4, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240304092428/https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/opinion/albums-of-the-year/the-skinnys-albums-of-2023 . live .
  22. December 5, 2023 . The 10 Best Albums of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Time . en . December 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231226235730/https://time.com/6340131/best-albums-2023/ . live .
  23. Web site: December 4, 2023 . These Are The Best Albums Of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Uproxx.com . en-US . December 27, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231227061831/https://uproxx.com/music/best-albums-2023-list/ . live .
  24. Web site: October 23, 2023 . The Best Albums of 2023 . December 27, 2023 . Vogue . en-US . December 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231229073801/https://www.vogue.com/article/best-albums-of-2023 . live .
  25. Web site: Time Out . November 23, 2024 . The Best Albums of 2024 . 2024-11-23 . Time Out . November 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241123021531/https://www.timeout.com/music/the-best-albums-of-2024 . live .
  26. Lars. Brandle. Royel Otis, Dom Dolla Lead Finalists for 2024 ARIA Awards. Billboard. September 26, 2024. October 10, 2024. September 27, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240927233950/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/royel-otis-dom-dolla-finalists-2024-aria-awards-1235785128/. live.
  27. Nielsen . Lotte Skjødt . November 8, 2014 . Danish Music Awards har løftet sløret for de nominerede i kategorien Årets Nye Danske Navn . The Danish Music Awards Have Unveiled the Nominees in the New Danish Name of the Year Category . da . . November 28, 2024.
  28. Atkinson . Katie . November 8, 2024 . Grammy Nominations 2025: See the Complete List . November 8, 2024 . . en-US . November 8, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241108164559/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/grammy-nominations-2025-full-list-1235823165/ . live .
  29. Web site: McIntyre . Hugh . Chappell Roan's Incredible Hot 100 Sweep . 2024-08-13 . Forbes . en . August 5, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240805004405/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2024/08/01/chappell-roans-incredible-hot-100-sweep/ . live .
  30. Web site: Los discos más vendidos. 26 November 2024. Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers. Diario de Cultura. 26 November 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20241126032705/https://www.diariodecultura.com.ar/rankings/los-discos-mas-vendidos-de-la-semana-3/.
  31. Web site: Lista prodaje 39. tjedan 2024.. September 16, 2024. . hr. October 2, 2024. October 2, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20241002095302/https://www.top-lista.hr/www/lista-prodaje-strano-39-tjedan-2024/. live.
  32. Web site: Official IFPI Charts – Top-75 Albums Sales Chart (Combined) – Εβδομάδα: 45/2024 . November 13, 2024 . . el . https://archive.today/20210521201331/https://www.ifpi.gr/charts_el.html . May 21, 2021 . dead .
  33. Web site: Tónlistinn – Plötur – Vika 34 – 2024 . Plötutíðindi . is. The Music – Albums – Week 34 – 2024. August 24, 2024. August 24, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240824125148/https://plotutidindi.is/tonlistinn/. live.
  34. Web site: 2024 35-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100). AGATA. lt. August 30, 2024. August 30, 2024. September 4, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240904120939/https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/s35-3/. live.
  35. Web site: - Chappell Roan - The Rise & Fall Of A Midwest Princess . 2024-11-22 . Zia Records . en.
  36. Web site: 2024-11-22 . Chappell Roan - The Rise And Fall of A Midwest Princess . Amazon.
  37. Web site: Chappell Roan - Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess [Cassette] RECORD STORE DAY ]. 2024-11-22 . recordstoreday.com.

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