The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
2023 studio album by Chappell Roan / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Chappell Roan, released on September 22, 2023, through Amusement Records, an imprint of Island Records owned by the album's producer, Dan Nigro. Primarily a pop record, 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 | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | September 22, 2023 (2023-09-22) | |||
Recorded | 2018–2023 | |||
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Length | 49:08 | |||
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Chappell Roan chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess | ||||
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Written and produced alongside Nigro beginning in 2018, Midwest Princess is noted for its "campy" pop sound and influence from LGBT performance art such as drag shows. 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. After being dropped by her label, Roan continued her career as an independent artist, releasing songs that would form the foundation of Midwest Princess.
Midwest Princess was met with widespread acclaim and praised by music critics for its bold, innovative, 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.
Although not an immediate commercial success, 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, Midwest Princess had climbed the charts, peaking within the top ten on the Billboard 200. Subsequently, several of its singles ("Femininomenon", "Casual", "Pink Pony Club", "Red Wine Supernova", and "Hot to Go!") entered the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time since their release.
Roan promoted the album by headlining the Midwest Princess Tour in 2023 and 2024, along with appearances on NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concerts series, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.