Chappell Roan stands in front of a vanity with a full face of makeup on and prom-like outfit for her album cover. Roan described her look in a Rolling Stone article as “her own version of drag.” Photo Source: Image from Official Chappell Roan site.

Content Warning: This album may not be appropriate for younger audiences, as it contains explicit language and references to sexual themes.

Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, a.k.a. Chappell Roan, quickly rose to fame for her hit singles, “Pink Pony Club” and “Casual” and after opening for Olivia Rodrigo on her GUTS tour. Roan’s debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” was released Sept. 22, and since my initial listen, I have been nothing short of obsessed.

In an interview with Teen Vogue, Roan described the album as “the storyline of a girl who moved from a small conservative town to a city and had an awakening of this world she never knew existed.” This new world opened her up to queerness, love and partying.

The album consists of upbeat songs about girls dancing in go-go boots and intoxicating feelings in new relationships, such as in “Femininomenon” and “HOT TO GO.” Roan goes all the way to the suffocating nature of hookup culture and inevitably disappointing your parents in “Casual” and “California.”

The first song I ever listened to of Roan’s was “Casual,” a sensual and crescendoing tune about being in a one-sided relationship with someone who views you as a sexual object rather than someone worth being in a relationship with. She sings, “I thought you thought of me better / Someone you couldn’t lose / You said ‘We’re not together.'” I fell in love with her honest commentary on the growing culture of “situationships” (a relationship where either one or neither person is willing to make it exclusive), being prioritized over authentic and intimate romantic relationships.

“My Kink is Karma” could not be more different, and it showcases Roan’s incredible vocal range and lyrical brilliance. A personal favorite of mine, this song is a classic heartbreak anthem, with Roan praying on the downfall of her ex. She sings “Wishing you the best / in the worst way.” You can’t help but scream-sing along as if her ex was yours as well.

A central theme in the album is queerness and exploring your sexuality after being sheltered — Roan is from a conservative area of Missouri. “Femininomenon,” the album’s opener, outrightly states Roan’s feelings of dissatisfaction with men and calls for a female sexual revolution.

The perfect blend of Roan’s sultry and addictive voice and lively lyrics appears in the album’s second track, “Red Wine Supernova.” It’s my absolute favorite song from the record, and it captures a mesmerizing and unfamiliar relationship with a woman who has the addictive essence of Brigitte Bardot and whom Roan would do almost anything for. Every time I hear the catchy opening beat, I have to stop everything I’m doing and sing along.

Not every song was as impressive, with “Guilty Pleasure” and “Coffee” not totally matching the vibe of the rest of album. I felt “Guilty Pleasure” had a rushed sound and was not the album closer I expected an otherwise outstanding album to have. “Coffee” was the first introduction to Roan’s slower, more heartfelt songs on the record, yet the lyrics felt repetitive, unoriginal and did not reflect the same lyrical strength that the other songs did.

Two less than superb songs don’t define the album for me. It remains one I can listen to all the way through and always enjoy.

A song that can almost always bring me to tears is “Kaleidoscope.” A crushing tune about queer love blossoming from a friendship, it perfectly encapsulates the exploration that comes with new relationships, especially while discovering your sexuality. Roan describes love as a kaleidoscope — something she will never completely understand but is willing to try and learn along with her newfound lover.

The album is a beautiful amalgamation of songs I scream along to with friends at late-night sleepovers and songs where we rock each other and cry along to. It’s quickly becoming something I recommend to friends, and I am patiently waiting for some Los Angeles tour dates. I have to see this album live!