Chappell Roan’s album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, is more than just a collection of catchy tunes; it’s a vibrant exploration of modern Princess Songs through a unique queer lens. As a website dedicated to payoffsong.com and a connoisseur of impactful music, I’ve undertaken a detailed review of this album, focusing on why it resonates as a powerful collection of princess songs for a contemporary audience. Born and raised with a deep appreciation for both classic princess narratives and groundbreaking music, my perspective is uniquely positioned to rank and review the tracks on this compelling album. Inspired by Pisces season and a passion for meticulously analyzed music, I’ve developed a rating system to dissect each song’s essence, danceability, and queer spirit – key elements that elevate these tracks beyond typical pop anthems into the realm of modern princess songs.
Midwest Princess Album Cover: A banner image showcasing Chappell Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” album, highlighting its themes of modern royalty and musical innovation.
#14: Kaleidoscope: Unraveling the Ballad of Lost Princess Dreams
Song Quality: 1/5 | Dance Factor: 1/5 | Queer Essence: 2/5
“Kaleidoscope” emerges as the album’s least compelling track, a ballad that struggles to capture the vibrant energy present in Roan’s other princess songs. While exploring the common princess theme of falling for a close companion, often a cornerstone of many princess narratives, this song lacks the dynamism and queer-centric storytelling that defines the album’s stronger pieces. It’s a subdued moment in an otherwise bold collection, suggesting that Roan’s strength truly lies in her upbeat anthems rather than traditional princess ballads. For an album titled Midwest Princess, ballads like “Kaleidoscope” feel like a missed opportunity to further explore the powerful, contemporary princess song concept.
#13: California: A Princess Escapes the Golden State
Song Quality: 2/5 | Dance Factor: 1/5 | Queer Essence: 2/5
“California” portrays a different facet of the princess narrative – escape and disillusionment. This track reveals a princess wanting to flee her current kingdom, the golden state, in search of something more authentic, more akin to her “dying town” in Missouri. While not inherently a dance-inducing track, and less overtly queer than other princess songs on the album, “California” touches upon the princess theme of seeking a true home, even if it means leaving a seemingly glamorous setting. It’s a song about the fall from grace, perhaps, fitting into the “fall” aspect of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, but doesn’t quite hit the mark as a standout princess anthem.
#12: Coffee: The Princess and the Ex-Encounter
Song Quality: 2.5/5 | Dance Factor: 1/5 | Queer Essence: 3/5
“Coffee” elevates the queer essence, diving into the relatable experience of navigating post-relationship dynamics within the lesbian community. This song explores the question of why lesbians often maintain friendships with exes – a unique social dynamic within queer circles. While not a typical princess song theme, the track touches upon the emotional intelligence and nuanced relationship navigation often associated with modern princess figures. The desire to maintain connections, even with past loves, speaks to a mature and considered approach to relationships, moving beyond simplistic fairytale endings. It’s a thoughtful, if not danceable, addition to the album’s exploration of contemporary princess life.
#11: Picture You: Yearning in a Princess’s Chamber
Song Quality: 2/5 | Dance Factor: 2/5 | Queer Essence: 3/5
“Picture You” embodies yearning, a classic princess song emotion, but infuses it with a modern, queer sensibility. The image of waltzing around a bedroom with a crush’s photo evokes a fairytale-like longing, yet Roan’s assertive vocal delivery and lyrical boldness push beyond wistful princess tropes. Her songs often empower listeners to move past passive pining and act on their desires, a crucial message for contemporary princess anthems. While the yodel slightly detracts, the song’s core message of yearning and the push towards assertive action makes it a relevant, if slightly flawed, princess song.
#10: Guilty Pleasure: The Forbidden Joys of a Modern Princess
Song Quality: 3/5 | Dance Factor: 3/5 | Queer Essence: 3.5/5
“Guilty Pleasure” marks a shift towards more upbeat and thematically rich princess songs. This track delves into the concept of forbidden desires and internalized repression, themes that resonate deeply within queer experiences and challenge traditional princess narratives of purity and innocence. The lyrics, exploring fantasies and desires deemed “guilty,” reflect a Gen Z perspective on queerness and liberation, moving away from restrictive upbringings. The song’s exploration of desire and liberation, even with the slightly jarring yodel, positions it as a significant, if imperfect, modern princess anthem.
#9: Femininomenon: The Campy Anthem of Princess Frustration
Song Quality: 3.5/5 | Dance Factor: 4/5 | Queer Essence: 3/5
“Femininomenon,” the album opener, bursts onto the scene as a campy and fun introduction to Roan’s Midwest Princess persona. This track sets the tone for an album that is flashy, flirty, and celebrates femininity, while also expressing frustration with outdated romantic norms, particularly in online dating. The song directly addresses dissatisfaction with men, a common theme in contemporary queer princess songs that prioritize female connections and experiences. Its energetic shift and nonsensical yet catchy chorus make it a quintessential, empowering princess anthem for the modern age.
#8: Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl: Seeking a Futuristic Princess
Song Quality: 3.5/5 | Dance Factor: 4.5/5 | Queer Essence: 3.5/5
“Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” continues the theme of dissatisfaction with conventional masculinity, pivoting towards a desire for a partner who embodies modern, empowered femininity. This song contrasts disappointing encounters with men against the exciting possibilities of connections with women. The lyrics highlight the allure of a “super graphic ultra modern girl,” reinforcing the album’s focus on contemporary princess ideals. The music video’s space-themed imagery further enhances the futuristic, boundary-pushing nature of this princess anthem, solidifying its place as a key track in Roan’s exploration of modern princess songs.
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Chappell Roan Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl Music Video: A promotional image from Chappell Roan’s “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” music video, emphasizing the futuristic and dynamic visual elements that complement the song’s modern princess theme.
#7: Naked In Manhattan: High School Crushes in a Princess City
Song Quality: 3.5/5 | Dance Factor: 3.5/5 | Queer Essence: 5/5
“Naked In Manhattan” is arguably the queerest song on the album, embodying the intense infatuation and excitement of new crushes, reminiscent of high school days but set against the backdrop of a vibrant city. References to “slumber party kissing” and a crush akin to Regina George firmly place this in the realm of sapphic princess songs. The repeated plea to “touch me” underscores the raw desire and vulnerability central to many queer coming-of-age narratives. This track captures the exhilarating tension and anticipation of first gay experiences, making it a potent anthem for those discovering their own princess narratives within queer love.
#6: HOT TO GO!: Power Bottom Princess Energy
Song Quality: 4/5 | Dance Factor: 5/5 | Queer Essence: 3.5/5
“HOT TO GO!” is pure, unadulterated girlypop energy, a song that celebrates femme performance and availability with a powerful, assertive edge. The “power bottom energy” is undeniable, with lyrics demanding attention and desire. This track subverts the passive princess trope, presenting a figure who is in control of her sexuality and desires, making it a boldly modern princess anthem. While the yodel is present, the song’s overall energy and message of self-assured desire make it a standout track in Roan’s princess song repertoire.
#5: Pink Pony Club: Finding Princess Paradise
Song Quality: 4/5 | Dance Factor: 4.5/5 | Queer Essence: 4/5
“Pink Pony Club” chronicles a journey of self-discovery and finding one’s place, a classic princess narrative arc, but set in the queer haven of West Hollywood. This song celebrates chosen family and creating one’s own kingdom, far from restrictive hometowns and expectations. The lyrics about leaving everything behind to dance at the Pink Pony Club resonate with anyone who has sought a more authentic life, making it an anthem of self-determination. It’s a celebration of queer princesshood, finding joy and belonging on one’s own terms.
#4: My Kink is Karma: The Toxic Princess Revenge Anthem
Song Quality: 5/5 | Dance Factor: 4/5 | Queer Essence: 3/5
“My Kink is Karma” delivers a dose of sexy schadenfreude, a banger for anyone who has experienced a toxic relationship. While Roan acknowledges the song’s toxicity, it taps into a relatable desire for justified revenge, a theme rarely explored in traditional princess songs but powerfully relevant in modern contexts. The song reclaims agency after heartbreak, turning pain into a form of empowerment. Although not explicitly lesbian, the song’s themes of toxic exes and reclaiming power resonate universally, making it a darkly compelling princess anthem.
#3: Casual: Navigating Casual Princess Connections
Song Quality: 5/5 | Dance Factor: 2.5/5 | Queer Essence: 5/5
“Casual” delves into the complexities of casual relationships, a common experience in modern dating, particularly within queer communities. This song captures the tension between seeking casual connections and the inevitable development of deeper feelings, a quintessential lesbian experience. The lyrics vividly depict intimate moments and the blurring lines of casual encounters, making it a highly relatable and emotionally resonant princess song for the contemporary dating landscape. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of modern princess love in its less-than-fairytale form.
#2: After Midnight: Rebellious Princess Awakening
Song Quality: 5/5 | Dance Factor: 5/5 | Queer Essence: 4.5/5
“After Midnight” is an anthem of rebellion against restrictive upbringings, a central theme in Midwest Princess. The song directly confronts internalized criticism and celebrates self-expression, particularly through fashion and appearance (“wearing that dress and red lipstick”). This track resonates deeply with queer individuals who have navigated similar journeys of self-acceptance and breaking free from societal expectations. The chorus is an invitation to embrace freedom and joy, making it a powerful and liberating princess song that encourages listeners to embrace their true selves.
#1: Red Wine Supernova: The Ultimate Princess Anthem of Desire
Song Quality: 5/5 | Dance Factor: 5/5 | Queer Essence: 5/5
“Red Wine Supernova” reigns supreme as the ultimate princess song on the album. This horny, unapologetically queer anthem is a celebration of desire and attraction, capturing the intoxicating feeling of wanting someone intensely. The song’s glamor is described as “messy and relatable,” perfectly encapsulating the raw and honest portrayal of queer desire. References to iconic figures like Brigitte Bardot and lyrics about physical attraction solidify its status as a groundbreaking queer princess anthem. “Red Wine Supernova” is not just a song; it’s an experience, a bold declaration of queer princesshood in all its messy, glorious, and relatable reality.
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Red Wine Supernova Music Video Still: A captivating image from the “Red Wine Supernova” music video, showcasing the song’s vibrant and sensual energy, central to its status as a top princess song.
If you appreciated this exploration of princess songs in Chappell Roan’s album, you might also enjoy my analyses of Billie Eilish’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT:
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and Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts:
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