Two Years of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan

This September marks two years since Chappell Roan’s debut studio album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, first released in the UK and globally on 22 September 2023. Drawing on sharp songwriting, theatrical flair and heartfelt queer storytelling, the album transformed her into a breakout pop icon. 

Who Created the Album

Chappell Roan (birth name Kayleigh Rose Amstutz) collaborated closely with producer and co-writer Dan Nigro, who co-shaped the album’s bold hybrid of pop, electro, and theatrical nuance. 

She released the album via Island Records (Amusement imprint), establishing a strong artistic identity through its fearless lyrics and larger-than-life persona. 

Track-By-Track Highlights & Impact

As a comprehensive breakdown would be lengthy, here are some standout moments from across the album that remain fan touchstones:

• "Pink Pony Club" – Roan’s glittering declaration of queer joy and escape pushed her into the spotlight.
• Singles and sleeper hits – The album spawned a remarkable string of singles: Pink Pony Club, California, Naked in Manhattan, My Kink Is Karma, Femininomenon, Casual, Kaleidoscope, Red Wine Supernova, and Hot to Go!. These tracks didn’t peak immediately but gained traction in early 2024 as the album found its moment.
• Commercial breakthrough – After an initial debut at number 127 on the US Billboard 200, the album surged in popularity, eventually topping the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand charts, and reaching number two in the US.
• Grammy recognition – At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Chappell Roan became one of only fifteen artists to earn nominations in all four General Field categories in a single year; she won Best New Artist. 

Beyond the Album: Momentum, Singles, and Touring

• New singles – Since the album’s release, Roan has unveiled notable singles including “Good Luck, Babe!” (2024), “The Giver” (country-tinged, released March 2025), and the highly acclaimed “The Subway” (released July 2025). 

  • “The Subway” soared to number one on the UK Singles Chart and became her highest-charting track in multiple territories. 

• Touring history - Roan supported her debut with the Midwest Princess Tour, a sprawling set of 94 shows across North America, Europe, and Australia between September 2023 and October 2024. 

What She Says Now

Reflecting on her creative journey, Roan has emphasised the slow and immersive nature of her process. In a recent Vogue interview she explained that The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess took five years to conceive, and that a second album may take the same length of time. She affirmed that forcing her art isn’t an option and noted she keeps her creative process private, largely off social media. 

For now, her music continues to resonate through standalone singles, live performances, and unwavering fan devotion even as she takes her time to craft whatever comes next. 

Why This Album Still Matters

In just two years, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess transformed Chappell Roan into a vital voice in queer pop. Its theatricality, emotional honesty, and catchy songwriting remain deeply influential. From becoming a Grammy-winning debut to supplying anthems for a new generation, the album’s narrative arc reflects her rise - both as a person and an artist.

Own The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess Today

Want to celebrate two years of this landmark debut? Head over to Chalkys.com we have vinyl and CD  editions of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess ready to ship. Perfect for new fans and devoted queens alike.