With the Grammys coming up this weekend, I wanted to take a deep dive into this year’s Album of the Year nominees. After spending the past few weeks listening to each one, a few stood out—like Brat and Hit Me Hard and Soft—but one album towers above the rest. 

Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess deserves to win.

This isn’t just another pop album. It’s bold, theatrical, and deeply personal, featuring Chappell’s unique campy sound and lyrics. The album explores themes ranging from self-discovery to relationships to moving away from home. Another theme that is apparent throughout the whole album is queerness. As an openly lesbian artist, she brings a perspective that resonates deeply with queer listeners. Her music isn’t just catchy—it’s empowering. 

This album is really fun. It’s very upbeat except for a few slower songs and I love the energy on this album. Most of it is about being unapologetically yourself. Ever since I listened to this album for the first time back in June, I have seen my confidence grow and I think that’s the effect this album–and Chappell Roan’s music as a whole–has on people. I think this album is more self-empowering than most pop music, and that’s why it stands out. It’s about facing yourself and coming to terms with what you want, what you like, what you don’t like, and what you’ll tolerate or strive for.  

Of course, credit is also due to Dan Nigro, who produced this album. The album’s unique, campy sound makes it one of the most dynamic pop releases in recent memory. Chappell Roan’s voice really shines throughout this whole album. I think she is easily one of the strongest vocalists of this generation, shifting effortlessly from soft vulnerability to powerhouse belting. Overall, this album is incredible and is one of my favorite albums of all time. If she wins, you’re standing face to face with I told you so. 

If you haven’t heard this album before, here are a few songs you can check out based on the vibe: 

• For the party: HOT TO GO! & Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl
  • These songs are great for a good time. HOT TO GO! of course has its iconic dance which is basically the modern YMCA.
  • Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl doesn’t get as much love as HOT TO GO! But I feel like it’s a really fun and upbeat song, perfect for when you’re looking to have a fun time.
• For the feels: Casual & Kaleidoscope
  • Both of these songs hit hard emotionally. Casual is about being stuck in a situation—wanting more while the other person insists on keeping things casual. I specifically love the last 35 seconds of this song. In that part, you can really hear the raw emotion in Chappell’s voice as she belts the end of this song.
  • Kaleidoscope is deeply relatable and heartbreaking. It’s about falling for a best friend, only for them to say they don’t feel the same way.
• For queer pride: Pink Pony Club & Red Wine Supernova
  • Pink Pony Club was written about Chappell’s first time going to a gay club and how it was such a huge experience for her to be able to go somewhere where you can have fun with queens and be unapologetically queer.
  • Red Wine Supernova is a sapphic anthem with funny wordplay and great vibes.