Chappell Roan’s Chipper Single Sets the Scene for Her Debut Album
By Kaitlyn Wilkes
Photo by Ryan Clemens
Chappell Roan’s most recent single “HOT TO GO!” demonstrates the dynamism of not only the artist, but her musical stylings. This cheeky and buoyant track stands in contrast to her slower compositions like “Casual,” with a tempo that effortlessly straddles the realms of 80s workout anthems and high school pep rally cheers.
The latest in a slew of singles previewing her forthcoming debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” the midwesterner partnered with writer Dan Nigro, known for his work with artists like Olivia Rodrigo. Together, they add another layer of playfulness and flirtatiousness to her growing repertoire.
Right from the outset, the song exudes a pep rally-inspired tempo, setting the stage for an infectious, audience-rousing experience. The computer-generated instruments, just as electric and crisp as their live counterparts, transition seamlessly into an epic electric guitar riff during the refrain that amplifies Roan’s emphatic delivery of the lyrics, “you can take me hot to go.” Roan’s vocal style, reminiscent of slam poetry and R&B, further solidifies the song’s modern 80s flair, akin to Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me.”
As she prepares to launch her debut album, Roan has firmly embraced her role as head cheerleader. Whether leading her audience in literal cheers or creating a spirited, bouncy atmosphere similar to a cheerleading squad, Roan is carving out a distinctive path in the pop princess world. Hers is a world where artists stop taking themselves so seriously and approach their craft with an infectious sense of celebration, treating every moment as if it were their grand finale.
