With “Subway,” Chappell Roan trades her signature synth-pop shine for something softer, more wistful and absolutely stunning. The track feels like drifting through a clear sky, with dreamy, ’90s/early 2000s-inspired production that immediately sets it apart from her debut album and viral hit “Good Luck, Babe!”
The song tells the story of a fleeting connection on a train: a girl with green hair and a beauty mark who comes and goes, leaving Roan heartbroken. It’s a mellow pop ballad, soaked in longing and memory, and Roan delivers it with just the right amount of intensity.
Though “Subway” arrives with cinematic flair, the pop star is in no rush to deliver a full-length follow-up. In a recent Vogue interview from the set of the music video, Roan shared that her “second project doesn’t exist yet.” Since the release of her debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” in September 2023, she has won the Grammy for Best New Artist and released three standout singles: “The Subway,” “The Giver,” and “Good Luck, Babe.”
What truly makes “Subway” soar is Roan’s vocal performance. Her voice glides through the track before exploding into a breathtaking outro full of layered harmonies and emotional release. Her distinct yodel technique, present throughout her discography, adds a unique texture that sets her apart from her peers.
If “Subway” is any indication of what’s to come, Roan’s next chapter promises to be worth the wait. Even without an album on the horizon, she is already proving that her artistry continues to grow. With each new song, she becomes more fearless and more timeless.
Rating: 7.5/10