Tucker Pillsbury, better known as Role Model, recently released the deluxe version of his second album, Kansas Anymore, which included 4 brand new songs. Now touring the album, Role Model has received overwhelming support from his ever-growing fan base. With the fall of artists like Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, and Harry Styles, the internet has been in search of a new male pop star. The Indie Pop album isn’t anything revolutionary, but the artist’s vulnerability and reflection allow all types of fans to enjoy what critics call “the best post-breakup album.” Here are our picks from this must listen album.
Hailey’s Picks:
“Something, Somehow, Someday”
This song is one of the slower songs on the album, with a less upbeat feel. The song expresses Role Model’s longing for his former partner, who serves as the muse for many of the album’s songs. The juxtaposition of the hopeful notion of believing they would be back together as “something, somehow, someday” and the somewhat self-deprecating lyrics are what make this song so interesting. The song also reinterprets what it means to love someone in a sense. The descriptions of his ex provide an abstract yet relatable meaning and understanding behind what it means to be truly enamored with a person, including lyrics such as, “She’s a plane ride home.” By not only describing her qualities but comparing her to special moments, experiences, and things, Role Model shows the depth of his love in a subtle yet powerful way, which many listeners resonate with.
“Compromise”
As another one of the slower songs on the album, “Compromise” follows Role Model’s thoughts regarding his care for his ex and his hopes that even though her life tends to “end in a disaster,” she will get everything she wants instead of compromising. By including vulnerable details in saying that he’s always looking out for her and has sent her roses just as a reminder of her value and worth, Role Model adds to the heartfelt tone of the song. This song is beautiful because, unlike most breakup songs and albums, it’s positive. In a bittersweet way, the song only shows his love for his ex and his sincere hopes that she will thrive in her future, rather than remorse that that future won’t include him. This again shows just how deep his care is for her, which is something many fans relate to and haven’t found in another artist.
Yanissah’s Picks:
“Slipfast”
“Slipfast” is one of the poppier songs on the album. I would describe the song the artist talking about his avoidant personality both in relationships but in himself. What I mean by this is in the opening verse of the song he talks about how if he was younger he would have been more manipulative in his relationship. “If I was younger, I woulda cheated. Told ya I’m sorry, made ya believe it.” But in the second verse, the artist talks about running away from things like his job. The title Kansas Anymore comes from his homesickness the artist has been very open about. So when he mentions wishing to go back home and “throwing in the towel” we can see the clear connection to the overall theme of the album. Finally, in the chorus, Role Model says “Oh, my God, what I’d pay to just run away from this, let me pay for it later Slip fast, get carried away,” essentially saying how he wishes he can just Irish goodbye himself from his adult life problems.
“Look at that Woman”
Originally a single, what originally drew me to this song is its amazing music video, featuring a bunch of aspiring young women in a photo booth including Ariana Greenblatt, Tara Yummy, Lizzy Mcalpine, McKenzie Ziegler, and more. At first listen, I thought the song was how Role Model describes it: nostalgic. His coping song disguised as a little jam. And that is exactly what you get with this song. It’s a dreamy melody and sweet music video is the perfect disguise to the heartbreaking.
Hailey + Yanissah’s Pick
“Sally, When the Wine Runs Out”
“Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” has greatly contributed to Role Model’s rapid growth as an artist, most notably on social media platforms such as TikTok. During each night of his current tour Role Model brings an audience member, “Sally”, on stage during the chorus. This moment has gone viral, and has been compared to other popular artists’ concerts such as Taylor Swift’s “22” hat and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Juno” arrests. This song is definitely the most upbeat on the album, as well as the biggest crowd pleaser.
