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Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl

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"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl"
Song by Chappell Roan
from the album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
ReleasedSeptember 22, 2023
StudioAmusement (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length3:03
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Dan Nigro
  • Mike Wise
Visualizer
"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" on YouTube

"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" is a song by American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan. It was released as the sixth track of Roan's debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, on September 22, 2023, through Amusement and Island Records. Blending various pop, electronic, and dance subgenres and 1980s influences, "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" was produced by Dan Nigro and Mike Wise.

Roan's narration throughout the song describes her dislike for dating "hyper-mega-bummer boys" and want for a "super graphic ultra modern girl" like her. "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" was well-received by critics, who praised the song's upbeat nature and lyricism. Commercially, the song peaked at number 16 on Billboard’s US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and received certifications in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Background and release

[edit]

Kayleigh Amstutz, later known as Chappell Roan, began posting cover songs to YouTube in 2014. She also posted an original song, "Die Young". This caught the attention of Australian singer Troye Sivan, who stated to "go give her some love".[1][2] She adopted the stage name Chappell Roan and signed to Atlantic Records in 2015.[1][3][4][5][6] While under the label, she released her debut EP, School Nights (2017), and three singles in 2020: "Pink Pony Club", "Love Me Anyway", and "California".[3][4][7] She was dropped by Atlantic in 2020 following the release of the singles and moved back to her home state of Missouri following this.[3][4][6]

While still signed with Atlantic, Roan worked with producer Dan Nigro, who would become known for his work with Olivia Rodrigo.[3][4][6] She would return to music in 2022 with the self-released song "Naked in Manhattan".[6] Roan signed to Island Records and Amusement Records, the latter of which Nigro started to fund Roan's projects.[3][8] "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" was released as the sixth track of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess on September 22, 2023, alongside an accompanying visualizer.[3][8][9][10] A demo version was released with a Tidal reissue.[11]

Roan experienced a growth in popularity after opening for Rodrigo on the Guts World Tour and after the release of "Good Luck, Babe!" (2024).[1] Because of this, "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" would begin to chart almost a year after its release. The song debuted at number 24 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart for August 17, 2024. It peaked at number 16 on that chart and failed to enter the main Hot 100 chart.[12][13] It was additionally certified silver in the United Kingdom and gold in Australia and the United States.[14][15][16]

Composition and lyrics

[edit]

"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" has a run time of three minutes and three seconds.[17] Musically, it has been described as a pop,[18][19] electropop,[20] electroclash,[21] electro,[22] house,[21][23] and dance track,[24] taking influence from 1980s music.[25] Written in the key of C♯ major, it is an upbeat song with a "stomping" tempo of 126 beats per minute.[19][26][27]

"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" focuses on Roan's dislike for dating men. She has stated that the title of the song was inspired by an Architecture Digest video in which the narrator says a house's architecture is "super graphic and ultra-modern". The lyrics call men "hyper-mega-bummer boys" and condemn them for wearing "fugly jeans", all while Roan "harnesses her power". Roan takes what has been described as a "main-character monologue" by Pitchfork's Olivia Horn in the opening verse. The lyrics also state that Roan is "not overdramatic", and states she needs a "super graphic ultra modern girl like [her]."[19][23][28][29]

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Roan expressed her admiration for Charli XCX and that she wanted to work with Mike Wise. Wise was known for producing the song "Yuck," off of Charli XCX’s fifth studio album, Crash (2022). Roan also said she wanted to make a song that "drag queens can do fully."[28] In an NME interview preceding her album’s release, Roan stated that wrote the song "for the gays" and that she thought listeners would be most surprised by it.[30]

Roan wrote the track with Dan Nigro, Annika Bennett, Jonah Shy, and Mike Wise.[9][31] Nigro handled keyboards, engineering, drum programming, synthesizers, guitar, and produced the track with Wise and assistant producer Shy. Serban Ghenea mixed the track with assistance from Bryce Bordone, and Randy Merrill mastered it. Recording took place at Amusement Studios.[9][31]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" has been described as "excellent"[32] and was generally met with positive reviews. Illustrate Magazine called the track a "breath of fresh air in the music world".[33] Vogue[a] and Billboard[b] journalists have praised the song. AllMusic declared that the 80s throwback had one of the best choruses throughout the entire album.[25] DIY’s Otis Robinson says that a track like "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" blends "teen melodrama with queer euphoria".[37] Sam Franzini praised Roan’s lyricism.[19] Dani Maher called both "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" and "Femininomenon" "over-the-top upbeat tracks".[27] Elle said that Roan gave great advice in the song: "Never EVER waste a Friday night on a first date".[38] Vulture said that "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" is a "phrase with perfect rhythm".[39] Deia Penn says Roan dismisses heterosexuality for a 'Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl' that has "high-femme, high-camp energy".[40]

Many comparisons were made between the song and other pop culture icons. These include Confidence Man, Madonna's Ray of Light (1998),[23][41] Barbie (2023),[19] Footloose (1984),[42] RuPaul's "Supermodel" (1992), and Scissor Sisters' "Let's Have a Kiki" (2012).[43][39] Multiple reviews noticed the influences from Lady Gaga, especially her album Chromatica (2020).[42][43][41][39]

"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" was ranked on multiple end-of-year song lists, including ones from the Los Angeles Times and Elle.[38][44][45]

Critics' year-end rankings of "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl"
Publication List Rank Ref.
Elle The Best Songs of 2023 — [38]
Los Angeles Times The 100 Best Songs of 2023 19 [44]
Them Our 23 Favorite Songs by LGBTQ+ Artists in 2023 — [45]

Live performances and other usage

[edit]

Roan performed a hi-NRG rendition of "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" on the Midwest Princess Tour (2023-2024).[42][46][47] A version described by Michael Rietmulder as a "new wavy time warp" was played at Capitol Hill Block Party.[48] The song was also performed at Austin City Limits,[49] Osheaga,[50] Boston Calling,[51] Bonnaroo,[52] Lollapalooza,[53] and Outside Lands.[54] Roan additionally performed "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" at Elton John's Oscar viewing party, run by John's AIDS Foundation.[55][56]

"Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" was featured in the episode "Brandon from College" from the American TV show Laid.[57] It was also featured in the trailers for the third season of The Sex Lives of College Girls and Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie.[58][59] The song made a televised appearance when Roan performed it for the Christmas special of Carpool Karaoke in 2024.[60] "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" is also part of the soundtrack of Vale Tudo, a remake of the original Brazilian telenovela that aired in 1988. It serves as the theme for Bella Campos’ character Maria de Fátima.[61]

Credits

[edit]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and Tidal.[9][31][62]

Chart

[edit]
Chart performance for "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[13] 16

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[15] Gold 35,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[14] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[16] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Liam Hess stated that it was a "banger that's made for strutting to work",[22] and Alex Jhamb Burns said it was her favorite song on the album.[34]
  2. ^ Stephen Daw stated that the song was fueled by "pop adrenaline",[18] Jason Lipshutz, Joe lynch, and Starr Bowenblank say that the song "represents an eyeroll",[35] and Billboard Philippines states the song "oozes confidence".[36]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Monteil, Abby (October 3, 2024). "A Timeline of Chappell Roan's Rapid Rise From YouTube Covers to Global Stardom". Them. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  2. ^ Troye Sivan [@troyesivan] (November 5, 2014). "i've had 16 year old girl on repeat for 2 months. you HAVE to listen to this, guys - go send some love" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Meet Chappell Roan, L.A.'s queer pop superstar in the making". Los Angeles Times. August 29, 2023. Archived from the original on March 18, 2025. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d Romano, Tricia; Kasinger, Chona (July 24, 2024). "Chappell Roan Booked a Tour. Then She Blew Up". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  5. ^ Zellner, Xander (April 16, 2024). "Hot 100 First-Timer: Chappell Roan Arrives With New Single 'Good Luck, Babe!'". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d Daw, Stephen (December 20, 2022). "Chappell Roan's Big Year: How the DIY Indie-Pop Star 'Casual'-ly Thrived in Her Post-Label Era". Billboard. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  7. ^ Dodson, P. Claire (March 9, 2023). "Underneath Chappell Roan's Hannah Montana Wig? A Pop Star for the Ages". Teen Vogue. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
  8. ^ a b Havens, Lyndsey (June 9, 2023). "Inside Daniel Nigro's New Imprint Amusement Records". Billboard. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c d "Album Credits". Chappell Roan. Retrieved March 16, 2025.
  10. ^ Armstrong, Sam (September 22, 2023). "Chappell Roan Releases Debut Album 'The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
  11. ^ Chappell Roan - Chappell Roan The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Tidal, September 22, 2023, retrieved May 21, 2025
  12. ^ "Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 17, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  13. ^ a b "Chappell Roan Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  14. ^ a b "British single certifications – Chappell Roan – Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  15. ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2025 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  16. ^ a b "American single certifications – Chappell Roan – Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  17. ^ Spotify (September 22, 2023), Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, retrieved March 22, 2025
  18. ^ a b Daw, Stephen (September 22, 2023). "Queer Jams of the Week: New Music from Troye Sivan, 070 Shake, Chappell Roan & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  19. ^ a b c d e "Chappell Roan: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - big pop smashes lead the way | Pop". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  20. ^ "10 Cool Pop Songs to Get You Through the Week: Chappell Roan, Bleachers, Kylie Minogue & More". Billboard. September 25, 2023. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  21. ^ a b Zaleski, Annie (June 29, 2024). "Why Chappell Roan is your dream girl's dream girl – and 2024's breakout artist". Salon. Retrieved January 25, 2025. …brash electroclash and house music ('Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl')...
  22. ^ a b Hess, Liam (October 23, 2023). "The Best Albums of 2023". Vogue. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  23. ^ a b c Horn, Olivia (September 27, 2023). "Chappell Roan: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  24. ^ "Chappell Roan: 'I had to honour the inner child in me who had to be obnoxious and loud and wear gaudy outfits'". Dork. December 21, 2023. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  25. ^ a b "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - Chappell Roan| AllMusic". AllMusic. Archived from the original on August 20, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  26. ^ "Key & BPM for Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl by Chappell Roan | TuneBat". TuneBat. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  27. ^ a b Maher, Dani (September 12, 2024). "Who is Chappell Roan, 'your favourite artist's favourite artist'?". Harper’s Bazaar Australia. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
  28. ^ a b Mier, Tomás (September 21, 2023). "How Chappell Roan Found 'Complete Freedom and Euphoria' Making Her Debut Album". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 18, 2025. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
  29. ^ Johnston, Maura (December 5, 2023). "The 10 Best Albums of 2023". Time. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  30. ^ Levine, Nick (June 21, 2023). "Chappell Roan is becoming the queer pop icon of her dreams". NME. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
  31. ^ a b c Island Records; Amusement Records (2023). The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (Media notes). Chappell Roan.
  32. ^ Millman, Ethan; Mier, Tomás (April 11, 2024). "25 Acts We Can't Wait to See at Coachella". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
  33. ^ Finch, Gabe (September 28, 2023). "Chappell Roan Unveils "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" Track, a Captivating Musical Journey". Illustrate Magazine. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  34. ^ Burns, Alex Jhamb (September 25, 2023). "Chappell Roan Is the Queer Pop Moment". Vogue. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  35. ^ Lipshutz, Jason; Lynch, Joe; Bowenbank, Starr (September 25, 2023). "10 Cool Pop Songs to Get You Through the Week: Chappell Roan, Bleachers, Kylie Minogue & More". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  36. ^ "15 Songs For Graduation Season — Staff Picks". Billboard Philippines. May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  37. ^ Robinson, Otis (September 22, 2023). "Chappell Roan - The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess". DIY. Archived from the original on November 16, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  38. ^ a b c "The Best Songs of 2023". Elle. December 4, 2023.
  39. ^ a b c Suskind, Justin Curto, Alex (December 6, 2023). "The Best Songs of 2023". Vulture. Retrieved May 12, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ Penn, Deia (September 13, 2024). "'Thanks to Chappell Roan, hyper-feminine queer women can finally take up space'". Gay Times. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  41. ^ a b Mylrea, Hannah (September 21, 2023). "Chappell Roan – 'The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess' review: unabashedly fun anthems". NME. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
  42. ^ a b c "Chappell Roan review – a super graphic ultra modern showbiz star". The Guardian. September 21, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  43. ^ a b Suskind, Justin; Curto, Alex (December 6, 2023). "The Best Songs of 2023". Vulture. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  44. ^ a b "The 100 Best Songs of 2023". Los Angeles Times. December 6, 2023. Archived from the original on February 1, 2025. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
  45. ^ a b Velasquez, Juan (December 4, 2023). "Our 23 Favorite Songs by LGBTQ+ Artists in 2023". Them. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
  46. ^ "Review of Chappell Roan's Midwest Princess Tour: the immaculate consecration of safe spaces". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  47. ^ Rigotti, Alex (September 20, 2024). "Chappell Roan live in London: a joyous celebration of queerness, community and fun". NME. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  48. ^ Rietmulder, Michael (July 22, 2024). "Chappell Roan electrifies Capitol Hill Block Party; fans raise safety concerns". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
  49. ^ "Chappell Roan Lives Up To The Hype At ACL Fest 2024". Uproxx. October 7, 2024. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  50. ^ "Chappell Roan proves she's a pop superstar at Osheaga 2024, as Montreal's 'Pink Pony Club' parties in sweltering heat". Yahoo News. August 8, 2024. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  51. ^ Kevin Slane, Annie Jonas, Kristina DaPonte, Heather Alterisio. "Boston Calling 2024: Live updates from the festival". Boston.com. Retrieved May 9, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. ^ Latham, Audrey Gibbs and Angele. "Nurse-clad Chappell Roan heals huge Bonnaroo crowd with her pop anthems. See the show's top moments, setlist". The Tennessean. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
  53. ^ Riedel, Samantha (August 2, 2024). "Chappell Roan Was Your Favorite Wrestler's Favorite Wrestler at Lollapalooza". Them. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
  54. ^ "Chappell Roan Calls Out The VIPs For Being 'Too Cool' To Have Fun". UPROXX. August 12, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
  55. ^ "Elton John joins Chappell Roan for 'Pink Pony Club' duet at epic Oscars night jam session". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  56. ^ Billboard (March 3, 2025). Chappell Roan Performs "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" At Elton John's Oscar Party #Shorts (Video). Retrieved May 4, 2025 – via YouTube.
  57. ^ Gomez, Dessi (December 20, 2024). "'Laid' Soundtrack: All The Songs You'll Hear In The Peacock Comedy Series". Deadline. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  58. ^ "'The Sex Lives of College Girls' Season 3 Trailer Is Soundtracked by Chappell Roan". ELLE. October 30, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  59. ^ White, Abbey (May 24, 2025). "'Gabby's Dollhouse' Star Laila Lockhart Kraner on How Upcoming Movie Will Appeal Beyond the Series' Pre-School Audience". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
  60. ^ Olson, Samantha (December 16, 2024). "You Need to Watch Chappell Roan Sing "Pink Pony Club" With Her Parents". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  61. ^ "Trilha sonora de Vale Tudo: confira quem canta as músicas temas da novela das 9". gshow (in Brazilian Portuguese). March 25, 2025. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
  62. ^ Chappell Roan - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, September 22, 2023, retrieved March 21, 2025
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