It’s rare to write a breakup album that radiates pure love. Role Model, also known as Tucker Pillsbury, does just that. His album, Kansas Anymore depicts his breakup with influencer Emma Chamberlain in a loving way. He doesn’t make anyone look like the “bad guy”.
So, dive into this rollercoaster of love and loss with us song-by-song while we tell you why this is the breakup album of the year.
Writing’s On The Wall- Lizzie
This is one of the best opening tracks on an album that I have heard in a long time. The intro sets the tone for the album. The first line, “Dad’s on the phone, and he’s lecturing me “Bout a girl that he met back when he was nineteen ‘It’s never gonna work ’cause the puzzle won’t piece.” In this line, Tucker is talking about advice that was given to him about a girl he is hung up on. We’ll soon come to find out that the girl is Emma Chamberlain. With its catchy melodies, this song is a great opener and a great way to set the tone for the themes of this album.
Look At That Woman- Hanna
This track is a breezy listen but a meaning of mistakes, regrets, and heartbreak. As once again reflecting on his breakup with Emma Chamberlain. Tucker says in a previous interview with Clash, “It’s my coping song disguised as a nice, easygoing little jam.” This song deals with the process of him moving on and coping, as he regrets some decisions he made in the relationship. Personally when I first listened to this song I thought it was good for a summer drive never thinking about what the lyrics actually were, but now that I know what they mean I give him so much credit for making a sad song a happy feel.
Sc**bag- Lizzie
This song explores the feeling of not feeling good enough for anyone- a feeling that a lot of people in this generation can relate to. Tucker can be heard questioning his self worth saying that even though he feels as if he’s a horrible person and a setback in everyone’s life, the people around him still stick around. The song itself is catchy and is one I find myself humming during my downtime. My favorite thing about this track is how even though he’s putting himself down, he’s still showing gratitude for the people in his life that stay with him despite his flaws.
Oh, Gemini- Hanna
In this track Tucker has desperate vulnerability and a melancholy feel to it. With it still going on with the theme of heartbreak, feeling unseen, and having lingering regrets, with lyrics like “but without you, what am I?” and “please remember my name,” he does a great job showing what his experience was after the breakup. In this track he expresses how he fears he would be forgotten by his ex. To me, this is one of those songs where even if you might not relate to it, you still can appreciate the thought and effort Tucker put into putting his true feelings through the song.
Frances- Lizzie
Heartbreaking and beautiful are two words I would use to describe this song. “Frances” is the middle name of Emma, Tucker’s ex. Fans of the two were quick to pick up on little details of the song that confirmed that the song was about the breakup. For those who are fans of Emma and Tucker, this song explains a lot about the dynamic of their relationship. Tucker is heard here reminiscing on the good days, the bad days and everything in between. He also reflects on the little things she loved, showing how he still cares for her even if they aren’t together anymore. Tucker has confirmed writing songs about Emma in the past, but in “Frances” and “Oh Gemini” is the most explicit he has gotten about their separation.
Superglue- Lizzie
This chirpy and cheery track like others on this album may sound like a warm summer day. Don’t be fooled, though the upbeat guitar and melody juxtapose the lyrics where Role Model is heard desperately apologizing for his wrongdoings in the relationship. He describes attempting to ‘superglue’ the relationship back together so that he doesn’t have to go through the heartbreak of losing this person. It can be seen within the next few songs on this album that he realizes he can’t just ‘superglue’ a relationship back together and that he needs to learn to let go. I absolutely love this song, and can’t seem to ever get it out of my head. It’s definitely the first song I would put on when listening to this album.
The Dinner- Hanna
This is my favorite track on the album. As it’s one of those songs that regardless of the meaning, it’s covered up by an energetic vibe. It starts off with “well, he was bragging ’bout investments, she was talking ’bout Ozempic.” The first time I heard those beginning lyrics I was very confused as I didn’t know the inspiration behind them. After doing some research I realized that this song is all the uncomfortable feelings in a relationship represented by an awkward dinner. I love that Tucker gives us a lot of imagery in this song showing that even though the song is sung one way you have to truly listen to the lyrics to understand the hidden meaning behind it.
Deeply Still In Love- Lizzie
“Deeply Still In Love” is the first single from this album and arguably one of Tucker’s most popular songs. I remember listening to the unreleased snippet of this song back in May 2024, and absolutely falling in love with the pre chorus. From that moment on, I knew that we were going to be in for a treat with this album. “Deeply Still In Love,” has an upbeat cadence and it makes you feel like you’re driving down the highway with the windows down on a summer day. There’s more to the song beyond the catchy melodies and the funky guitar. It doesn’t occur to you that he’s talking about going through heartbreak. He acknowledges that he is proud of his ex for moving on, but he is still so stuck on her.This song serves as a reminder that being heartbroken can still leave you feeling so much love.
Sl** Era Interlude- Hanna
This track is very vulnerable. As he takes you through all his complexities on dealing with a heartbreak. You can tell through his voice he approaches this with a lot of depth compared to his other songs in this album like Deeply Still in Love and Sc**bag. With lyrics like “I don’t want you, but I want you to spend the night,” and “I’m going through it, girl.” Showing that he doesn’t know what to do with himself after the breakup. Sl** Era Interlude is one of those songs where a lot of people can relate to. Maybe not his exact experience, but the struggles of no longer being with someone and not knowing how to act.
So Far Gone (Feat. Lizzy McAlpine)- Hanna
This being the only track with a feature on this album, Lizzy McAlpine did not disappoint. As their voices perfectly blend together making a relaxing, and enjoyable song despite the sad purpose behind it. Role Model and Lizzy McAlpine take us on a journey through one of his past relationships that he wishes he could have done some things differently, while also acknowledging flaws in his ex’s communication skills. With lyrics like “you’re worse than my mother, pointin’ out flaws like it’s your day job,” and “look at what we uncovered, at least the both of us changed.”
Slipfast- Lizzie
We take a break from heartbreak to talk about wanting to escape from reality. We’ve all been there: wanting to just escape from all your responsibilities and embrace a life without constraints. In this song, Tucker talks about doing just that through his reckless behavior and impulsiveness with his actions. My theory is that the repeated chorus is Tucker getting carried away with the freedom he feels with embracing this lifestyle; then realizing he shouldn’t be living that way, and then falling into the cycle all over again. The breeziness of this song is perfect for a nice walk in the spring air or to put on in the background while doing homework.
Compromise- Lizzie
This song is one of the most devastating songs on this record. For me, hearing this song live would probably make me sob. The chorus, “don’t you compromise” is talking about having to let go of a love interest, acknowledging that they deserve a happy ending. Reminding the person, in this case Tucker’s ex, to never settle or compromise for someone that isn’t good for her. The first few notes of this song make it sound like it could be a lullaby or some sort of cute love song, but listening to the lyrics led me on an emotional rollercoaster.
Something, Somehow, Someday- Hanna
This track explores the complexities of his relationship. He takes a folk country approach where it’s a little different compared to all of the other songs on this album. With that it enhances the emotional vulnerability of his album once again like he did in songs like Compromise, and Sl** Era Interlude. Tucker acknowledges his flaws in this song, showing that through some of the lyrics like “he’s a piece of work,” and “well, he’s a loose cannon, foolish man who needs some medication.” I love this song because of the way he delivers the message. Although this album is about his past relationship he does a good job showing all the different sides and emotions he felt during and after it.
Tucker turns the negatives into positives with this record, proving that a heartbreak doesn’t have to be fully devastating. Yes, it can be sad and filled with confusion and new emotions, but it can also be filled with so much love and most importantly, growth.