Kansas Anymore – Role Model

By: Sarah Mehret

      Tucker Pillsbury, better known as Role Model, is no stranger to heartbreak, and his sophomore album Kansas Anymore is a testament to that. Released on July 19th, 2024, this 13-track album serves as a raw and introspective reflection on Pillsbury’s 3½-year relationship with influencer Emma Chamberlain. The title itself is a nod to the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, reflecting Pillsbury’s struggle with homesickness as he navigates life far from his roots.  

      The album opens with “Writing’s On The Wall”, a song that perfectly sets the tone for the heartbreak that unfolds throughout the album. Here, Pillsbury wrestles with the bittersweet awareness of a love destined to end, clinging to ignorance until he is ready to face reality. This song is a compelling opener that will resonate with anyone who has faced the uncertainty of a failing relationship. It is extremely fun and catchy, and I could not get it out of my head for days after my first listen.

      Track two, “Look At That Woman”, quickly became my favorite. In this song, Pillsbury explores the process of moving on and the regrets that accompany it. This song is beautiful and refreshing, capturing both his lingering admiration for his ex and the heartache of letting her go. Notably, the lyrics feature references to Emma Chamberlain’s style with mentions of “hoops, white-gold” and “penny loafers covering her toes” adding a personal touch to the song. 

      For those questioning the deeply personal nature of Kansas Anymore, the tracks like “Oh, Gemini”, and “Frances” leave no room for doubt. “Oh, Gemini” depicts a relationship that is falling apart, with the title referencing Chamberlain’s zodiac sign. “Frances”, named after her middle name, is wistful, and regretful, as Pillsbury reflects on the good times in a past relationship and his lingering love for his ex. Both of these songs are incredibly beautiful, as they showcase the depth of Pillsbury’s emotions and his longing to be remembered by his ex.

     With a sound reminiscent of Noah Kahan, The Dinner is a standout track on Kansas Anymore. In this song, Pillsbury describes an uncomfortable dinner and grapples with his intense homesickness for his roots in Maine. Utilizing parallels to The Wizard of Oz, Pillsbury compares his desire to return to Maine to Dorothy’s desire to return home to Kansas. The powerful refrain of “take me home” captures his longing for the East Coast whenever he is in Los Angeles. This track resonates deeply with me, and it’s one of the most memorable on the album.

      Kansas Anymore closes with “Something, Somehow, Someday”, a track that hints at the possibility of the ex-lovers still being “meant to be”. This final song leaves the conclusion of this love story open-ended, and it is a beautiful piece that leaves listeners contemplating what might come next. While it might not be my favorite track, it’s still a beautiful conclusion to the album, leaving the door open for more.=

       Kansas Anymore provides listeners with an honest and emotional glimpse into Role Model’s mind, blending catchy melodies with themes of heartbreak, homesickness, and self-discovery. This album marks an exciting evolution in Pillsbury’s sound, and I am eager to see else what he has in store with the deluxe version set to release on Friday, February 14th, 2025. Overall, Kansas Anymore has launched Pillsbury into the spotlight, and I cannot wait to see where it takes him next.

Rating: 8.5/10

Favorite Tracks: Writing’s On The Wall, Look At That Woman, The Dinner, So Far Gone