Chappell Roan Makes a Heartfelt Return With New Single “The Subway”
After more than a year of fan anticipation, rising pop provocateur Chappell Roan has officially released her newest single, “The Subway,” along with a stunning 35mm music video directed by Amber Grace Johnson. The track first gained attention during Roan’s viral Governors Ball 2024 performance, where she debuted the song while painted green as Lady Liberty — a moment that quickly captured the internet’s imagination.Released Thursday night, with the video following early Friday, “The Subway” marks a new chapter for Roan — raw, cinematic, and emotionally rich.
From Viral Performance to Studio Release
Fans first heard “The Subway” during Roan’s set at Governors Ball 2024, where she stunned the crowd with bold visuals and vulnerability, singing the song live as she embodied the Statue of Liberty. The performance became a viral moment across TikTok and Instagram, fueling months of speculation over when the track would be officially released.“I’m very proud of this song & what a journey she has been on,” Roan wrote on Instagram. “I first played it at Gov Ball when I was painted green as Lady Liberty and in the past have played new songs live to feel them out.”
A Music Video Rooted in Melancholy and Movement
Directed by Amber Grace Johnson, the music video was shot entirely on 35mm film in New York City, giving it a dreamy, analog aesthetic that complements the song’s emotional tone. Roan roams the city wearing exaggerated wigs and theatrical outfits, navigating heartbreak and solitude in subway tunnels and bustling sidewalks.The visual storytelling echoes themes of isolation and longing, turning everyday urban scenes into a stage for emotional release — and proving once again that Roan’s visual language is just as powerful as her songwriting.
“The Subway” Signals a Deeper Sound
Sonically, “The Subway” leans into a more melancholic, introspective register, with sweeping synths and restrained vocals that feel worlds away from the punchier pop of her previous hits. It’s a shift that hints at Roan’s evolving artistry and willingness to let heartbreak sit in the spotlight.As anticipation builds for her next project, this single reaffirms her place as one of pop’s most original and emotionally honest voices — one who’s unafraid to dress up, break down, and put it all on the line.
