“Kansas Anymore” by Role Model was released July 19, 2024, with a total runtime of 41 minutes across 13 tracks. It is Role Model’s first folk based album, unlike his debut album “Rx” which featured aspects of alternative R&B and pop.
The deluxe version of “Kansas Anymore,” titled “Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye),” was announced on Feb. 10 and later released on Feb. 14. It added 14 minutes with an additional four tracks.
These extra tracks perfectly reframe the album’s narrative, transforming the ending from a hopeful ending to a final goodbye. Specifically, the ending tracks of both the original album and the deluxe version provide the stark contrast that changes the overall meaning.
The original album ends with “Something, Somehow, Someday,” which conveys a sense of hope and belief that things are “meant to be,” no matter what. However, the deluxe version’s closing track shifts towards acceptance, acknowledging that there is no longer hope or destiny. It symbolizes the end of the “Kansas Anymore” era.
“Old Recliners” is a very soft song, embodying a feeling of nostalgia and comfort. The title “Old Recliners” refers to the comfort and support that a past relationship provides, similar to the comfort of an old recliner chair. This song is the perfect soundtrack for a late night of stargazing and reminiscing.
Role Model teased “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” on TikTok, and it has since become a popular track for dancing on the app. The song stands out from the rest of the album due to its upbeat nature. Despite its sound, the lyrics dive into a deeper meaning of love, insecurity, and self-doubt.
“Some Protector” was teased on Role Models Instagram but did not gain as much attention as “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” It focuses on wanting the best for a person while also recognizing that you cannot be that for them. It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of loving someone from afar, like the lyric “Holding on from a distance” alludes to.
The closing track, “The Longest Goodbye,” musically resembles songs that can be found in the movie Toy Story. It explores the theme of acceptance and moving on from old relationships while acknowledging the challenge of letting go when lingering feelings remain.
This album and genre shift from Role Model was unexpected but excellently executed. Each song tells its own different and unique story. “Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye)” is one of my favorite albums of all time, and I am excited to see what else Role Model will do as he continues to grow in the industry.
