So, you’ve probably seen it on a shelf or floating around a Discogs forum: the Chappell Roan Popstar Edition. It sounds fancy. It sounds like it should have five unreleased tracks and maybe a lock of hair. But honestly? If you’re hunting for a secret treasure trove of new music, you’re looking at the wrong pressing.
Let’s get the record straight. The "Popstar Edition" is basically the standard, black vinyl version of her debut masterpiece, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
It’s not a "deluxe" in the way Taylor Swift or Olivia Rodrigo do deluxes. There are no "Vault" tracks here. It’s the 14-song journey from "Femininomenon" to "Guilty Pleasure" that we all know and scream-sing in our cars. But in the world of vinyl collecting—especially when an artist goes from "indie darling" to "global phenomenon" in six months—the naming gets a little confusing.
Why call it Chappell Roan Popstar Edition at all?
Labels love a brand. When Chappell and her team at Island/Amusement Records released the album on September 22, 2023, they weren't just dropping a record; they were building a world. The "Popstar Edition" tag was a bit of a wink and a nod to the persona. It’s camp. It’s theatrical. It’s Chappell.
Kinda funny, right?
At the time, she was still playing smaller venues and building that cult following. Fast forward to 2024 and 2025, and suddenly everyone is scrambling for any physical copy they can get their hands on. Because the "Popstar Edition" is the most widely produced version, it’s often the entry point for new fans who missed out on the ultra-rare "Coke Bottle Clear" or the "Glitter" variants from Urban Outfitters.
The actual specs (and the gripes)
If you buy this version today, here is what you're actually getting:
- Two LPs: It’s a 2xLP set, though the fourth side is usually etched or blank because the album is about 49 minutes long.
- Gatefold Jacket: It’s got that iconic, chaotic pageant-queen artwork.
- The Music: You get the hits. "Pink Pony Club," "Casual," and "Hot To Go!" are all there.
Now, if you check out the reviews on sites like Discogs, fans are a bit split. Some people are annoyed that the packaging is "bare bones." We’re talking no lyric sheets and no credits on the inner sleeves. It’s just the music. But for most of us, the "Popstar Edition" is about the sound quality, which—credit to producer Dan Nigro—is actually pretty stellar on wax.
The confusion with "Good Luck, Babe!" and the "Deluxe" era
Here is where the internet gets messy.
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Because Chappell released "Good Luck, Babe!" in April 2024 and it absolutely nuked the charts, everyone assumed a "Deluxe Popstar Edition" with that song was imminent. Then came "The Subway" and "The Giver" in 2025. Fans started speculating that the Chappell Roan Popstar Edition would be updated to include these.
It hasn’t happened.
As of right now, if you want "Good Luck, Babe!" on vinyl, you’re usually looking for the 7-inch single. Chappell has been pretty vocal about the fact that her second album—the "hot new bombshell entering the villa," as she teased on Instagram—is its own thing. She isn't just tacking new hits onto the old era. She’s moving on.
Comparing the Editions (A Quick Breakdown)
You've got options, but they aren't all created equal.
- The Popstar Edition: The standard black 2LP. Best for people who actually want to play their records without worrying about "collector value" or surface noise from glitter.
- The Collector's Edition: This one is the "O-Card" version. It comes with a slipcase, a 24-page booklet, and these little Mylar glitter stars. If you’re a completionist, this is the one you hunt for on eBay.
- The Anniversary Edition: Released later to celebrate the album's massive success, often featuring "My Kink is Coral" colored vinyl or "Peaches & Cream" variants.
What you need to know before buying
Don't get scammed by resellers. Seriously.
Because Chappell’s fame exploded so fast, some people are listing the Chappell Roan Popstar Edition for $100+ claiming it’s a "rare limited release." It’s not. It’s the standard pressing. It gets restocked at places like Amazon, Target, and independent record stores pretty regularly.
If you see it for $35 or $40? That’s the fair price. If you see it for $150? Close the tab.
Is it worth it?
Honestly, yeah. Even without the bells and whistles of the "Collector’s" version, the album itself is a no-skip run. There’s something about hearing "Kaleidoscope" on a turntable that hits different than a Spotify stream. It feels more intentional. More vulnerable.
Where the "Popstar" goes from here
As we move through 2026, the focus has shifted toward her second studio album. We know Dan Nigro is back in the producer chair. We know it’s likely going to be "more experimental" and "explicitly sapphic," according to her recent interviews.
But the Chappell Roan Popstar Edition remains the definitive document of her origin story. It’s the record of the girl from Willard, Missouri, who got dropped by her label, moved home, worked at a coffee shop, and then decided to become the biggest thing in pop music on her own terms.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check Local Shops First: Before hitting the big corporate sites, call your local record store. They often get the "Popstar Edition" in stock and it supports the local scene Chappell loves.
- Verify the Catalog Number: If you're buying online, look for B0038016-01. That’s the official Popstar Edition.
- Don't Expect Bonus Tracks: Remember, this is the original 14-track list. If you want the new stuff, you'll have to wait for the second album or hunt down the 7-inch singles.
- Keep the 7-inch Singles: If you managed to snag "The Subway" or "The Giver" on vinyl, hold onto them. Those are the ones that will actually be "rare" in five years.