Tucker Pillsbury, formally known as Role Model, released his sophomore album “Kansas Anymore” on July 19, 2024. Six months later, Pillsbury released the deluxe version of the album, which added four new songs. The album, a stark contrast to Pillsbury’s previous releases, veered off of the mainstream radio track so he could find his own sound that compliments his voice and personality.

In 2017, Pillsbury independently released his first EP “Arizona in the Summer” when late musician Mac Miller discovered him. Miller flew to Los Angeles to mentor and sign Pillsbury as an artist. Under Miller’s guidance, Pillsbury released two more EP’s and his debut album “Rx.”

Through Miller’s influence, Pillsbury incorporated rap and many pop characteristics into “Rx,” hoping to break into the mainstream world. In contrast to “Rx,” “Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye),” explores deeper emotions and life experiences with various sounds, ranging from ballads to upbeat songs.

The album begins with the upbeat song, “Writing’s On The Wall,” which explores Pillsbury’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend. The album as a whole shows Pillsbury’s vulnerability, but many of the songs are masked by cheerful melodies and loud instrumentals, such as “Scumbag,” “Look At The Woman” and “Slipfast.”

Similar to many artists, Pillsbury takes influence from folk, indie and jazz music. “Something, Somehow, Someday” exemplifies these traits, but also incorporates Pillsbury’s personality. Without completely disregarding his past music style, “Something, Somehow, Someday” and his other slower songs include rap-style lyrics. The juxtaposition adds a complementary element that is sonically pleasing.

Although the original “Kansas Anymore” album was cohesive and well done, the addition of the four deluxe songs completes the album in a way that it was not before. The deluxe songs begin with “Old Recliners,” which focuses on Pillsbury’s love for his past relationship and moving on in the future. The song alludes to previous songs on the album, like “Frances,” to emphasize his heartbreak. The song is deeply vulnerable, showcasing his nostalgia and contrasting his carefree past self to his longing present self.

After “Old Recliners,” the song, “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” follows the same message of trying to move on after his relationship. However, this song follows the trend of upbeat instrumentals accompanied by meaningful lyrics. “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” is very cohesive to Role Model’s past work, such as “neverletyougo,” from his debut album. Role Model teased this song on TikTok, which had fans anticipating the release.

The last two songs on the album carry a resigned tone. “Some Protector,” the second to last song, acknowledges and accepts the ending to his aforementioned relationship, though he will always be there for her. This song is deeply relatable, whether it be about a friendship or relationship, as the message is nearly universal.

The ending song, “The Longest Goodbye,” is a fan favorite, and for good reasons. The song, different from any other song on the album, has a jazzy sound to it. The song is filled with light horns and guitar strumming that feels sentimental and nostalgic. Many compared it to Disney classics like “Toy Story” and “The Princess and the Frog,” and the similarity is not only present, but adds to the likeability to the song. Just as Pillsbury is reminiscing about his relationship in the song, the song also allows listeners to reminisce about their own past and childhood. The song is emotional and not only vulnerable to Pillsubury, but to all fans and listeners.

As many artists release deluxe albums to gain listeners or add unneeded songs, Pillsbury’s release gave closure to his story. He found his sound and disregarded the need to be mainstream in order to release authentic music. While many artists fill the role of indie, folk and country stars, the release of “Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye)” allows Role Model to find success by being authentic to himself.