ROLE MODEL, Rx | Album Review 💿

Tucker Pillsbury aka ROLE MODEL delivers a short but absolutely compelling debut album with Rx. 

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ometimes, I wish I could be as cool, open, and vulnerable as some of the new crop of musicians.  I’m impressed with their honesty and ‘open book’ status, something I can’t always say about myself.  Throughout his alluring debut album, 💿 Rx, 🎙 ROLE MODEL (🎙 Tucker Pillsbury) always keeps it 100.  His authenticity, despite a relatively chill, cool demeanor, is indisputable.  Early indications suggested this handsome, heavily tatted twentysomething would deliver the goods on album number one.  Ultimately, Rx never disappoints whether it’s his willingness to “die for his bitch” or getting high on the only person who matters (hint: it’s NOT Jesus).  Take this journey with me as I evaluate this musical Rx!

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“die for my bitch” 

ROLE MODEL commences Rx boldly, willing to 🤩 🎵 “die for my bitch”.  On the one hand, Pillsbury is being selfless, asserting in the chorus, “I’m only dyin’ if I die for my bitch.” Later, in the second verse, he goes on to say, “And I’d still be unbothered / If her dad wants me dead / He won’t be upset / If I die for his daughter.” Wow! Still, the word choice, bitch, wouldn’t have flown in the past.  Hey, times have changed and it’s Gen-Z, right (I’m admittedly a millennial)? Ultimately, in his easygoing but highly effective voice, he makes it crystal clear he would die for his true love.

On 🎵 “who hurt you,” ROLE MODEL is also protective of his lady.  He seeks to find out who hurt her.  Clearly, she has low self-esteem – “You said, ‘If you like me / You must have some ugly shit going on inside’” – but he views her differently.  The theme and messaging are incredibly thoughtful, keeping Rx on the upward trajectory.  Pillsbury continues his shine on 🤩 🎵 “forever&more” where he’s found an awesome girl that’s got him thinking the f-word: FOREVER.  In the catchy pre-chorus, Tucker asserts, “Ooh, I bet the boys back home are mad / I found an angel wearing plaid.” In the chorus, he places the emphasis on forever.  While its clear the relationship is serious, Pillsbury is playful, referencing their time together including, you guessed it, S-E-X.  Released as a single in summer 2021, “forever&more” remains fresh and incredibly potent.

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“save a seat”

“One, two / One, two, fuck you.” Wow, what a count off ROLE MODEL serves up on 🎵 “save a seat!”  Once Pillsbury imparts the tale of the song, you understand where the f-bomb stems.  Tucker speaks about a former girlfriend, apparently someone he was really into.  He’s bothered, expectedly, when he sees her with someone else. Also, he criticizes her choice in men, something that in the third verse, might be justified (“You speak politely / Every time he speaks he has to yell”).  Of course, Tucker still a seat saved for himself, which speaks volumes about his feelings on another intriguing moment.

“If Jesus saves then she’s my type / Kiss her face, fuck all night.” Woo! Clearly, this lady is the sugar honey iced tea to ROLE MODEL on 🤩 🎵 “if jesus saves, she’s my type.”  While the title + misusing Jesus won’t please some, it’s hard to deny how clever the song title is.  Furthermore, the song is among the best from Rx, with some clever spiritual and not-so-spiritual lyrics.  Once more, Pillsbury never forces anything vocally, riding the colorful, driving production with ease.  Listening to “if jesus saves, she’s my type,” there’s an ease – a coolness.  A vibe!

“I touch myself / More than I should be / I think of you / Is that a good thing?” ROLE MODEL leaves no doubt what he’s getting at on 🤩 🎵 “masturbation song”. Masturbation has become less taboo but still, seeing it used explicitly in a song title is, well, ‘ballsy’ even in 2022.  Bold title aside, on “masturbation song,” Pillsbury delivers a sexy, vulnerable performance. Sure, he experiences the pleasure of the act he commits but the focus is on her: “I close my eyes / And I’m right above you / Face in your thighs / You said, ‘I love you.’” In the second verse, the perspective of the ‘solo play’ shifts to her as he sings, “You close your eyes / And I’m right behind you / It’s like I’m inside / When I’m not beside you.”  Sexy. Of course, Tucker does reference the power of photos (hers) and indulging too much (“Lights going dim, my limb is blue”), but again, this ‘blinding’ song is more surprising than not, un-nuanced song title aside.

Appears in🔻:

• Role Model, “Masturbation Song”: After Dark 🕛 🌃 28 (2022)

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“neverletyougo”

It’s hard to top a masturbation song but ROLE MODEL manages to do so with 🤩 🎵 “neverletyougo.”  “neverletyougo” is one of the slickest produced numbers from Rx (🎛 Spencer Stewart really did the damn thing on this one). Furthermore, Tucker Pillsbury has some legit swagger here. Sure, the tatted artist doesn’t need much to amp up his swag game, but he delivers even more personality compared to the rest of Rx. This includes him taking the place of her last (“Last man played you like Monopoly (damn)”) and those smoking hot “Photo on the Gram, damn, I love it when you show me up.” Again, Tucker rubs it in other boys’ face because he “Got the girl they dream ‘bout.”  His Mama’s pleased too, seeing Pillsbury happy.  If you like happiness and love, well, you’ll adore “neverletyougo.”

🎵 “stripclub music” marks another one of those moments you ask, before you hear the song, what is Role Model doing? Like 🎵 “masturbation song”, “stripclub music” isn’t exactly as it seems.  “masturbation song” is even more straightforward compared to this one where Tucker pays ode to a hard working woman.  Essentially, he paints a different perspective of a profession that often looked down on. Worth noting, Pillsbury himself has NEVER been to a strip club.  Intriguing!

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“life is funny”

Move over 🎵 “if jesus saves, she’s my type!” 🤩 🎵 “life is funny” has far more ‘blasphemy!’ In Pillsbury’s hands, life is indeed funny as he sees “Jesus kissing on the same sex / Dancing to some Aphex.” Hmm, that’s incredibly far-fetched! Furthermore, he also colorfully informs us that “Even an angel can dance like a hoe” and later, “Even the devil can feel like a fool / Cry enough tears she could fill up a pool.” Woo! It’s outlandish and certainly shouldn’t be shared with your pastor, priest, or rabbi, but it’s compelling and totally entertaining.

ROLE MODEL keeps Rx captivating up to the end.  On penultimate cut 🎵 “can you say the same,” he reflects on his life.  He’s authentic from start to finish, presenting numerous perspectives.  In the first verse, he struggles with friendship in Hollywood, but is thrilled with his relationship.  In the second verse, he misses his friends, wishing they could move to Hollywood too.  Finally, in the third verse, he reflects on an ex who messaged him.  He seems content to not be bothered by her anymore.  One of the selling points is how vulnerable Pillsbury allows himself to be.  He concludes with 🎵 “rx”, where he doesn’t need therapy or Jesus Christ – uh oh! So, what medicine does he need? “Just someone who numbs the pain,” he asserts in the outro, continuing, “I guess you’re all that really matters / Anymore.”

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Final Thoughts 💭

All in all, ROLE MODEL delivers an enjoyable, respectable, and well-rounded debut with Rx.  Throughout the course of 11 tracks, Tucker Pillsbury remains true to self, which is all we could ask for.  He’s never flashy nor does he need to be.  There’s a cool energy about him.  That’s part of his charm.  Also, he has some great material to work with.  I’m onboard!

🤩 Gems 💎: “die for my bitch,” “forever&more,” “if jesus saves, she’s my type,” “masturbation song,” “neverletyougo” & “life is funny”

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🎙 ROLE MODEL • 💿 Rx • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2022

[📷: Interscope]

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