All posts by Stohion Staff

Entertainment

Zayn Malik to release first album as a solo artist

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By Maeonne Phillips

Singer Zayn Malik may have lost his band members back in March of 2015 but definitely not his talent. Former One direction member officially left his band on the March 25; however, he decided to keep his music career alive.

After an abrupt departure from his record label with One Direction, Malik left many fans devastated and in shock.  

He left no explanation for his decision until July 29 when he tweeted, “I guess I never explained why I left, it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who I really am!”

Along with this, he tweeted a picture of him signing  to a new record label, deciding to go solo. Since then, Malik has released singles which have caused an uprising of mixed emotions between fans. The songs have climbed the charts on iTunes, yet some One Direction fans are still bitter he left the band.

These singles include “Pillow Talk,” “It’s You,” and his most recent single released March 11, “Like I Would.” Malik’s music genre is described as pop, R&B and sometimes rock, which is different from One Direction’s strict pop style.

At the moment, Malik is making no public contact with his former band and One Direction are dealing with their own career making decisions.

While One direction’s On the Road Again tour ended October 31 2015, the band is now said to be on break, but most fans question whether the members will even be back to make new music at all. This theory is the response to many situations including the length of time they have been producing music and the drama the members have gone through such as Louis Tomlinson becoming a father.

Malik’s first solo album, “Mind of Mine,” is scheduled to be released on March 25, the same day he left the band the previous year. The album can be pre-ordered now on iTunes and with the purchase buyers will receive his current three singles automatically.

Fans everywhere are eagerly waiting for the release and the album seems guaranteed to live up to the expectations.

Reviews

New Rihanna album proves to be unique and notable

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By Emma Shultz

On January 28, Rihanna released the album, “Anti.”

This album is unlike anything pop fans have seen from Rihanna. In fact, one does not even have to be a pop fan to enjoy this artful album.

January 27, the day before the release of “Anti,” the single entitled “Work,” featuring Drake, was released and instantly played on popular radio stations. The song is one of the most fast-paced on the album, incorporating  pop-like melodies and lyrics. “Work” is enough to get anyone on their feet, including Jennifer Lopez during her appearance on the Jimmy Fallon Show which blew up on social media.  

Another notable song on the album is “Desperado,” which seems to deal with a breakup. The lyrics, “Once I’m gone, ain’t no coming back,” and, “There ain’t nothing here for me anymore,” show that Rihanna is expressing feelings of leaving something or someone behind. This song describes the journey she is going on to find herself. “Desperado” includes percussion-like rhythms and amazing vocals which tie the song together.

An impressive song is “Higher,” in which Rihanna shows off her stunning vocal range and abilities. With lyrics like, “‘I love you’ is the only thing that’s in my mind,” this song is one of the most romantic and fun on the album, although this song is definitely about the music and the feelings of the listener rather than the lyrics.

Lastly, the song “Love On the Brain” features simple chord progressions and a 50’s inspired style. The song has been compared to the work of Amy Winehouse and showcases Rihanna’s ability to change music styles with every song while still putting together a cohesive album. “Love On the Brain” is yet another love song on “Anti,” which is implied by the title. The song describes a true love, “And I tried to buy your pretty heart, but the price too high.”

The album, “Anti,” is more soulful and musical than many other things that fans have heard from her so far. The interpretive album truly expresses her feelings from the music. This album could be listened to without knowing the lyrics, and the listener would get the same effect.  

Sports

Lady Bulldogs to advance to semifinals

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By Bayley Patterson

Playoffs have begun, and the Lady Bulldogs start off with a strong win in the Division 1 girls basketball sectional finals against Akron East.

The Bulldogs started off strong in the first quarter with a lead immediately at the start of the game. Freshman Lexi Petit took the first turnover of the game, and as the team held a strong offense, the quarter ended with a score 24-6 Stow.

As the second quarters began, Theresa Parr is crossed by Akron East but comes back to shoot and now has six points, and Stow’s lead improved to 26­-6. A timeout by Akron East gave them time to talk about their far stretch loss. To end the first half, the girls remained on top with a 44-­18 lead on the Dragons.

The Bulldogs started off with the ball in the third quarter, and senior Jessie Stout is fouled and made both of her two free throws making Stow’s lead increasing on Akron East 52-­20.

The girls’ offense slowed down but maintained a strong lead. With three minutes left, the Bulldogs call a timeout. The timeout inspired the team to get back in the game and then end the third quarter with a score of 62-­20 Stow.

The defense at the beginning of the fourth quarter slowed down, but another time out from the Bulldogs brought the intensity back up, and the JV players took the lead. Sophomore Maddie Merlene entered the quarter with a layup making the score 71-­28, and as the game ended, the final score was 82­-30 Stow.

The Lady Bulldogs will play Kent Roosevelt Mon., Feb. 22 in the Division 1 district semifinals.