All posts by Stohion Staff
New Rihanna album proves to be unique and notable
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.
Lady Bulldogs to advance to semifinals
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.
Rotary Club helps homeless
By Grace Flinn
With the harsh winter coming up, the homeless are struggling to find warm and comfortable places to receive shelter.
The Rotary Club has come together to make sleeping mats crocheted out of up-cycled grocery bags for the homeless.
“The project came from the Rotary Club of Stow-Munroe Falls. Interact is the high school club connected to the Rotary Club of Stow-Munroe Falls. Rotary brings together a global network of volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world,” Lisa Mowls said.
Having a group come together to care for the homeless is changing many lives. The club has a goal of making 50 mats.
“There were about two dozen adults and teens that met at Rockne’s at Steel Corner’s this past Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9-11. Anyone can help…you can even help with these ‘plats’ at home. Rotary has a youtube video out on how to smooth, fold, cut, make plarn (plastic yarn), and then crochet sleeping mats for the homeless,” Mowls said. “The plats also have a handle attached to the roll-up mat so it could be hung over one’s shoulder.”
Anyone is free to join the current activities of the club, but once the goal is made, the club will give their projects to homeless.
This is a great opportunity to reevaluate one’s life in the process of giving. The process of making a product for those who are in need allows participants to be grateful for what they have. The next meeting will be at Rockne’s on Steels Corner on Sat., Feb. 6 from 9-11 a.m.
Mowls said, “[This club] made us more aware that we have many homeless individuals and families in our area, and the winter time is the worse because of the weather hardships.”
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING--Anyone can call the tip line: 1-844-723-3764 or email safehs@smfschools.org 