![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
‘Oh My God:’ Adele Releases Music After Six Years
Adele releases her fourth studio album, “30,” after six years of not releasing any music.
“Easy On Me” received over 60.7 million on the first day of the release. The album came in sixth among all-time global debuts on Spotify for female singers. She also outsold the rest of the top 50 best selling albums in America.
February 5, 2022
Adele’s latest music release was almost six years ago, which felt like an eternity for her fans. She shocked the world with her new album“30,” released on Nov. 19, where Adele tells a story of maturity and motherhood, different from her previous albums.
“30” had the biggest album premiere of any album released in 2021 with 839,000 equivalent album units. Adele beat the previous record set by Drake’s “Certifiable Lover Boy,” which had 613,000 last September. It also came ahead of Taylor Swift’s “Red (Taylor’s Version),” which had the second-biggest debut, but was pushed to third.
The arrival of this album showed us how much Adele has grown, both personally and musically. Her new music is significantly more personal and sounds more ferocious than ever. She seems more alive to her own feelings and shaping the songs to reflect those feelings.
“I always say that ‘21’ doesn’t belong to me anymore. Everyone else took it to their hearts so much. I’m not letting go of this one,” Adele said of “30” in the November issue of Vogue. “This is my album. I want to share myself with everyone, but I don’t think I’ll ever let this one go.”
When she first announced the album’s release and it’s lead single “Easy on Me,” she confirmed the album would be personal like her other albums such as “21.” Because of this, every lyric and note has fans carving a spot into their heart.
Adele shares with her audience her personal life story: talking about her life since the latest album, including her divorce her new son, Angelo.
The main single, “Easy On Me,” is the first of many times she calls for grace on “30,” for herself, her divorce, and her son Angelo. “My Little Love” is one of the few songs that pass the six minute mark. At the end, she includes a voice note where she admits for the first time in years that she feels really lonely.
Towards the middle of the album, Adele dips into more contemporary sounds, especially on “Oh My God” where she sings about fulfilling her needs without shame. “30” ends with “Love Is A Game” where in short it says that love is for fools, and Adele is a fool.
This album is hers from start to finish, and it’s a journey for those willing to join her. It’s more like a therapy session rather than an album, allowing for listeners to sympathize and express their heartfelt ache through words.
“30” is consistent and has a great flow, both thematically and musically. The album showcases Adele’s hard work and hardships.
