![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
After over five years of silence, hip-hop artist Travis Scott has finally returned. Releasing his fourth full-length studio album “UTOPIA” on July 28, the hip-hop artist marked his long-awaited return with a record-breaking project. Collaborating with artists like 21 Savage, Beyonce, Drake, The Weeknd and more, “UTOPIA” takes listeners on a wild ride through the mind of one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic figures. This star-studded album is a musical kaleidoscope, filled with lyrics and production that are both intriguing and perplexing. The project received mixed reviews from critics, with some hailing it as a masterpiece of innovation while others see it as a “shiny, empty spectacle.”
“UTOPIA” showcases Scott’s ability to blend outstanding production with different musical styles. The Ye-inspired production is top-notch, with tracks like “Modern Jam” and “Circus Maximus” drawing heavy inspiration from his spontaneous and creative style. These tracks are not mere imitations but a harmonious blend of influences, each infused with Scott’s unique flair. From the choice of beats to the melody construction, Scott crafts a cohesive and diverse auditory experience with this album that showcases his innovative approach to music.
The clever collaborations in “UTOPIA” also highlight Scott’s attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his fellow artists. With Sampha and Bon Iver’s dreamy riffing in “My Eyes,” he creates an ethereal atmosphere that transcends typical rap boundaries. Playboi Carti’s unique vocal tricks in “Fe!n” also add an unexpected twist, showcasing Scott’s willingness to experiment and push the envelope. The album’s collaborations add variety to the intriguing production throughout, making “UTOPIA” one of the more multifaceted albums in Scott’s discography.
Despite its celebrity-packed lineup, “UTOPIA” has also been criticized for its lack of emotional depth and originality. Pitchfork describes the album as a “big, empty rap blockbuster” that lives in the shadow of Kanye West’s works without capturing any emotional appeal. Some tracks such as “K-Pop,” featuring famous artists The Weeknd and Bad Bunny whose presence often feels out of place throughout the song, have been called out for their commercial appeal rather than artistic sincerity. The album’s ambition to be a global hit makes it feel, at times, disconnected and inauthentic.
“UTOPIA” is a complex album that delights in some areas and disappoints in others. Its innovative production and collaborations, while pleasant, are overshadowed by its lack of emotional resonance. Unlike previous projects like “ASTROWORLD,” this album’s over-the-top attempt at appealing to the masses has instead led to a loss of Scott’s personal touch, making it feel hollow at times. “UTOPIA” proves Scott’s capability to create a spectacle but falls short in delivering a truly groundbreaking experience. While the album may offer listeners moments of brilliance, it undoubtedly leaves others yearning for the depth and authenticity found in his earlier works.
Rating: 3.5/5
Top 3 Tracks: “My Eyes,” “Thank God,” “Fe!n”
