Isaiah McAuley, an 18-year-old senior at Sahuaro, did something truly unique for his senior project in Ms. Krause’s senior AP English class. Isaiah released an extended play album entitled “Summer Tsunami” styled after Chance the Rapper’s distinct artistic flair in the rap genre. “I was gonna do it with a friend, we had the idea together, but it fell through. So I did it on my own,” Isaiah said when asked about the idea for the project.

“Summer Tsunami” is only three songs in length, but those three songs provide a critique on modern relationships, our culture’s “always okay” attitude, and a look into the harder, less talked-about sides of staying faithful to a religion and maintaining a relationship with God. The other songs that were meant to be part of the album just didn’t fit the aesthetic. One was not included because it was a personal song for his girlfriend in Hawaii, and the lyrics were personal, and the other was scrapped because Isaiah didn’t like it.

The song ‘Faith’ on the album, as Isaiah puts it, was written because “I’ve been trying to figure out myself, and faith, and all my own stuff.” This song is a darker, slower song when compared to the other two songs on the album, “Orange Juice” and “I’m Okay.”

“I’m Okay” is sarcastic about everyone acts like everything is okay all the time, and how Isaiah is “just trying to be okay for next year.” It is a clear perspective into the mind of someone who might pretend that they’re okay on the outside, but is struggling on the inside.

“Orange Juice” is about a man who is in a relationship, and the woman cheats on him, but he goes back to her anyway. The upbeat tone of the song contrasts the sadness of the lyrics, and the story that seems to be all too-relatable for a number of people these days.

“Summer Tsunami” is an album of preparation for the future, of perspective and the struggles that many people can relate to, as well as a wonderful creative outlet for a talented Sahuaro Senior.

Isaiah McAuley’s “Summer Tsunami” can be found here on SoundCloud, be sure to give it a listen!