On a Field Grade School bus on March 6, 2020, I listened to Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake for the first time. One week before I was locked in the house due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with only my household hobbies to occupy me, this album is very nostalgic in my eyes. After the recent announcement of Eternal Atake 2 releasing this Friday, I decided I’d put myself back into the shoes of my twelve-year-old self and review this album.

Uzi’s Eternal Atake is a masterclass of the 2020s, combining futuristic beats with deep lyrics that explore the artist’s mentality.

The album opens with “Baby Pluto,” setting the tone with its high-energy beats. This track, like many on the album, showcases Uzi’s ability to switch between different flows just about as smoothly as the transitions between songs, allowing the album to flow seamlessly and never leaving me bored. The production incorporates elements of trap, electronic, and even space-themed sounds that align with the album’s framework.

Tracks like “P2” and “That Way” glimpse Uzi’s struggles with fame, relationships, and self-identity. These tracks are windows into Uzi’s mind, wrestling with his place in the world. Uzi’s lyrics reveal a vulnerability that resonates with fans who see themselves in his struggles and triumphs.

My favorite track from this album is an energetic one that continues to push uplifting energy throughout the middle of the record. “Celebration Station” details Uzi’s extensive wealth and his experiences with women. Another unique piece of this album that is showcased in “Celebration Station” are the skits to end each track and this one specifically shows Uzi lost.

Eternal Atake shows Uzi’s growth as an artist. It is an album that pushes the futuristic style of music while staying true to the emotional core that has always defined his music. For fans, Eternal Atake is a must-listen even, though the sequel that was released on November 1 did not live up to its predecessor.