Album Review: Lil Nas X, ‘Montero’

We first heard the catchy and energetic stylings of Lil Nas X through his 2019 release, “Old Town Road,” which was one of the hottest and highly debated songs of the pre-pandemic era.

After securing his loyal and ravenous fanbase, Lil Nas X dropped his thorough and pop-star-esque 15-track debut album, ‘Montero.’

Throughout the upbeat, passionate, and gripping 45-minute listening experience, Lil Nas X is accompanied by various artists to help wrangle fans across diverse genres.

We can hear the likes of Elton John on the power-pop ballad, “ONE OF ME,” Miley Cyrus on the fame-grappling ballad, “AM I DREAMING,” and Megan Thee Stallion on the lively pop/hip-hop banger “DOLLA SIGN SLIME.”

Although the record holds several top-notch and popular artists like Jack Harlow on “INDUSTRY BABY” and Doja Cat on “SCOOP,” there are also a plethora of solo songs that emphasize Lil Nas X’s take on his newfound fame and living life in the fast lane.

Most notably, the introductory and title track, “Montero (Call me By Your Name),” a twisted cry to bring a romance into the light with references to the high life and Satanic imagery.

We also adore the organic acoustic guitar fingerpicking throughout the record, especially with Omer Fedi’s arrangements on the reflective “Tales of Dominica” and the soul-clutching electric guitar wails from Jasper Sheff on “Life After Salem.”

All in all, this record is truly one of the most powerful and influential experiences to come out of 2021, and we expect it to take Lil Nas X’s music career to new and exciting heights.