“MONTERO” is one of my favorite albums of the year. Lil Nas X, the man behind the album, rose to fame after releasing “Old Town Road” in 2019. “MONTERO” takes listeners a step further than his past works, giving a window into Lil Nas X’s personal life and providing insight into his own personal struggles. The album, which has clear influences from gospel, rap, pop, and trap music, explores themes of queerness, love, insecurities, fame, family and faith. You may have seen the controversial music video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” which received significant attention for showing sexual imagery between Lil Nas X and the devil. The video also features Lil Nas X in colorful wigs and flamboyant costumes. While many criticize Lil Nas X’s forms of expression, he continues to stay true to himself and isn’t afraid to make waves.
“MONTERO” is breaking barriers in the pop culture industry. It grants young queer people of color the opportunity to see themselves represented in mainstream media in a time where much of pop culture focuses around straight white people. The album provides a unique perspective on not only the queer experience, but also the Black experience. The music encompasses a variety of themes such as sexuality and identity that many other musicians ignore, and quite frankly, aren’t qualified to speak on.
While some of the songs are more catchy and upbeat, the album is undeniably riddled with pain and heartbreak. Lil Nas X expresses his grief, desires, insecurities and conflict throughout the album. In his song “SUN GOES DOWN,” Lil Nas X mentions suicidal thoughts and insecurities, rapping, “Always thinkin’, why my lips so big?’ / Was I too dark? Can they sense my fears? / These gay thoughts would always haunt me / I prayed God would take it from me.” These heartbreaking lyrics are relatable to many young people today, and it’s so important for people to see and hear those they can relate to in the media.
Lil Nas X expresses the challenges that come with fame, such as criticism from the entire world, while also discussing his personal success. In some songs, such as “INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)” Lil Nas X focuses on the highlights of his success, singing about needing to get more number one songs and platinum records. Other songs, such as “ONE OF ME” explore the problems that come with fame. In “ONE OF ME” Lil Nas X takes on the perspective of his critics, who, according to the song, “don’t see [him] lasting long.” He sings about how people see him as a passing fad that won’t last unless he proves himself.
The album has some all-around bangers. My top songs include: “INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow),” “THATS WHAT I WANT,” “LOST IN THE CITADEL,” “SUN GOES DOWN,” and “AM I DREAMING (feat. Miley Cyrus).” These songs fully encompass the emotional spectrum of the album while providing deeper insight into Lil Nas X’s personal experiences. Be sure to stream MONTERO and update your playlists!