LOS ANGELES — Whether it’s the record-shattering success of Old Town Road, the provocative MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) music video, or his unapologetic presence on social media, Lil Nas X is no stranger to the spotlight. Love him, hate him, or find yourself somewhere in between, there’s no denying his ability to dominate pop culture.
For those who once dismissed him as a one-hit wonder, Montero proves otherwise. Released on Sept. 17, 2021, the debut full-length album from Lil Nas X is as personal as it is polished—a genre-bending, deeply introspective project that showcases his evolution as an artist and storyteller.
A Daring Start: “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” and the Controversy That Followed
Opening the album is the track that started it all: MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name). The song, named after both Lil Nas X’s birth name and the LGBTQ+ novel by André Aciman, is a sultry, unapologetic anthem about desire, fame, and self-acceptance.
But what made MONTERO truly explosive was its music video—a biblical fever dream featuring a pole-dance descent into hell, culminating in Lil Nas X giving a lap dance to Satan himself. The visual sparked outrage, think pieces, and religious backlash, further fueled by the release of the infamous “Satan Shoes”—Nike Air Max 97s modified with human blood, which led to a lawsuit from Nike.
While the controversy was loud, the track itself was louder, earning Lil Nas X another No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing his ability to push boundaries while making undeniably great music.
Fake Friends, Fame, and the Industry Game
Following the high-energy opener, DEAD RIGHT NOW delivers one of the album’s most personal moments. Over a hypnotic beat, Lil Nas X reflects on his struggles before fame, mental health battles, and the people who only came around once he made it big. The lyrics don’t hold back: “I know that you’re mad that you’re not as important as me”—a blunt but honest observation of fame’s double-edged sword.
From there, INDUSTRY BABY featuring Jack Harlow takes a victory lap. The horn-heavy, stadium-ready track flips the narrative on critics who labeled Lil Nas X an “industry plant,” turning it into a declaration of success. The accompanying prison-themed music video was another moment of viral genius, taking shots at the Nike lawsuit while featuring a headline-grabbing shower dance sequence that had the internet talking for weeks.
A Look at Love, Heartbreak, and the Search for Something Real
Amidst the flex-heavy anthems, THAT’S WHAT I WANT strips everything back to reveal Lil Nas X’s softer side. The track, which tackles his struggles as a Black gay man looking for love, pairs emotional lyrics with an infectiously upbeat pop sound. The music video, inspired by Brokeback Mountain, only amplifies the song’s message, showing a vulnerable love story that ends in heartbreak.
LOST IN THE CITADEL continues the theme of love gone wrong, mixing emo-pop melodies with sharp, bitter lyrics about a breakup that left a lasting sting.
Meanwhile, TALES OF DOMINICA delves even deeper, painting a picture of a broken home, trauma, and the lasting effects of childhood struggles. It’s raw, beautifully produced, and one of the album’s most affecting moments.
SUN GOES DOWN shifts focus to Lil Nas X’s younger self, offering an intimate glimpse into his battles with self-worth, identity, and suicidal thoughts. Unlike the confident persona he projects online, this song reveals the pain beneath the surface, making its message of resilience and hope all the more powerful.
Bragging Rights and Party Starters
Just as quickly as Montero dips into its heavier themes, it rebounds with bangers designed for pure flexing.
SCOOP, featuring Doja Cat, is a fun, self-absorbed anthem about being the center of attention. While Doja’s verse might not be her strongest, the track itself is undeniably catchy.
DOLLA SIGN SLIME, featuring Megan Thee Stallion, follows suit with braggadocious bars about wealth and success. Megan, as always, delivers a standout verse, making the song a certified party anthem.
Dark Endings: Identity, Regret, and Legacy
As the album nears its close, VOID stands out as one of the most emotionally ambiguous tracks. It plays like a letter to a younger self—or maybe a message written in a moment of darkness. Either way, it’s hauntingly beautiful.
LIFE AFTER SALEM shifts gears entirely, offering a slow, moody rock ballad about love and manipulation. It’s a clear nod to alt-rock influences, proving that Lil Nas X refuses to be confined to a single genre.
The final track, AM I DREAMING, featuring Miley Cyrus, wraps up Montero on a melancholic note. It explores the fear of fading away, the weight of legacy, and the desire to be remembered. While the song itself might not stand out as a highlight, it’s a fitting conclusion to an album that plays out like a coming-of-age story in real time.
Final Verdict
From controversy to confessions, Montero is a fearless debut that refuses to be boxed in. Lil Nas X delivers a project that balances industry-shaking spectacle with raw, emotional honesty—proving that, beyond the viral moments, he’s a true artist with something to say.
If this album is any indication, Lil Nas X is here to stay.