Released: 2021
Label: Columbia
Featuring: Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus
Brace yourself for a sonic rollercoaster through richly layered narratives and deeply personal explorations. We’re gonna embark on a journey through ‘MONTERO,’ the audacious debut studio album from Lil Nas X. This album, unleashed to the world in 2021 under the Columbia label, serves as a testament to Lil Nas X’s fearlessness in bending musical boundaries and norms. Infused with tracks that navigate realms of desire, resilience, self-acceptance, and the all-encompassing quest for love and fulfillment, ‘MONTERO’ stands tall as a monument to personal freedom and expression. With a cadre of iconic artists like Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, and Miley Cyrus lending their voices, the album teems with vibrant dimensions of storytelling and human emotion. ‘MONTERO’ is more than just an album; it’s a personal odyssey etched in lyrical depth and sonic innovation. So let’s get into it. From ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’ to ‘AM I DREAMING (feat. Miley Cyrus),’ here we are breaking down the album “MONTERO” by “Lil Nas X”.
1 MONTERO
Unapologetic and raw, he navigates the complexities of same-sex desire against societal norms, underscored by standout lines like “Call me by your name, I do not care if you lying.” The track’s candor about sexuality, sin, and self-acceptance resonates with its listeners, making a statement on both personal freedom and the judgment faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the spotlight.
2 DEAD RIGHT NOW
The lyrics underscore his battles with abandonment, the fickle nature of success, and the palpable pain of being let down by those closest to him. A standout line, “I told him, ‘Daddy, I am that one,'” captures the essence of defiance and self-belief in the face of skepticism. This song serves as a testament to Lil Nas X’s resilience, echoing the sentiment that in his quest for success, many have turned their backs, only to wish for reconciliation once he achieved fame. Yet, in his newfound position, he chooses to treat them as if they’re “dead right now,” highlighting a refusal to revert to past hurts.
3 INDUSTRY BABY
Features: Jack Harlow
With a swaggering confidence, Lil Nas X recounts his journey from doubters to undeniable chart-topper, punctuated by Jack Harlow’s slick verse that complements the track’s triumphant tone. The standout line, “Funny how you said it was the end, yeah, then I went did it again, yeah,” captures the essence of Lil Nas X’s resilience. Both artists refuse to be boxed in by expectations, showcasing their versatility and unapologetic presence in the industry, making it clear they’re here to stay, echoing the broader theme of the song. Their collaboration emphasizes not only personal victory but also the breaking of industry stereotypes and norms.
4 THATS WHAT I WANT
He lays bare his yearning for a partner to share his life with, someone who not only loves and needs him but can also be a comforting presence through the dark nights. The raw emotion is encapsulated perfectly when he belts, “I want someone to love, that’s what I fucking want.” This line hits hard, resonating with anyone who’s ever felt alone in their quest for companionship. It’s a track that beautifully balances the longing for love with the vibrant energy of hope.
5 THE ART OF REALIZATION
Stripped of embellishment, it’s a raw reflection on directionless motion, questioning the very essence of personal happiness and fulfillment. The lines, “Am I happy? I’m not sure (I’m not sure),” strike a chord, highlighting the universal quest for contentment amidst the noise and expectations of the world.
6 SCOOP
Features: Doja Cat
Doja Cat)” by Lil Nas X featuring Doja Cat, the track serves as a boastful anthem, highlighting the artists’ confidence in their physical appearance and their disregard for anyone who underestimated them. With an infectious beat and cheeky lyrics, both artists playfully celebrate their success and physical fitness, all while rejecting past lovers and doubters. A standout line from Doja Cat, “He named my right cheek, Jennifer, and left one, Lopez,” showcases the song’s playful audacity and the artists’ unapologetic self-assurance.
7 ONE OF ME
Features: Elton John
8 LOST IN THE CITADEL
The track stands as a raw confession of vulnerability and a reluctant acceptance of moving on. A line like “Why I thought it was forever? I only see you maybe never” cuts deep, capturing the universal sting of recognizing that forever is not promised, even with those we feel an irrevocable bond.
9 DOLLA SIGN SLIME
Features: Megan Thee Stallion
The lyrics drip with confidence, featuring both artists dismissing naysayers while showcasing their luxurious lifestyles and assertive attitudes. Megan’s verse brings in her trademark fiery delivery, with a line that stands particularly tall: “Miss one, catch one, I ain’t new to fish.” It encapsulates her prowess, not just in the rap game but in navigating life’s challenges with the same tenacity, making it clear she’s as authentic and steadfast as she claims.
10 TALES OF DOMINICA
With every line dripped in vulnerability, Nas X navigates the turbulent waters of his psyche, comparing his tumultuous journey to living on an island forged by fate. The lyrics, “I’ve been living in my lowest, it’s safe to say / Hope my little bit of hope don’t fade away,” strike a chord, encapsulating the essence of battling inner demons while clinging to the remnants of hope. It’s a testament to his resilience, wrapped in the raw honesty of someone who’s felt the cold floor of rock bottom yet still dares to dream.
11 SUN GOES DOWN
A standout line, “Since ten, I’ve been feelin’ lonely / Had friends but they was pickin’ on me,” vividly portrays his discomfort with his appearance and sexuality from a young age, highlighting a universal truth about the pain of feeling different. The track not only exposes his vulnerabilities but also celebrates his courage in overcoming these challenges, making a powerful statement on the importance of persisting through life’s lowest points to find one’s place in the sun.
12 VOID
Through poignant lyrics like “I’d rather die than to live with these feelings,” Lil Nas X touches on the intense struggle of confronting one’s inner demons while navigating the complexities of life and identity. It’s a somber reflection on loneliness, the search for love, and the courage it takes to admit when it’s time to step away and heal. This track stands out as a raw, emotional odyssey, showcasing his ability to connect deeply with listeners’ own experiences of feeling like an outsider in their own life.
13 DONT WANT IT
Straddling success and solitude, he wrestles with the reality that accomplishments like hitting the Billboard Hot 100 can coexist with personal struggles. A standout line, “I’ve done things in my past I’m sorry for, so please don’t hold me,” captures the essence of seeking redemption and growth amidst public scrutiny. This track serves as a raw reminder that behind the glitter of fame, the pursuit of happiness and self-acceptance is a universal challenge.
14 LIFE AFTER SALEM
With a poignant blend of grit and melancholy, he sings of love’s aftermath, where feelings are not just lost but left behind, highlighting a narrative of self-sacrifice and the pursuit of closure. The line, “All of my feelings are gone, I left them all on the floor,” strikes a chord, encapsulating the essence of giving up everything in a relationship, only to be met with indifference. The song’s lyrics paint a heart-wrenching picture of trying to move on from a love that has left scars, using the metaphor of a Salem witch trial’s intensity and desperation to describe the personal trials faced in the aftermath of a broken relationship.
15 AM I DREAMING
Features: Miley Cyrus
The collaboration brings together their distinctive voices, creating a powerful anthem about leaving a lasting legacy and fighting through adversity. A standout line, “Tears running dry, shattered inside, but I still gotta smile,” encapsulates the emotional depth and resilience portrayed throughout the song, offering listeners a raw and honest glimpse into the costs of fame and the internal battles artists face.
