Lil Nas X: MONTERO REVIEW by Ivaylo S.



The fear of being a one-hit wonder is a powerful thing. Usually, artists find themselves suffering from Difficult Second Album Syndrome, but on MONTERO, Lil Nas X's full length debut, he battles with it consistently. And how could he not? After countless remixes and a single that popped off on every single chart in the world, one cannot help but understand his frustrations. On the Elton John-composed One of Me, he tells us how 'word on the block is you fell off and I'm just sayin', if it ain't 'Old Town Road', Lil Nassy ain't playin.' 

Well, that's certainly not the case after this release. Full of impressive production(thank you Kanye among others), catchy lyrics and brutally honest thoughts, MONTERO fulfills its mission in life perfectly. Lil Nas X is not just Old Town Road anymore. Instead, he is a man full of confidence and creativty on Industry Baby, an anthem worthy of being played on the biggest speakers one can find! He also acknowledges all the controversies that surrounded him prior to the album's release on Scoop, a braggadocious banger with Doja Cat that serves as effective competition for both of them. Despite the wonderful levels of success on this thing, Lil Nas doesn't claim to have it all figured it out and this is shown a few times on the overall tone of the album. The more mellow tracks like Montero(Call Me By Your Name) and That's What I Want, while sweet and melodic, feel slightly out of place in an album that is meant to be a big middle finger to all the doubters and haters out there. Reinvention is a truly compelling concept! 

He's not just Old Town Road anymore. He's the industry, baby! 

Lil Nas X: MONTERO, 4/5

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