The highly anticipated debut album from Lil Nas X has arrived and it's worth the wait. With Montero, the performances are strong and the production is diverse with its usage of horns, acoustics, and sharp production. There are genuine themes of individuality, heartbreak and love that seem to be very personal and often harrowing.
Montero Lamar Hill, aka Lil Nas X, has had quite the journey up until this point. From Lithia Springs Georgia, Nas had exploded with the longest charting #1 single of all time back in 2018-2019. I think we all know the story by now but "Old Town Road" is such a huge underdog story. The song's fusion of country and trap is undeniably original, loving it or despising it. It rocketed Nas into the stratosphere after only releasing a mixtape that had mediocre results with numbers. It left him into a huge position with everyone seeing what he would do next and whether he would be a one hit wonder. That thought quickly disappeared with the 7 EP, released after he signed to major label Columbia. 7 was quite enjoyable and fun but most of all it was versatile; it showcased that Nas can do way more than just the sad cowboy schtick. He could do country, rock, pop, rap, you name it. We've all been anticipating his debut full-length studio album for a couple of years at this point. There has been an incredible amount of hype and buildup leading to Montero, the brand new album. So, is it worth the wait?
It's safe to say that it is definitely worth the wait. Montero surprisingly goes into more thoughtful, personal and harrowing experiences from Lil Nas X. There are genuine themes of individuality, heartbreak, and love that seem very personal and often harrowing. The production is lavish, hard hitting and versatile. The album itself is very cohesive stylistically and when it veers off into a different direction, it doesn't seem awkward or random like the 7 EP did. It is a really interesting blend of trap beats, horns, acoustic guitars, and choir harmonies. The overall tone is very different from anything Nas has released thus far. The opening track and lead single "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" was an initial mixed reaction from me at first. I thought the instrumentation and overall tune was ok and not hard hitting enough. Now with multiple listens and with the context of this album, I definitely enjoy it a lot more. The Spanish acoustic guitars, vocal manipulated inflections and message of accepting who you are no matter who disapproves you is enough to make it a memorable highlight.
"Dead Right Now" may be the most personal and emotional track on the album. It's about his difficult upbringing, hardships with his parents, and struggles within his music career. The tone of the track and instrumental is fantastically moving. The backing vocals, trumpets, melodies and heavy instrumental is gorgeously produced. "Industry Baby," another huge single is pretty darn fantastic to say the very least. Nas' confidence and swagger is infectious all over this track with his delivery. It's triumphant sounding, it's uplifting and glorious. The chorus is excellent and Jack Harlow, who I haven't really heard before on a song, has a guest appearance and it's pretty charismatic and charming. The production is surprisingly done by Kanye West which is the biggest selling point to what makes the track so great. "That's What I Want" is acoustic pop at its brightest. The overall bubbly instrumentation and performance reminds me of André 3000, specifically on OutKast's "Hey Ya!" The trap influenced "Scoop" featuring pop sensation Doja Cat is actually pretty good too. I'm quite surprised at how much I enjoyed this despite my lack of interest in popular trap music. I thought it was a pretty refreshing instrumental and Doja Cat's performance was solid too.
"One of Me" is a personal ballad describing the different things his audiences wants Nas to do. For example, just sticking to what you do and not trying new things or staying safe and in one lane rather than many. I respect the song and its themes because as much as I enjoyed "Old Town Road," I want the artist to grow, make what he wants to make and be personal rather than just pleasing a record label or hopping on trends just to get popular. Plus the piano playing from the one and only Elton John is an awesome touch. "Sun Goes Down" is a sweetly sung acoustic pop ballad that's just ok. It's not incredibly moving or badly performed, it's just alright. "Void" is a solid ballad that kind of reminds me of 2000's alt-pop acts like Coldplay or Keane. I do think the final leg of the record includes some of the songs that aren't as strong as the previous ones. I love the gritty, distorted guitars on "Life After Salem" and tone but the vocal delivery from Nas isn't necessarily my favorite. It's a bit rough but overall not terrible. "Don't Want It" is a decent throwback to 2000's era hip hop while his delivery reminds me of artists like T.I. or Lil Wayne. It's probably my least favorite... it definitely sticks out from all the other tracks but in not the best way. It's just unnecessary within the track listing. The gently sweet Miley Cyrus duet "Am I Dreaming" finishes the album up satisfyingly.
The more I listened to Montero, the more I enjoyed it. Even the last third of the record which contains some of the weaker tracks I found to be enjoyable. The only big complaints on this record are me nitpicking a bit. I think it would be more solid if the album was cut to 12-13 tracks even though it's already forty minutes long. That aside Montero is a very solid debut album from Lil Nas X. The performances are strong and the production is diverse with its usage of horns, acoustics, and sharp production. The guest spots although seemed a bit skeptical on paper, all work out successfully. It's for sure one of the biggest reasons why this album is so great to listen to. I don't think you'll hear another record like this (in quality or diversity) in popular music this year, especially not from his contemporaries. All the boxes are ticked in terms of a successful debut album from Lil Nas X. I was surprised, enthralled, even blown away at times. Nas' personality is expressed greatly with Montero but it could definitely be improved with future albums. I was very excited to finally listen to Lil Nas X on a full length album and cannot wait for the next one.
My Rating: 8 / 10
Favorite Songs: "Industry Baby," "Dead Right Now," "That's What I Want," "Scoop," "One of Me"
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