Montero
by Lil Nas X
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Sep 17, 2021
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 465 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 380 out of 465
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 465
  3. Negative: 54 out of 465
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  1. springle
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    this is the best album of this year, and already one of my favorites of all time. this is the dream album for those people who say they "like every genre".
  2. Jc2002
    Sep 17, 2021
    10
    Sin duda magnífico El álbum es tan icónico que hace querer escucharlo todo el día las colaboraciones sin duda son magníficas
  3. rafavieirasc
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    É simplesmente perfeito, só não vai ganhar o AOTY no Grammy pq a academia é racista e homofóbica
  4. Amruk
    Sep 19, 2021
    9
    It starts off with the title track, which has cool, guitar-y instrumental, later kicking with a little of hook, and it exploring gay sex - nice! It's followed by "Dead Right Now", which has much more trap beat and sounds pretty dope. But "Industry Baby" kicks really! Not only you see the contrast of homo and hetero lyrics here (perfect track for bisexuals lol), but both Nas and JackIt starts off with the title track, which has cool, guitar-y instrumental, later kicking with a little of hook, and it exploring gay sex - nice! It's followed by "Dead Right Now", which has much more trap beat and sounds pretty dope. But "Industry Baby" kicks really! Not only you see the contrast of homo and hetero lyrics here (perfect track for bisexuals lol), but both Nas and Jack compliment each other nicely over a really kick-ass beat. And it's hook, those trumpets, they're just so great! And I simply like the fact that Nas is saying outloud that he want that commercial success, and it might be seen as egoistical, but for me he's very right. "Thats What I Want" is a nice piece of pop rock, I would even argue it's one of my most favorite tracks from the album. I love counting at the begining and synthline behind choruses. Even though Nas sings last chorus in a weird way, like he's part-goat, but it's pretty enjoyable and I grooved to it since it was included in Montero teaser.
    I don't care about "The Art of Realization", I don't know if it's really needed here. And there is "Scoop" which I was really excited about, and the track seems to be cohesive of what Nas said about Doja, that he admires her for her perfectionism and working on body. It's instrumental starts really cool, and before chorus Nas really goes with his vocals! But the chorus itself is...dissapointing to say the least. It's just 'scoop' repeated few times...is it supposed to be new 'skrrr'? However how he delivers second verse is pretty cool, so deep or just altered. I like Doja's verse and her backing vocals - they're pretty sweet!
    "One of Me" starts kinda like Madonna's "To Have and Not to Hold" (1998), but the piano kicks in, and then chorus is with more complex background, but with kinda odd word choices. But the song itself is very enjoyable with its athmospheric production. But hence Elton John got a feature credit here, I thought he would sing there, but that's not what happened; instead he is just playing piano here... Anyway, am I the only who thinks that "Lost In the Citadel" kicks off just like "Clumsy" (2006) by Fergie? Besides that, this one is cool too - with really nice vocal melodies and groovy rock chorus. Its synths go really well into trumpets of "Dolla Sign Slime" featuring Megan Thee Stallion. That song is pretty dope, not only through enjoyable Nas and Megan deliveries, but mostly because of its beat. And Megan's delivery is really something, like in "Thot **** (2021), she showcases such force.
    "Tales of Dominica" is quite darker than the rest songs of the albums, with Nas' deeper voice, later layered with slight auto-tune. Second verse featured harmonizations, which are pretty dope - just mixing his deep tones with those altered vocals! And those violins at the end...just beautiful! "Sun Goes Down" starts with nice guitar riff and what it seems like should be part of the outro (really altered, subdued vocals) - which would be true what Take a Daytrip said about him changing the course of tracks. Lyrics are very deep, they reflect how being gay is wrong for people for some reason. And just like in "Thats What I Want" I see some hope, but here it's more melanchonic, depressed. "It's much more to life than dying" is my most favorite lyric from the whole album I guess. "Void" features similar strings to its predecesor, but they're more subdued, and instrumental builds-up a little in course of the track, with Nas' voice going louder before being quite high (did he found love?).
    Going back to trap and over-the-top stuff, "Dont Want It" still shows Nas' deeper vocals but the track itself is really anthem-y, especially with those news samples inside of it. Even though it's enjoyable, it's missplaced, hence the next track - "Life After Salem" - is going back to more melanchonic, distanced sound with its heavy metal, clunky guitars. Album closer - "Am I Dreaming" - is another one of my favorites. It's more subdued than the rest of the album, and as melanchonic as last tracks. And it shows that, as Nas said, Miley Cyrus can fit anywhere. I love her vocals here!
    It's one of the best debut albums we've seen thus far - it's quite cohesive and well-layered. It's not perfect, but it has strong and beautiful moments. Lil Nas X knows what he's doing - especially from the promotion side. Those album trailers are the most entertaining things I ever seen. And the music videos - just iconic! And that artwork, it's pretty too!    … Expand
  5. BuildingMusic70
    Oct 3, 2021
    8
    On his debut, Lil Nas X has delivered a strong solo project, with few gaps to be filled in. Whether he's in the showers in a local state prison with Jack Harlow (INDUSTRY BABY), to when he's reminiscing about love during a global pandemic (THAT'S WHAT I WANT), or even a poignant acoustic guitar-aided outro with Miley Cyrus (AM I DREAMING). This studio album, delivered by a former "cowboy",On his debut, Lil Nas X has delivered a strong solo project, with few gaps to be filled in. Whether he's in the showers in a local state prison with Jack Harlow (INDUSTRY BABY), to when he's reminiscing about love during a global pandemic (THAT'S WHAT I WANT), or even a poignant acoustic guitar-aided outro with Miley Cyrus (AM I DREAMING). This studio album, delivered by a former "cowboy", Nas is in the process of experimenting with his new sounds, and that is tolerable to the majority of optimistic listeners.… Expand
  6. bieleyelash
    Sep 17, 2021
    7
    Sabe aquele ator excelente e carismático que mesmo estando num filme com um roteiro apenas "ok" faz com que o filme fique bom? Então, foi com essa sensação que eu fiquei quando terminei de escutar o "MONTERO".
    Longe de ser um álbum ruim, porém em algumas faixas fica notório o grande esforço que foi feito para a música chegar aos 2 minutos e pouco.
    Entretanto, o álbum tem pontos fortes    Sabe aquele ator excelente e carismático que mesmo estando num filme com um roteiro apenas "ok" faz com que o filme fique bom? Então, foi com essa sensação que eu fiquei quando terminei de escutar o "MONTERO".
    Longe de ser um álbum ruim, porém em algumas faixas fica notório o grande esforço que foi feito para a música chegar aos 2 minutos e pouco.
    Entretanto, o álbum tem pontos fortes como: boas colaborações - com destaque para a faixa que fecha o álbum, "Am I dreaming", com a Miley Cyrus -, smash hits (call me by your name e industry baby) e o carisma inegável de Lil Nas X.
    Definitivamente não é um álbum que vou escutar do começo ao fim com frequência, mas certamente algumas das faixas serão tocadas exaustivamente na minha playlist de "favoritas do mês".    … Expand
  7. asdf123k
    Sep 17, 2021
    10
    A beautiful, multifaceted expression of a queer, teenage rapper. I don't understand how anyone could dislike this.
  8. Gabrielachan
    Sep 18, 2021
    8
    It's a really well produced album with solid vocals and not a single bad track. That being said, that are some forgetable tracks like scoop and I am dreaming when the features are the best parts of the song. It's a really great project overall and Lil Nas X is one of the best on the game right now.
    Favorite songs:
    Industry Baby, Tthat's What I Want, Dead Right Now, Life After Salem,    It's a really well produced album with solid vocals and not a single bad track. That being said, that are some forgetable tracks like scoop and I am dreaming when the features are the best parts of the song. It's a really great project overall and Lil Nas X is one of the best on the game right now.
    Favorite songs:
    Industry Baby, Tthat's What I Want, Dead Right Now, Life After Salem, Tales of Dominica    … Expand
  9. BigDJohnWick
    Sep 22, 2021
    8
    Lil Nas X has proven to be a good rapper and good singer, in this album it is no different. MONTERO is packed with catchy choruses and good verses, altough the production is not adventurous nor super inventive, it is good.

    7.8/10
  10. GoBlinn
    Sep 23, 2021
    8
    good featurings and some bangers that sound amazing, really great album debut.
  11. arc55
    Sep 18, 2021
    8
    So many super catchy hooks, really only a few songs a did not like, and they still were not bad. All songs also I think fit into this album, there are high-energy hype songs and also heartfelt low-key ones but all tie into a few common themes.
  12. Nicolas_xrp
    Sep 17, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's so precious, this album is the best album of the year, this album make me feel so happy an proudly about LGBTQ+ comunity.… Expand
  13. Schx
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    This album is awesome good lyrics, good cover just woooow beautiful album best album of the year
  14. Ellaboy
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    He delivers a very personal and vulnerable album that is cohesive and defying at the same time.
  15. Megansanders96
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    Incredible album, excellent artistry. A lot has gone into this record including vulnerability. Genuinely not a track I skip.
  16. kaleb010102
    Sep 19, 2021
    10
    This album is incredible, with no doubt one of the best albuns for the year.
  17. SparksFunk
    Sep 18, 2021
    9
    This was definitely a long-awaited listen. From the notoriously good raps and a little of pop and rock music here and there, Nas' versatility is shown from loud bangers to melodic tracks showcasing his devotion to the LGBTQ+ community. Top picks would be TALES OF DOMINICA and VOID.
  18. scifikitty
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    This is an incredibly refreshing and forward thinking album. Lil Nas X is living in the future, but NOW. Musically, conceptually and lyrically. The vast fusion of various genres shows the dynamic depth of Lil Nas X. This is a pivotal album that will change music forever.
  19. JVLAB
    Sep 19, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excelente Album Lil Nas X fez um trabalho impecável musicas excelentes, letras harmonicas, son dançante, digno de uma nota 100… Expand
  20. Davidnvak
    Sep 20, 2021
    10
    Such a masterpiece. For a debut album is away more then I expected. Sooooo good and fresh!
  21. cernayx
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un album revolucionario que deja ver el potencial y lo que es capaz de hacer el cantantwllwlwlwlwlwe… Expand
  22. cityslick32
    Sep 24, 2021
    10
    Such a good album from top to bottom. Nas delivers catchy hooks, sad ballads, and much more! Definitely worth an AOTY/ROTY title!
  23. matsuobasho
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Absolutely stunning debut album, all bangers no skips. The upbeat to melancholy mood change from the first half of songs to the second half is beautiful, and the lyrics are witty, funny and relatable. Love it.
  24. lisbet
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Beautiful. It is as if I’ve felt every emotion on the spectrum. Every song was different, and yet it was all very cohesive... Amazing production as well as surprising vocals, and it’s only his debut album! I am so happy that he finally seems to have found his sound and himself; Lil Nas X has officially established himself as a serious artist in my books.
  25. Ihkw
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Love the album! Nice songs love the music video, better than donda. My friends love it apart for the kanye Stan who is bad
  26. Mikayel
    Sep 24, 2021
    10
    The best album of 2021.
    Maybe even one the best albums ever!
    Every song is flawless and gets better more you listen
  27. 1aroundW7
    Sep 24, 2021
    10
    Sim, eu também estava ansioso por esse álbum, mas não poderia imaginar que seria tão surpreendente! É incrível como eu ainda continuo com sede por mais, lil nas x!
  28. nekooh
    Sep 25, 2021
    10
    This album is epic on so many levels!! I just can’t stop listening to it. Every song is a hit. I’m amazed by everything he does.
  29. marlonfauzi
    Oct 9, 2021
    8
    5 favourites songs, Lil Nas X represented everything I would say loud and do without any regrets.

    Favourites: Montero, Dead Right Now, Lost in the Citadel, Dolla Sign Slime and Sun Goes Down
  30. Anderslewerin
    Oct 8, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best debut album. The album is a biography of his life. The song tales of Dominica Is one of the best songs for me. Personal, deep and amazing… Expand
  31. TiagxPl
    Nov 4, 2021
    9
    I'm not a fan of rappers but this album is very good, the lyrics and the sounds catchy. I love this album and also they include collaborations with other iconic singers.
  32. Mikujaws
    Nov 19, 2021
    8
    Is a really good album but i think need more variety in vocals of lil nas u know more variety of
    vocals shades in other song idk you song haha but i really like the album
  33. andrefgmiranda
    Dec 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a really bold album. Lil Nas X sings about his insecurities and all the prejudice he had to face being a black/gay man. Besides, there are great artists featuring some songs on the record.… Expand
  34. SukoByat
    Dec 21, 2021
    10
    Álbum maravilhoso, foge de todas as tendências atuais mas mesmo assim tendo influência delas, o som dos trompetes nas músicas são perfeitos, parece que se eles não tivessem nas músicas algo faltaria. O Lil nas x foi genial nas mensagens e no instrumental desse álbum, e o melhor é que tudo é transmitido de um jeito completamente autêntico
  35. sodovich
    Dec 25, 2021
    8
    Great debut album, it shows Nas' growing potential to become one of the best modern industry artists.
  36. Fuerstenberg
    Mar 5, 2022
    7
    Lil Nas X's full-length debut "MONTERO" is extremely polarizing and honestly I can't understand the numerous excellent reviews. Certainly "MONTERO" is not a bad album, also because Lil Nas X's unique personality is reflected in his music. But in the end it's nowhere near 10 out of 10.

    The beats and production are good, but nothing revolutionary and don't stand out from the mainstream.    Lil Nas X's full-length debut "MONTERO" is extremely polarizing and honestly I can't understand the numerous excellent reviews. Certainly "MONTERO" is not a bad album, also because Lil Nas X's unique personality is reflected in his music. But in the end it's nowhere near 10 out of 10.

    The beats and production are good, but nothing revolutionary and don't stand out from the mainstream. And TikTok classics like "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" or "INDUSTRY BABY" are annoying half a year after release. Overall, neither really good rap, nor really good pop, which even the diverse features can't change.

    My favorites:
    "ONE OF ME"
    "SUN GOES DOWN"
    "INDUSTRY BABY"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    March 5, 2022    … Expand
  37. happydog3344
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    Probably the best release of 2021 - not only in pop & rap - but over all genres. Lil Nas X proves himself as a force in the industry, blending catchy beats with deep, impactful lyrics. Tracks such as Tales of Dominica and Life After Salem show his range, both vocally and stylistically. All in all, Montero is an amazing body of work and great debut.
  38. 9906dimatulac
    Feb 5, 2022
    9
    The "Montero" album by Lil Nas X has sassy and savages lyrics. I love some songs on this album. And the album cover was pretty good.
  39. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    7
    #normal #overrated #gostomasnaoescuto so qro deixar no perfil so qro deixar no perfil
  40. ewidmer
    Mar 13, 2022
    10
    “Montero” by Lil Nas X is a song that will go down in history. Nas rose to fame from his viral song “Old Town Road” that became popular on TikTok in early 2019 and launched his career as an artist. He released a few singles after “Old Town Road”, including “Panini”, “Rodeo”, and “Holiday”, as he attempted to “soft launch” his sexuality as a gay man. He took a break from releasing music as“Montero” by Lil Nas X is a song that will go down in history. Nas rose to fame from his viral song “Old Town Road” that became popular on TikTok in early 2019 and launched his career as an artist. He released a few singles after “Old Town Road”, including “Panini”, “Rodeo”, and “Holiday”, as he attempted to “soft launch” his sexuality as a gay man. He took a break from releasing music as he gained a large following on social media. As a member of Gen Z, he related to his fans through social media, and became beloved by gay twitter specifically. On March 26th, 2021, after a short hiatus, Nas released “Call me by your name” or “Montero”. This song was extremely controversial in the media and was condemned by conservatives. “Montero” has explicit lyrics about sexual encounters and his experiences as a gay man. The music video stars Nas in every single role and is a sort of rebuttal to everyone who told him he was going to hell for being gay. In the video, he is shown sliding down a stripper pole to hell to give the devil a lap dance. Clearly this was a very bold move from Nas, making his ability to be marketed in the media, very niche. Although he received an unfathomable amount of hate, his message resonated with many of his young LGBTQ+ fans. Montero is a catchy, well-thought out, personal song from Montero himself, and single handedly proved that he was not a one hit wonder. The lyrics along with the video tied themselves together to create a masterpiece that has become a symbol of carelessness and freedom in gay culture. Lil Nas X has since continued to release music, including his self-titled album: “Montero”.… Expand
  41. gabi9
    Apr 25, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esse álbum é muito bom, as letras desse álbum é de cair o c... da bunda, são muitas sonoridades diferentes, como folk, rap, rap melódico, pop, rock, pop rock, e as colaborações são melhores ainda, tem Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion e Miley Cyrus.… Expand
  42. Softlyytears
    May 20, 2022
    10
    This album was just iconic and incredible, in just 15 songs you can feel so much due to how verstalie this album is.
  43. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    8
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
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Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best Album of 2021
17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. HipHopDX
    Oct 13, 2021
    78
    The end result sounds like a distillation of contemporary popular music, the kind of blockbuster pop album following the much larger footsteps of Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman or Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, albeit not as polished.
    Read full review
  2. RapReviews.com
    Sep 28, 2021
    80
    Lil Nas X set out to make a crossover pop album with “MONTERO” and succeeded.
    Read full review
  3. The A.V. Club
    Sep 23, 2021
    75
    Everything’s he’s done has led to this engaging debut record, a work that allows his inner self to shine.
    Read full review
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