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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Tbone413
    Sep 17, 2021
    9
    Lil Nas X has to be one of the most unique artists out there, he creates an atmosphere with his music that is very hard to recreate. This album has some absolute bangers and is awesome fun pretty much the whole way through, I’m gonna be coming back to this one a lot
  4. GeniFromDaBlock
    Sep 17, 2021
    9
    The wait was indeed worth it. This album is filled with music that transcends genres. What an amazing debut album from a talented individual. Can’t wait for to watch him explode.
  5. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 21, 2021
    9
    Every bit as excessively gaudy, idiosyncratic, and self-indulgently over-the-top as one's likely come to expect from Lil Nas X, such defiant flamboyance largely continues to work in his favor on "MONTERO" as peppy melodies, earworm choruses, and well-matched guest artists come together to form a short, sweet, thoroughly entertaining sugar rush of a pop-rap record.
  6. MARTINCARDENAS
    Oct 16, 2021
    9
    In general this album is good, their collaborations are great and in the same way their lyrics, sounds, production
  7. Iarley
    Sep 18, 2021
    9
    Incrível, as melodias e as colaborações do álbum estão ótimas, a voz do Lil Nas impecável.
  8. Shydo
    Sep 17, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Straight 9 for this, every song is amazing but ONE OF ME, the one i expected to be the best, was really silly, i expected Elton John to be the feat of the year but he didnt sing, and this wasnt my biggest disappointment, the chorus feels like a kids song, but still, an amazing album.… Expand
  9. Adsonn
    Sep 17, 2021
    9
    Com certeza um dos melhores álbuns do ano! Lil Nas X entregou tudo que prometeu pra esse novo álbum. Os singles já lançados mostram uma sincera linearidade com todo o resto do álbum, enquanto o single oficial e "Dead Right Now" prometem ser os novos próximos sucessos! Sem esquecer de destacar "Am I Dreaming" com Miley Cyrus que entrega vocais perfeitos e um ótimos desfecho.
  10. Junkiest
    Sep 17, 2021
    9
    After 7, I had absolutely no hope for a good Lil Nas X project. Then MONTERO came out. I’m absolutely floored. This album can easily compete for album of the year, and honestly is the most surprisingly good release of the year to date. This album is a such a statement to release, especially after all the criticism and homophobia after Call Me By Your Name, DaBaby’s rolling loudAfter 7, I had absolutely no hope for a good Lil Nas X project. Then MONTERO came out. I’m absolutely floored. This album can easily compete for album of the year, and honestly is the most surprisingly good release of the year to date. This album is a such a statement to release, especially after all the criticism and homophobia after Call Me By Your Name, DaBaby’s rolling loud performance, etc. Lil Nas X is here to stay, and I love it.… Expand
  11. Fixil_CZ
    Sep 18, 2021
    9
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  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. lwtos
    Nov 6, 2021
    9
    Let's be honest. This is a great album. Not repetitive at all, catchy and with great colabs.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. Menios
    Oct 29, 2021
    8
    Lil Nas X's MONTERO was an unexpectedly remarkable debut. Almost loved it..
  19. MrFrench
    Sep 17, 2021
    8
    After amazing singles “Montero,” “Industry Baby,” and “Sun Goes Down,” Lil Nas X does not disappoint with his solid debut album that proves he is talented alongside having the amazing ability to use social media to his advantage and to create music videos that are works of art and get people talking. This album is multifaceted with various genres and vocal styles, proving that he is moreAfter amazing singles “Montero,” “Industry Baby,” and “Sun Goes Down,” Lil Nas X does not disappoint with his solid debut album that proves he is talented alongside having the amazing ability to use social media to his advantage and to create music videos that are works of art and get people talking. This album is multifaceted with various genres and vocal styles, proving that he is more that a one-hit wonder. He shows depth in many songs that make you emotional, but also has harder-hitting songs that are still packed with passion. Certain songs like “Dead Right Now,” “Scoop,” and “Dolla Sign Slime” do nothing forming and kept this album from reaching A-status from me, but songs like the singles, “Am I Dreaming” with Miley Cyrus, and one of my favorite songs from 2021, “Life After Salem,” have me wanting him to pursue this direction on this album’s follow up. I have an obsession with this song as it is epic and its lyrics are great. Also, Lil Nas X sounds great with Miley Cyrus! While I hate the track with Megan Thee Stallion, I do think her part is fine, but the track with Doja Cat is irritating. I look forward to what Lil Nas X does with his career.

    On “Life After Salem,” Lil Nas X talks about a love interest quite beautifully with “you know I can be your part-time lover / our scars, they'll dance with each other.” This idea of singing to a love interest can also be heard on “Lost In The Citadel” with “my God, you're an angel / I only see you in your halo / I was hoping we could stay close / but we no longer sing the same notes.” On “Am I Dreaming,” he sings of how he must smile, bear the bad, and rewrite his story through his music with “tears running dry / shattered inside, but I still gotta smile as I'm sinking, I relive the story / glitter comes off, battered in blue, but I gotta go on / as I'm singing, I rewrite my story.” On “Void,” he continues sharing his mental health space when he sings “stuck in this world where there's so much to prove / every win gives you more room to lose / it’s too many ups and downs on the ride.”

    MONTERO - 9
    DEAD RIGHT NOW - 6
    INDUSTRY BABY - 10
    THAT’S WHAT I WANT - 9
    THE ART OF REALIZATION -
    SCOOP - 6
    ONE OF ME - 8
    LOST IN THE CITADEL - 9
    DOLLA SIGN SLIME - 6
    TALES OF DOMINICA - 9
    SUN GOES DOWN - 10
    VOID - 7
    DON’T WANT IT - 7
    LIFE AFTER SALEM - 10
    AM I DREAMING - 10

    116/140 83/100    … Expand
  20. Denvers
    Nov 18, 2021
    8
    Surprisingly, Montero is a very good album filled with a lot of diversity from an artist you would not expect to make such a variety of different sounds.
  21. Steve_420
    Sep 20, 2021
    8
    Pleasantly surprised, especially after his ep which I found to be mediocre. Consistent songs throughout the album. No skips in my opinion. Definitely my surprise album of the year.
  22. Mobina1
    Sep 23, 2021
    8
    Half of the album was skip for me but the rest were too good so I give 7 instead of 5
    Update: it aged so well so I give it an 8
  23. PEDROMFR
    Sep 19, 2021
    8
    A raw, honest and emotional album that still brings us the right hooks. Lil Nas X did great with his debut album, proving he's much more than a one-hit-wonder.
  24. MetacriticOnur
    Jan 14, 2022
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. GoBlinn
    Sep 23, 2021
    8
    good featurings and some bangers that sound amazing, really great album debut.
  29. 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.
  30. Filippo__t
    Sep 17, 2021
    8
    Montero is a really well producted album. Lil Nas X proves us to be more than a meme, but and artist here to stay and a beautiful person with deep sentiment and struggles. Really strong chorus in almost all the songs. All the songs are enjoyable to listen to. However, sometimes the lyrics can be improved.
  31. Bensblonde
    Sep 18, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing debut album from a Incredible breakout artist. Awesome album but not perfect.… Expand
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. sodovich
    Dec 25, 2021
    8
    Great debut album, it shows Nas' growing potential to become one of the best modern industry artists.
  35. 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.
  36. tonto
    Sep 26, 2021
    7
    This is the debut studio album for the rapper Lil Nas X, and it expands on his catalogue with songs that can be categorized as largely pop-rap, as they are more than just hip hop tracks with catchy melodic hooks, borderline auto-tune vocals, and bubblegum instrumentals. The rapper also pushes the envelope with some racy lyrics that are homoerotic in nature as he is a gay rapper. Overall,This is the debut studio album for the rapper Lil Nas X, and it expands on his catalogue with songs that can be categorized as largely pop-rap, as they are more than just hip hop tracks with catchy melodic hooks, borderline auto-tune vocals, and bubblegum instrumentals. The rapper also pushes the envelope with some racy lyrics that are homoerotic in nature as he is a gay rapper. Overall, the album is above average, but nothing really stands out as particularly memorable other than the fact he has some gay lyrics.… Expand
  37. arkham2014
    Sep 18, 2021
    7
    Lil Nas X plays it relatively safe when it comes to his full-length debut. But still, there's a lot of enjoyment to be found here. Montero is, simply put, a good album.
  38. Dsros96
    Sep 24, 2021
    7
    Incredibly strong & deep debut album. With a lot of genres, topics & features, Lil Nas X has managed to make it cohesive & good.
  39. normanfgabriel
    Sep 20, 2021
    7
    Um bom álbum, que me surpreendeu servindo bons lyrics em várias faixas, flui bem, mas acredito que falta mais comprometimento com os sentimentos os quais ele canta as vezes, principalmente na segunda metade do álbum em que tudo parece tão abafado pela produção pop e os vocais lineares, além disso, tirando jack harlow não acredito que nenhum dos outros featurings acrescente algo.
  40. leumassregor
    Sep 19, 2021
    7
    This new debut record from Lil Nas X is a delight to listen to. Starting off hard with "MONTERO", "DEAD RIGHT NOW", and "INDUSTRY BABY", and finishing off with the ambient and almost futuristic sounding "LIFE AFTER SALEM" and the absolutely beautiful Miley Cyrus feature on "AM I DREAMING", this album is really diverse and will leave you feeling somewhat satisfied, despite a fewThis new debut record from Lil Nas X is a delight to listen to. Starting off hard with "MONTERO", "DEAD RIGHT NOW", and "INDUSTRY BABY", and finishing off with the ambient and almost futuristic sounding "LIFE AFTER SALEM" and the absolutely beautiful Miley Cyrus feature on "AM I DREAMING", this album is really diverse and will leave you feeling somewhat satisfied, despite a few underwhelming moments and the brief moments of some generic radio-pop sounding production.… Expand
  41. 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
  42. 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
  43. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    7
    #normal #overrated #gostomasnaoescuto so qro deixar no perfil so qro deixar no perfil
  44. SchroederRock
    Sep 20, 2021
    6
    Pushed by strong production notes and a mixture of bombastic and subdued, Montero has plenty of moments of intrigue but often doesn't seem to pay off it's more subtle moments with infectious hooks, memorable beats to keep the party going. Not sure what to think of this album as a whole - it's not a waste but I don't think I can keep listening to more than a song or two. The albums bestPushed by strong production notes and a mixture of bombastic and subdued, Montero has plenty of moments of intrigue but often doesn't seem to pay off it's more subtle moments with infectious hooks, memorable beats to keep the party going. Not sure what to think of this album as a whole - it's not a waste but I don't think I can keep listening to more than a song or two. The albums best moments come on "Montero", "One of Me (feat Elton John)", "Sun Goes Down", "Industry Baby". Much of the rest of the album has a little appeal but doesn't sell anything well when it comes to poppy hooks that rattle in your head for hours after you've been listening to the music. There's no "Old Town Road", "Panini", "Rodeo" to hit the radio waves with serious strength. Sure, this will get tons of streams and it's clearly going to be "Montero" that leads the way for the album as a whole for plays, but as soon as you get beyond that there's a rather noticeable cliff for quality and memorability. Spotify's play counter shows Montero at 951 million streams, Industry Baby at 370 million, Sun Goes Down at 72 million, That's What I Want at 15 million, and then nothing else comes close.

    Sure, many bands/artists would die to see those numbers but for an artist with Lil Nas X's fame it's not exactly a ringing endorsement for the whole album. It's entirely possible that people left the album on to stream and just forgot to shut it off but I'm guessing at this point. The album isn't worth a whole lot for me but it has its moments, as is the case with most pop album these days.    … Expand
  45. carlinhosice
    Sep 20, 2021
    6
    Lenda que veio pra ser referencia em tudo que se propõe a fazer juntando gêneros e ritmos
  46. Kat567
    Dec 15, 2021
    6
    The only main standout tracks for me where “Montero”, “Industry Baby”, “Scoop” and “Dolla Sign Slime”. I gave this album a much higher review when it first came out, and now it’s just a 6/10. The other songs are just not interesting enough to get listened to for months after the release,

    It’s just Lil Nas X”s first album, so it makes sense that it wouldn’t be extraordinary. I simply    The only main standout tracks for me where “Montero”, “Industry Baby”, “Scoop” and “Dolla Sign Slime”. I gave this album a much higher review when it first came out, and now it’s just a 6/10. The other songs are just not interesting enough to get listened to for months after the release,

    It’s just Lil Nas X”s first album, so it makes sense that it wouldn’t be extraordinary. I simply just found the other songs excluding those four to be boring, and not as strong. The overall feeling of this album is lukewarm. It’s not horrible, but it’s not a standout album I could listen too in full, over and over again.    … Expand
  47. edelgardvonhres
    Sep 18, 2021
    6
    Montero had a lot of promise, even more so than most albums that were anticipated this year in my opinion. But upon listening to it cover to back a couple times, I have to say that Montero unfortunately falls into many of the trappings of most modern artists. The best songs on the album are the ones we had already known which severely detracts from the rest of the album due to how big andMontero had a lot of promise, even more so than most albums that were anticipated this year in my opinion. But upon listening to it cover to back a couple times, I have to say that Montero unfortunately falls into many of the trappings of most modern artists. The best songs on the album are the ones we had already known which severely detracts from the rest of the album due to how big and bombastic of a hit they are and it really works to the detriment of the rest of the album which ended up being entirely forgettable and incredibly over produced. From songs like One of Me which incorporates Elton's piano and pairs it with a decidedly forgettable set of vocals from Nas X to Dolla Sign Slime and Megan's talent severely outshining Nas X's own. By stretching himself into so many genres and trying to be relevant in all of them and please fans, the quality of song is unfortunately dropped. I wanted to like Montero. I really did. But I just cannot bring myself to say it's anything more than simply fine. It's an entirely forgettable affair and is a severe let down, especially when I know Nas X can do better than this. For all the hype and publicity that he had generated in preparation for the album, you would think there would be more here to enjoy and that it'd be a major album of the year contender, but as I had said. Montero falls to the way side, filled with bombastic sound but middling vocal returns. I hope he can learn from this and produce a more high quality album with more compassion and soul to it instead of this generic minimal effort run of the mill thing we've already seen and heard, sometimes even better, before.… Expand
  48. breadstck
    Sep 18, 2021
    6
    This album is very inconsistent, incredibly high, highs, and low, lows. Tracks like "LIFE AFTER SALEM" really bring this record down, but tracks like "THATS WHAT I WANT" are really enjoyable. Unfortunately the album ended off really weak. The last two songs I did not at all enjoy, and that made me think less of this record, but after a second listen, this was pretty solid.

    overall I    This album is very inconsistent, incredibly high, highs, and low, lows. Tracks like "LIFE AFTER SALEM" really bring this record down, but tracks like "THATS WHAT I WANT" are really enjoyable. Unfortunately the album ended off really weak. The last two songs I did not at all enjoy, and that made me think less of this record, but after a second listen, this was pretty solid.

    overall I think its worth a listen, it's not a masterpiece, but its pretty solid    … Expand
  49. SebastianGutVel
    Sep 18, 2021
    5
    Meh... sí tiene una que otra canción buena pero para que tantos críticos le pongan puntaje 100... no creo
    No es repetitivo pero pocas canciones destacan en el álbum por tener ritmos tan similares
    Mejores tracks:
    1. THAT'S WHAT I WANT
    2. TALES OF DOMINICA
    3. AM I DREAMING
    4. ONE OF ME
  50. air_02112
    Sep 17, 2021
    5
    It's not TERRIBLE but it really does not hit the mark for me. It is radio friendly, but has little to no substance.
  51. venaskie18
    Sep 17, 2021
    5
    for me the only song worth returning to is the singles. the other songs were eh
  52. offmydemi
    Sep 24, 2021
    5
    Como a Pitchfork já havia dito "Mesmo com alguns erros ocasionais, o álbum cumpre a promessa de um novo tipo de estrela pop" porém é um tipo que não agrada todos os públicos e principalmente o meu ouvido. Minhas apostas não são fortes para esse álbum ganhar como melhor álbum do ano em nenhuma premiação e com certeza dessa vez Lil Nas X não leva o Gramofone para casa.
  53. zakier
    Sep 25, 2021
    5
    Montero is not a bad album. But it is not the good album many are making it out to be. Montero’s production is definitely impressive and hits hard, and Lil Nas X flows over these beats very well. His hooks and choruses are catchy, and the features on Montero are definitely fun and add to the songs. The problem is, Montero isn’t anything more than that. It’s just a radio friendly album.Montero is not a bad album. But it is not the good album many are making it out to be. Montero’s production is definitely impressive and hits hard, and Lil Nas X flows over these beats very well. His hooks and choruses are catchy, and the features on Montero are definitely fun and add to the songs. The problem is, Montero isn’t anything more than that. It’s just a radio friendly album. Despite being in the industry for a few years now, Lil Nas X fails to offer any lyrics of real substance. At no point on this album does Lil Nas X get introspective, critical or I daresay, “intelligent”. All of his songs are brainless, feel good songs. And that’s not a bad thing, proven by the fact that I’m giving this album a 5/10. The album feels like 15 worse versions of Hotline Bling. I hope Lil Nas X can evolve and write lyrics which have meaning beyond surface level.… Expand
  54. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    4
    The debut is a precarious milestone in a musician's life,it can either set the path for a career defining era or keep the artist grounded to relative obscurity. The aforementioned not really a problem for those outside of the competitive and commercial sphere of pop. And lil nas x has made it clear countless time"i like seeing myself on charts " ,an ampt interpretation of his debut as aThe debut is a precarious milestone in a musician's life,it can either set the path for a career defining era or keep the artist grounded to relative obscurity. The aforementioned not really a problem for those outside of the competitive and commercial sphere of pop. And lil nas x has made it clear countless time"i like seeing myself on charts " ,an ampt interpretation of his debut as a whole. Comprised of similar digestible "rap?pop" the album mimics hype by leaving just as quick as it came with 9 songs barely making the three minute mark. In spite of the brevity and potentially bland cohesion the record is by no means boring. How could it be with the billboard no. 1 opener,Montero(CMBYN) seductively beckoning us through the very gay gates of Montero(following the recent trend in making albums destinations.see:planet her,chromatica).

    The opener acts as a final declaration to a lover to be exclusive managing to balance vulnerability, earnestness and explicitly innuendos and still make the song feel like more could be said. From the crude humour of "shoot a child in your mouth while im ridin" to the desperate "call me by your name/i don't care that you lying " he sets the defining themes and tones for the record:honesty

    The bleek "dead right now" confronts casual sex, cheating,betrayal and life post success without doing anything to add to the cliché. A moment of lyrical depth peaks out on the 2nd verse("left school,then my dad and I had a face to face ")citing a universal experience under a unfortunately common lgbtqia+ light of familial upheaval at the emergence of pride. If u enjoy honest moments like these from Nas they are plenty in the few 41min.

    The braggadocious "industry baby" shakes it off in an early victory lap. The song just as huge as the NSFW video that set off an uncomfortable air of homophobia in the rap industry, as it intended i hope. Addressing your victories might be a cliché in rap but with lines like ("i don't **** with **** im queer"&"need me like one with Nicki") how could you not bop?

    The very real plight of dating while black in a community which if not disregarding you for the muscle top white standard **** your stereotyped black endowment is discussed in the near trap pop of "That's what i want " .

    The brief interlude "art of realization " would seem unnecessary at first glance but divides the album into the popier bright egocentric 1st half against the more reflective latter half . It's taking a breath after a victory lap to look at all the hurdles you've passed and seeing if it made you fulfilled, the answer being("im not sure")

    The fun and unrelenting "SCOOP" benefits from a prime Doja feature as body goals is juiced and embellished into the type of self esteem only millionaires could afford- literally. The idiosyncratic doja delivery proves yet again her claim as a rap mainstay as she drops flows Nicki would be proud off. Vanity isn't a sin here it's a privilege, one that makes people expendable ("only need you to tonight "),apologies materialistic ("let him apologize i need it in a Bentley ")&fitness the standard for self improvement.

    To dicuss the 7th&6th song would be to discuss one song twice as their banality and rigid production and flow feel forgettable. The aforementioned would've been applicable to the megan assist track 9 had it not been for the caption ready megan verse reviving the record to "industry baby" proportions. "tales of Dominica " has the space to accommodate a halsey feature.

    The outstanding production of "sun goes down" isn't matched by the uninteresting musings of it's artist. "Void" takes an interesting take on sadness but never with enough depth to illicit a replay.

    The record highlight ""Don't Want It" is get off your seat head bopping rock-esque that descends into the cool "Life after Salem " which attests to Nas x's inability to execute confessional without feelin forced or insincere.

    The closer might be the best part of this record apart from the singles. Miley sounds mature,emotional amd beautiful against the crystalline beats. Nas x remunerations channel nonames "don't forget about me" to great results. It takes a relevant stroll down memory lane at the end of a block buster debut,having mastered the art of realization.

    Favourites:montero,industry baby, am i dreaming,that's what i want    … Expand
  55. Gigeexo
    Sep 17, 2021
    4
    Some great production happening
    Altho only 3 songs made it to my playlist after full listen
  56. Dimespit
    Sep 18, 2021
    4
    There’s nothing special or revolutionary about this album. It’s weird that all these critics keep calling it a rap album when there’s barely any rap on it, it’s clearly a pop album and should be rated as such, it’s also weird that Metacritic won’t show the user scores
  57. Danieldulguun
    Sep 18, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I dont like kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkdkdkdkdkdkddkdkkdkdkddkdkdkdkdkkdkddkkdkdkdkdrkkrrkkrrkrkkrrkkrkrrkrkrkrkrkrkrkkrkrrkrkrkrkkrkrrkkrkrkr… Expand
  58. wanye2004
    Sep 19, 2021
    4
    That album was alright tho... I like the songs ONLY contain hip-hop. And not the pop or rock songs.
  59. nicktambunan
    Sep 17, 2021
    2
    He's just obssesed being LGBT queen without focus to make good music. To be fair few songs are good but most of them so bad.
  60. Nxamqlal
    Sep 22, 2021
    2
    Its giving very much "it took 100 people two years to do this" vibes. Very meh, not bad but meh
  61. TNTubeSock
    Sep 29, 2021
    1
    This is a ridiculous album that tries to achieve fame by trying to be so transparently controversial.
  62. Panchogul
    Sep 17, 2021
    0
    No eres nadie Mierlil PateticNas X, urge que te Montero ahorita ya para quedar bien Old Town Payola
  63. leefirmino
    Sep 20, 2021
    0
    SIMPLESMENTE P E R F E I T O. O álbum do ano, sem sombra de dúvidas. Amei mais que tudo
  64. nowisthetime
    Sep 18, 2021
    0
    A Lot of critics like this one and i am not sure why, i thought it was truly bad, the singing and rapping is dreadful, too satanic and too much like an idiotic mean spirited geek show, lil nas x is not a good rapper not a good singer (i remember andre 3000 and cee lo green, he's not on that league), sorry, the album sucks, get Nas King's disease ii and leave this thing to the dumps.
    one    A Lot of critics like this one and i am not sure why, i thought it was truly bad, the singing and rapping is dreadful, too satanic and too much like an idiotic mean spirited geek show, lil nas x is not a good rapper not a good singer (i remember andre 3000 and cee lo green, he's not on that league), sorry, the album sucks, get Nas King's disease ii and leave this thing to the dumps.
    one of the very worst albums of the year.    … Expand
  65. mahvrik
    Sep 19, 2021
    0
    Although there are some good songs on this album, my faves including "Dead Right Now", "Industry Baby", "Dollar Sign Slime", much of the album feels underwritten or derivative. There are moments where Lil' Nas X dabbles in Pop and Pop Rock which end up sounding like corny kid's music (ex. That's What I Want") or just awfully written (ex. One Of Me). Overall the low points overshadow theAlthough there are some good songs on this album, my faves including "Dead Right Now", "Industry Baby", "Dollar Sign Slime", much of the album feels underwritten or derivative. There are moments where Lil' Nas X dabbles in Pop and Pop Rock which end up sounding like corny kid's music (ex. That's What I Want") or just awfully written (ex. One Of Me). Overall the low points overshadow the moments of good music.… Expand
  66. iamachmad75
    Sep 20, 2021
    0
    Best album of 2021 i guess. Good job Nas for this incredible album. I hope this album gave you a great career
  67. Jthentic
    Sep 17, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Man this just disappointing & feels like da case where publicity & fan riding taking forefront & actual music & quality takes backseat. Production is downright bad & don't even ask abt vocals on this one. Looks like the rave reviews are just based on his appeal & social media points to get clicks… Expand
  68. Artorix
    Sep 17, 2021
    0
    Este álbum es una soberana porquería! Basura para llamar la atención que en un año ya quedará en el olvido
  69. raonnemenezes
    Oct 7, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Basic and repetitive album. His voice is irritating in some songs. Scoop is frustrating.… Expand
  70. Diegoresendez
    Sep 18, 2021
    0
    Sobrevalorado!!!! Definitivamente no siento que el álbum sea rap, solo trata de ser extravagante sin ser diferente a otros que quieren llamar la atención.
  71. Segundoleo26
    Oct 21, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Se siente como un reciclaje de álbumes de Frank Ocean & Miguel pero siendo demasiado básico y genérico
    Creo que es un intento de rapero y estrella pop pero falló en el intento por que suena como el ruido de una licuadora es desesperante y llega a ser fastidioso todo el tiempo.    … Expand
  72. Enriquerst
    Sep 17, 2021
    0
    It is the worst album I have ever heard in my life. It does not offer anything new apart from the cover. the songs have very cliché sounds and the album in general is a complete skip. The public has very overrated this artist who does not offer anything good.
  73. IHATELILNASX
    Oct 4, 2021
    0
    worst thing to happen to pop culture. I would rather listen to payola b (Cardi B)
  74. Mykestuart
    Nov 12, 2021
    0
    Really bad ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
  75. jamesfhall
    Feb 23, 2022
    0
    This music is genuine crap. It's filthy trash designed to shock with little musical design. Lil Nas X's music is mediocre as always.
  76. BustaDimes
    Mar 16, 2022
    0
    This album is terrible modern lowest common denominator pop music aimed to expand the toxic "politically correct" philosophy in a dystopian (and pretty digusting) way. The toxic popular worldview that we have now makes albums like this be fakely labeled, by so called "critics", as "good, provocative music", but I'm not biting that **** this is complete garbage musically and culturally
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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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