Lil Nas X has been making waves in not only the music industry, but the pop culture scene through his MTV VMA win for video of the year as well as his memorable Met Gala debut. Yet, it doesn’t stop there, as Lil Nas X, who is a global phenomenon and Grammy Award-winning artist, has just released his debut album, MONTERO via Columbia Records today.
Executively produced by Take A Daytrip, featuring tracks with Doja Cat, Elton John, Jack Harlow, Megan Thee Stallion, and Miley Cyrus, the entire album is an experience. However, to save you from the hassle of listening to each and every song, we decided to single out the album’s Top 10 Tracks.
1. MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)
The title track is the epitome of a catchy pop song. The song’s chorus, which is composed of plainly vocals and strings then met by strong percussion is what makes the song. Repeatedly, Lil Nas X sings “Call me when you want, call me when you need. Call me out by your name, I’ll be on the way”. Through this, Lil Nas X tackles identity and the presence of a significant other.
2. INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)
If it’s your first time listening to INDUSTRY BABY, make sure to undergo the whole experience through watching the music video. Evidently, not only is the song appealing to the ears, but the effort and high production quality put into the music video screams art.
3. SCOOP (feat. Doja Cat)
SCOOP caters to fans of modern rap. In fact, the use of the song’s title “scoop” is quite parallel to the use of Young Thug’s Surf in his own song. These two tracks clearly show the direction of modern rap and pop music – repetitive simple lyrics with simple beats.
4. ONE OF ME (feat. Elton John)
Roughly halfway through the album, the tone of MONTERO shifts, showcasing a different side of Lil Nas X and his artistry. ONE OF ME serves as the first solemn song in the album. Considering the fact that it features Elton John, it makes sense.
5. LOST IN CITADEL
Continuing the path down the solemn road, Lil Nas X seems to be addressing a significant other in his song LOST IN CITADEL as he states, “Tell me, are you feeling down? Are you happy, do your dreams still seem in them? Tell me, are we finished now? Cause every time you leave you find your way to come back around”.
6. DOLLA SIGN SLIME (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
To provide some head-bopping rap, Lil Nas X included DOLLA SIGN SLIME into the album. And of course, as it features Megan Thee Stallion, the track includes an iconic blend of trap and pop bars.
7. TALES OF DOMINICA
Lil Nas X shows a level of vulnerability in TALES OF DOMINICA as he illustrates a low point in life. By saying “Woke up on the floor. Oh, this plastic bed don’t blow up no more. In this broken home. Everyone becomes predictable.”, Lil Nas X reaches out to those who are currently struggling and gives them hope.
8. SUN GOES DOWN
SUN GOES DOWN has everything it takes to make the charts. Not only does it boast a catchy tune, but the lyrics serve a purpose by speaking to minorities and letting them know they are not alone in whatever struggle they may be facing.
9. VOID
Setting itself apart from the rest of the album, VOID makes use of a stronger melody as compared to the other tracks. The effect of this is a refreshing feel to Lil Nas X’s artistic capabilities.
10. AM I DREAMING
As the last song on Lil Nas X’s newest album, it appears that he addresses a significant other through his lyrics. However, the lines “Oh, never forget me. And everything I’ve done. Oh, never forget me. Like I’m your favorite song. I’m fading.” can also serve as a closing letter to his fans, asking them to remember his legacy and everything he’s done in and out of music.
Aside from his album, Lil Nas X is also launching an exclusive merch collaboration with Jean-Paul Gaultier on Monday, September 20 at 9am PT. The items will be available on lilnasx.jeanpaulgaultier.com. Be sure to listen to Lil Nas X’s new album, MONTERO as it is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Columbia Records and Sony Music.
