Lil Nas X
“MONTERO”
WIMITLA. SONG REVIEW
By Alix Sholomon and Elie Weitzman
“MONTERO” Album Artwork / Click to Listen!
Lil Nas X has been a force to be reckoned with in the music industry since his debut single: “Old Town Road.” However, he really made waves when it was revealed that he is gay, an announcement he knew would alienate much of the listener base that he had grown. His answer to those who question or hate him for that announcement is “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).” As the title in the parenthesis suggests, this song revolves heavily around Lil Nas X’s sexuality. Playing each role within the video itself, Lil Nas X explores different sides within himself, coping with the reveal of his true identity (his real name is, of course, Montero). The track is unapologetic in its portrayal of his inner struggle with his sense of self, and sends a message to all that feel uncomfortable with his embrace of the gay community: he’s not changing anytime soon.
This is not a heteronormative portrayal of gay love. It does not pander to traditional ideas of love that those in the LGBTQ+ community often must conform to when creating media for a larger audience. Instead, it reclaims ideas of homoerotic love that movies like Call Me By Your Name made acceptable for audiences, and now that Lil Nas X is making mainstream for music listeners. The backlash from the video due to the Satanic imagery and over-sexualization of men is proof that it has had the intended effect. Parents have clamored all over Twitter in disgust that a kid-friendly artist would sensationalize these very topics, failing to realize that Lil Nas X did not set out for children to be his target demographic. Those who have been up in arms about this music video have not demonstrated the same anger when other artists such as Nikki Minaj, Brendon Urie, and the Weeknd promoted the same messages, revealing the underlying racism and homophobia that is embedded in most critiques of this track.
The song itself is actually very good. It’s important to note that the extreme criticism has brought more listeners outside of his “fandom” to experience the song, generating more buzz than the song would’ve originally had. When actually giving time to the music itself, the sound is extremely enjoyable. Lil Nas X has proven time after time that he has a talent for making catchy, innovative, and genre-bending music. This only reaffirms that, with an infectious beat and an unforgettable hook. Overall, we hope to see more of this in the future from the music industry’s hottest new star. 8/10