ALBUM OF THE WEEK

MONTERO – LIL NAS X ★★★★I

Montero is a sweeping piece of work, exploring identity, sexuality and community though the lens of Lil Nas X’s idiosyncratic mix of flamenco, country, trap and pop.

Before the success of Old Town Road, Lil Nas X was a college dropout sleeping on his sister’s sofa – and that journey to pop superstar and queer icon (he came out as gay while Old Town Road sat atop the Hot 100 chart in the US) is central to Montero.

Sir Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion and Miley Cyrus feature among the guest artists, but Lil Nas X is always the focus.

An affecting, uplifting album that proves Lil Nas X will be an enduring star.