The double album release proves that Cleo Sol is one of music’s most prolific voices and a likely timeless icon in an age where icons are few and far between.
Many know Cleo Sol best as the lead vocal for SAULT, the mysterious, avant-garde, indie-Soul collective that has built a cultish fan base. SAULT are known for their prolific album releases since 2019. For example, in 2022 the collective delivered 5 albums at once. But with SAULT, quality is just as important as quantity, constantly innovating their sound. And Cleo Sol has proven to be just as prolific in her career as a solo singer-songwriter. In September 2023, she released two albums, Heaven and Gold, which serve as the latest proof points for this.
We dive deep into Cleo Sol’s story and journey as an artist here. But since her return from hiatus in 2018 with her Winter Songs EP, she has proven to be unstoppable with releasing musical mastery. Cleo Sol has invented a lane for herself in contemporary R&B that weaves seamlessly between Neo-Soul, indie Soul and retro Soul. Clearly drawing inspiration from the icons of R&B / Soul, she has created her own authentic sound. Moreover, Cleo Sol’s sound is distinguished by the distinctly intricate productions of her longtime collaborator and partner, Inflo. As well as, the raw authenticity and emotive expression of her lyricism. On Heaven and Gold, Cleo confidently inhabits the space created by both of these weapons in her arsenal, for two of the year’s best albums yet again.
Cleo Sol’s debut and sophomore albums
Cleo Sol’s debut album, Rose In The Dark, released on 21 August 2020, was a pandemic gift. The soothing album the moment needed. A refreshing slice of Neo-Soul that was immediately obviously one of the strongest albums of the year, earning her a place on virtually every year end list.
Almost exactly a year later on 19 August 2021, she shared Mother. A more intimate project, Cleo Sol pulls fans into her journey as a mother and her relationship with her own mother. Cleo Sol (and Inflo) nicely evolved the sound and production on Mother into a more expansive palette including Neo-Soul, Jazz, quiet storm with some latin tinges. Again Mother was widely acclaimed as one the best albums of 2021.
With two exceptional albums to her name, Cleo Sol’s fame started to rise with her music organically gaining traction on streaming platforms and social media. When she announced her debut headline show at the 1500 capacity KOKO Camden, in May 2022, she sold out within minutes. A year letter, she sold out 2 nights at the 5000 capacity Royal Albert Hall within an hour.
Heaven by Cleo Sol
Against this background, Cleo Sol released Heaven on 15 September 2023. For her third album, Cleo shows us a new, more ambient side to her music. The production is a lot more lo-fi and subtle, inviting introspection. Her musical inspirations here are palpable when you listen. The title track Heaven is very reminiscent of D’Angelo. Other tracks pay homage to artists like Solange, Lianne la Havas and Sade.
@thebluesproject.co new Cleo Sol got me acting up. Top tracks off the album #cleosol #neosoul #soulmusic #rnbsoul
♬ original sound – TheBluesProject.co
It feels like Cleo is in a more confident space artistically. For instance, the ambient soundscapes of this album might have felt too niche a direction as a newer artist. But Cleo is even more confident lyrically. Confidently expressing her faith and advice to her younger self / fans.
Gold by Cleo Sol
Fans were (pleasantly) surprised by the arrival of Gold, a few weeks after Heaven on 29 September 2023. Gold is yet another evolution in Cleo Sol’s sound. It’s similarly lo-fi / raw in the production to Heaven, but otherwise offers a very different sonic backdrop. Soaked in the sounds of gospel and classic Motown soul with jazz-tinges, it’s a truly gospel-soul offering. The inspirations here are Stevie Wonder and Minnie Riperton. Lyrically the focus is much more centred on her christian faith as Cleo shares her spirituality as her source of hope. This faith and hope is also the foundation of her belief in love. Cleo Sol sings gushingly of her love, supposedly, for her partner, Inflo.
Cleo Sol, an unstoppable force
With four albums under her belt in just three years, Cleo Sol is a force that can’t be held down. She seems to be unable to do anything wrong musically. Moreover, carving a lane out for herself for positive, healing soul music, she’s never pigeon-holed to a sound. Each album is a refreshing exploration of sounds and lyrical themes that hit their mark. And she seems to be offering a soothing balm that a generation is crying out for. A quick search of her name on TikTok reveals she is consistently a source of viral content, her mystique only driving more interest and demand. Her star is shining bright and she is poised to be possibly the UK’s next big musical export.
