I can't think of a better way to celebrate Sunday than with the sweet sounds of Cleo Sol.
This started off as a potential Imaginary Compilation Album for The Vinyl Villain, so you'll find the 10-song selection at the end of this post has been split into two sides, as per the ICA format. However, this seemed like absolutely the right post for today. In truth, there's an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Cleo Sol's music, so I could easily come up with another ICA without repeating a single track from today's selection.
Late as ever to the party, I discovered her voice last year via another belated introduction to the incredible albums by SAULT. Well, allegedly, as the mysterious collective headed by producer Inflo aka Dean Josiah Cover don't actually credit Cleo (or any other collaborators, for that matter) on their five albums to date.
However, Cleo does make credited appearances on tracks by Little Simz (also produced by Inflo), including Woman, one of many standouts from last year's Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.
Both Little Simz and SAULT featured in my favourite albums of 2021 posts. Had I got my act together and bought them sooner, Cleo's two solo albums - Rose In The Dark (2020) and Mother (2021) - would surely have been in the respective year's lists. As it is, I only purchased both of them earlier this month and they've been on regular circulation ever since. Better late than never, I guess.
I've since discovered that there are two phases to Cleo Sol's music career. The current phase started in 2018 with the Winter Songs EP. Cleo performed the song Why Don't You for COLORS just over three years ago and it's a thing of understated beauty, both in voice and performance.
Cleo followed up with a couple of singles in 2019, One and Sweet Blue. Unlike Why Don't You, neither made it onto her debut album, more a comment on the sheer quality of the songs that she had amassed for selection by 2020.
Cleo Sol previously released music between 2008 and 2012, initially guesting on singles by Tinie Tempah and DaVinche, this 'first phase' much more poppy in nature. Great summery sounds if a little by-the-numbers, to be honest, as evidenced by debut solo single High.
High (Remix): Cleo Sol ft. Gappy Ranks (2011) For the follow up single in 2012, Never The Right Time (Who Do You Love), Cleo went full-on Beyoncé. Again, a really catchy, slickly-produced song that should've been a hit but with a sense that there wasn't a real understanding of Cleo's full potential.
During a 5-year break from releasing music, Cleo connected with Inflo, and the sheer volume of music that's come from this collaboration, whether with SAULT, guesting with Little Simz or on her two solo albums is astonishing in it's breadth and quality. There's a depth and maturity in Cleo's voice and songwriting, enhanced by a sympathetic producer at the top of his game. No surprise that Adele turned to Inflo for a few songs on her latest album. I have little to no interest in Adele, to be honest, and in a fair world, Cleo Sol would similarly be shifting record-breaking numbers of her albums too.
So, make a drink, sit back, enjoy the sunshine and immerse yourself in the sounds of Cleo Sol. Just don't forget to buy her music afterwards, you won't regret it.
By coincidence, after completing this post, I discovered that it's Cleo's birthday on 24th March. Many happy returns!
Side One
1) Sunshine: Cleo Sol (2021)
2) Free: SAULT (2020)
3) Wildfires: SAULT (2020)
4) Don't Let It Go To Your Head: Cleo Sol (2021)
5) Light's In Your Hands: SAULT (2021)
Side Two
1) When I'm In Your Arms: Cleo Sol (2020)
2) No Bullshit: SAULT (2019)
3) Protect My Energy: Little Simz (2021)
4) Rewind: Cleo Sol (2020)
5) We Need You: Cleo Sol (2021)
Parental advisory: some cussing and blinding, particularly on Side Two.
Cleo Sol on Soundcloud
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