Publications
Partners
Heaven by Cleo Sol.
Photo: Bandcamp/Cleo Sol
Album: Heaven
Artist: Cleo Sol
Where to stream: All streaming platforms
Our rating: 3.5/5
Artist: Cleo Sol
Where to stream: All streaming platforms
Our rating: 3.5/5
Tracklist: Self, Airplane, Go Baby, Heaven, Old Friends, Miss Romantic, Golden Child (Jealous), Nothing on Me, Love Will Lead You There
Cleo Sol has released her fourth studio album, Heaven, on 15 September 2023. She explores multiple themes on this album and takes her listeners on a jazzy musical journey where she delves into real-life situations and offers positive affirmations.
The album starts with the song Self, which explores mental health and the importance of being gentle with yourself. This song sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song is encouraging in the sense that one can make a considerable difference while still remaining true to themselves – "I can change the world without changing myself".
Her warm and inviting vocals entice you to listen more. The second song, Airplane, talks about aiming high: "fly little bird". This theme is also carried into the next song, Go Baby.
She explores different themes and emotions in the albums. Some of these have to do with sadness, jealousy, love, friendships, romance and relationships.
The friendship theme is explored more in Old Friends, where she admits that while falling out of touch with friends can be difficult, it is also important to stay true to yourself, and always remember to choose yourself over friends. She explores the complexities that people go through in their friendships but personalises it by singing about her own experiences.
Miss Romantic is where she sings about struggles that young women face when dating older men, touching on feelings of insecurity and a sense of dependency that comes with toxicity. The song encourages people in draining situations to love themselves and choose themselves more – "You deserve better", she affirms.
The album itself is a short but mesmerising musical piece with thoughtful beats and melodies. Cleo Sol remains consistent with the tunes and themes of her previous albums. The songs on Heaven flow together seamlessly; you can tell that they were very carefully crafted.
It is unlikely that you will skip any song on the album. In fact, be prepared to have it on repeat. As the title suggests, the album is indeed heavenly.
