Cleo Sol: The Soulful Voice of UK R&B

Cleo Sol is a British singer and songwriter known for her warm, timeless voice and introspective blend of soul and R&B. Emerging from the London music scene, she has carved a distinct path both as a solo artist and as a pivotal vocal collaborator within the influential SAULT collective.

Early Career

Cleo Sol's early musical development is rooted in West London. She began writing songs as a teenager and first gained attention through collaborations, working with UK producers and artists. Her initial steps into the industry were marked by a focus on songwriting and featuring on tracks that highlighted her classic soul-influenced vocal style.

Breakthrough

Cleo Sol's profile rose significantly through her association with the enigmatic production group SAULT, starting in 2019. Her vocals became a defining element on several of the group's acclaimed albums, which blended soul, funk, and R&B. This collaboration provided a platform that amplified interest in her own solo work, leading to the release of her debut album.

Key Tracks

Why Don't You - This early single showcased her signature sound of gentle, 70s-inspired soul and established her artistic direction.

Rose in the Dark - The title track from her 2020 debut album, it exemplifies her intimate songwriting and lush, atmospheric production.

Sweet Blue - A standout track that merges her soulful delivery with jazz-inflected harmonies, highlighting the depth of her musicality.

In 2020, Cleo Sol released her first solo album, 'Rose in the Dark', which presented a cohesive vision of personal reflection and soulful melodies. She followed this with her second album, 'Mother' in 2021, a project that further explored themes of family, love, and womanhood over rich, organic instrumentation. Her work, both solo and with SAULT, is characterized by its emotional authenticity and a deliberate retreat from mainstream industry patterns, favoring artistic integrity over commercial pursuit.

Artists with a similar vibe include the London-based soul singer SAULT, the collective with which she frequently collaborates. The neo-soul sound of Ady Suleiman shares a comparable warmth and lyrical sincerity. For listeners drawn to her classic soul inflection, the music of Greentea Peng offers another compelling UK perspective.