Heaven

Released as a surprise alongside another full-length album (Gold) just two weeks later, Heaven represents the more intimate and spiritually focused side of Cleo Sol’s 2023 output. Produced by Inflo (of SAULT fame), the album continues the duo's exploration of vintage soul aesthetics, characterized by dry, reverb-free vocals and a minimalist approach to instrumentation. While her previous work like Mother dealt with the complexities of family and heritage, Heaven feels more internal, focusing on self-worth, spiritual peace, and the rejection of external pressures. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the album's 'hushed intensity' and its ability to feel both timeless and contemporary. It stands as a pivotal moment in her catalog, refining her signature 'sun-drenched soul' into something even more sparse and potent, solidifying her place as a leading voice in the UK's neo-soul revival.