After three years, Cleo Sol finally released her fifth studio album, Gentlewoman, and it’s the epitome of acoustic R&B. With 15 tracks, Cleo manages to speak life into herself and her listeners, reminding us that faith and love can heal all.
As a fan of Cleo Sol, the news of a new project was a sweet surprise. In an Instagram post on August 7, she revealed that the album was finished after not posting for a month. On August 10, she followed up with the release date and shared the closing track, “Gentlewoman (Acknowledgement).” In the track, she sings, “Gentle woman, I hear you / We are making it through / Oh, I see how hard you have worked, be easy / You’re safe to love again.” In the refrain, she speaks directly to the listener, letting us know we are not alone: “I’ll stand by you.” Those lyrics alone let us know that this new era was going to be a journey about recognizing our resilience and allowing ourselves to receive peace.
Cleo Sol Gives Praise to the Most High
Cleo has never been shy about her belief in God, and Gentlewoman emphasizes her faith. In the opening track, “I Only Look to You,” she lets go of the hurt that others have inflicted on her. She sings, “The only way to heal myself is to forgive them / Father, for they know not what they do.” This concept of finally being free from betrayal remains consistent throughout the album.
On the fourth track, “Imagine” (my personal favorite), Cleo gives listeners a mental picture of who we could be if we released the pain others have caused. She sings, “Imagine you never had to go through the hurtful things / Hoping that one day you will love and smile again.” She makes it clear that we must walk out of the rain to see the sunshine. And the pain? Cleo says, “God told me to let it go.” Also, the bass and electric guitar, drums, piano, and Cleo’s soothing vocals all mesh together beautifully.
Then, when you get to “Let Me Cry,” you hear Cleo being at her most vulnerable. She expresses having a long day where she feels lonely. This loneliness and stress build up to the point where she wants to be allowed to cry. Relatable, right? Cleo also seems to be giving a loving reminder to a friend or family member on the track. She tells them she will never turn away from them and shed a little tear for them. She reassures them that, “God will make a better way for you / Every morning pray for you.” This track is also very reminiscent of gospel music, as her background vocals sound like a choir. Releasing pent-up emotions and letting her community know she will be there physically and spiritually makes this song feel like a hug.
Also, “Thank You” is a love letter to the Lord. You can hear the gratitude in her voice when she sings, “God, I know You have a perfect plan / And You’ll bring me through / I’ll never stop loving You.” Her high-pitched vocals mixed with the organ as she sings out “thank you” are just heavenly.
Love Is at the Center of Gentlewoman
If you didn’t know, Cleo is married to producer Inflo, and they collaborate throughout the album. Their intimacy seems to be a source of inspiration for a few songs. For instance, in “Force of Love,” Cleo seems to be reassuring her partner. The lyrics, “I love when you talk to me / Only you can set me free / What we’ve been through / Made us come out stronger,” let us know how close they are. With Inflo on the drums, piano, and guitar, there is no denying that they are speaking each other’s love language musically. The song also has a reggae vibe that makes you want to dance with your lover.
Furthermore, “Sentimental Love” and “Little Things” exude the pure joy that exists in healthy romantic partnerships. On “Sentimental Love,” she proudly says, “Our love is the greatest.” She also lets her man know, “I love what you do to me,” and that he makes her feel free. Additionally, Cleo’s soft vocals and the percussion on this track remind me of “The Sweetest Taboo” by Sade. On the other hand, “Little Things” is very jazz-like, as she affirms to her life partner that all she needs is them. Those two tracks really embody what it feels like to be loved correctly.
Is It Worth a Listen?
If you are in need of music that will help reset and calm you down, then yes, you need to listen to Gentlewoman. The piano ballads will soothe you. Cleo’s amazing vocals will likely bring you to tears. The motivational messaging of each track will bring you clarity. The use of live instruments will draw you in. All of that, plus the authenticity and relatability of this project, is all the reason why you should stream Gentlewoman if you haven’t already, N Crowd.
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