Cleo Sol is widely celebrated for her collaboration with the enigmatic music collective Sault, although her official membership hasn’t been confirmed. She partners with Inflo, who is the sole confirmed member of this esteemed collective. Additionally, she has become a frequent collaborator and label mate of the critically acclaimed, Mercury Prizewinning artist Little Simz. Cleo Sol lent her backing vocals to the majority of Simz’s latest album, “NO THANK YOU” (Forever Living Originals), which was also produced by the elusive Inflo.

Sol’s fourth studio album, “Gold” (Forever Living Originals), quickly follows her third album, “Heaven” (Forever Living Originals), releasing just two weeks after. “Gold” addresses what “Heaven” might have lacked, offering a more eclectic fusion of genres. While “Heaven” remained delightfully soothing, firmly rooted in soul and R&B, “Gold” introduces elements of reggae, funk, and gospel alongside the signature sounds that Cleo Sol fans have come to adore. This 10-track masterpiece forms a luxurious and harmonious project, achieving precisely what it intends to do – evoke emotions and belief in its listeners.

The album kicks off with “There Will Be No Crying,” where Sol passionately explores themes of emotional resilience. This song features beautiful backing singers that complement the gospel undertones flowing through the track. The gospel influence and themes of faith continue into the following track, “Reason,” in which Sol sings about finding strength through faith and self-belief. Here, Inflo taps into his strengths in funk and jazz elements, akin to his work with Sault and Simz.

However, “Only Love Can Wait” focuses on patience but, unfortunately, tested my own patience as it feels more like a sluggish interlude rather than a fully developed track. It could have benefited from the inclusion of another verse to add depth to what is otherwise a somewhat underbaked song.

Yet, this minor setback in the tracklist is swiftly surpassed by “Please Don’t End It All,” which elevates the album to dizzying heights of emotion. Supported by a beautiful piano that evoked memories of Adele’s powerful No.1 hit “Easy On Me,” the chorus intensifies the emotions to an overwhelming crescendo. When the backing singers’ vocals subtly entered during the midpoint of the chorus, I found myself captivated and completely immersed in the music.

“Lost Angel” introduces a more joyful and upbeat sound, emphasising the unity of souls, regardless of belief, and the discovery of hope through faith and love. What struck me as particularly impressive at this point is how Cleo Sol has made the album universally accessible, despite the heavy-handed exploration of religious themes. Even as someone who doesn’t share the exact same views on faith, I couldn’t help but admire how Sol expresses her deep reverence for her beliefs.

From “Desire” to the closing track “Gold,” Sol gracefully traverses the themes of faith, passion, and perseverance, concluding with the assertion that love is as precious as gold. The album is meticulously constructed, with layers that approach perfection, serving as a testament to a woman’s unwavering faith that has the power to guide even the most skeptical towards enlightenment.