In the 2nd edition of Music Lifts (2024), we’re uplifted by British R&B singer/songwriter Cleo Sol performing, “Things Will Get Better.”
Welcome to Music Lifts 🎶 🏋, a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity. Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights! So, for the 2nd edition of Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 (2024), we highlight 🎵 “Things Will Get Better” as performed by Cleo Sol.
“If God called you / At 5 AM / Would you get on your knees / Or get up and leave?” Hmm, that is a legitimate question, Cleo Sol (Cleopatra Zvezdana Nikolic). The talented British R&B singer/songwriter continues singing on “Things Will Get Better”, “If He answered your prayers / Would you share His light / Or choose to hide / Or would you stand and rise?” “Things Will Get Better” appears as the third track on her 2023 album, Gold. This silky smooth cut is reflective, exploring spirituality, offering encouragement, and speaking on the power of faith. Sol penned “Things Will Get Better” alongside her husband, producer Inflo.
There are so many reasons why “Things Will Get Better” shines. First and foremost, Cleo Sol sounds amazing. She sings in a calm, cool, and collected fashion. Her voice is incredibly soothing, complementing the thoughtful lyrics. “Things will get better,” she sings many times throughout the course of the song. She characterizes the trials experienced: “You overthink / You’re overwhelmed / Give yourself space / And time will tell / Things will get easier / Things will get better.” Besides awesome singing and encouraging, uplifting lyrics, the supporting instrumental is fabulous. Inflo provides incredibly soulful production work, crafted in the neo-soul/jazz/jazz-soul style. The piano sounds warm, the bass is robust, and the drums are punchy. Compositionally, the harmonic progression shines as well, idiomatic of both soul and jazz. Need a lift that you can’t get from the gym? How about the incredible, bright shining light that is “Things Will Get Better”!
🎙 Cleo Sol • 💿 Gold • 🏷 Forever Living Originals • 📅 2023
Cleo Sol, Things Will Get Better: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 2 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Forever Living Originals; Hamid Tajik, Qamar Rehman, vansh mehta, Viridiana Rivera via Pexels]