The anticipation was palpable as U.K. singer-songwriter Cleo Sol prepared to complete her triumphant three-peat during the finale of her New York City run at Radio City Music Hall on Tuesday (March 25). As early as 6 p.m., fans were buzzing with excitement, flocking outside the venue to witness SAULT’s lead singer notch her trifecta of entrancing performances and see why she’s one of London’s brightest stars over the last half-decade. Fans were overjoyed by Sol’s final performance, as she anchored the evening with soothing R&B lullabies, God-fearing lyrics and warm affirmations, leaving no crumbs during her 23-song set.
Clad in red, Sol arrived on stage at nearly 8:45 and illuminated the room with her vivacious touch and dulcet vocals. She gave fans a hearty mix of songs from her 2020 debut, Rose in the Dark, including “Rewind,” “When I’m in Your Arms” and “Sideways,” leaving fans grooving and smiling ear to ear. Though Sol’s penchant for ballads and slow-tempo songs remains her hallmark, she encouraged the crowd members to get on their feet and dance, especially when reggae artist Chronixx joined her for back-to-back tracks “Shine” and “Reason.” The riddims during that two-song run were palpable, as even Sol closed her eyes and swayed side to side, soaking in the positive vibrations that darted her way. Sol reached her apex when her band and quartet of singers landed on Mother’s opener, “Don’t Let Me Fall,” which felt like an in-studio groove session to which fans were granted access.
Sol’s vocal performance was not just nearly immaculate, it was a soul-stirring experience. She riffed and flexed her range, most notably on “Sunshine,” during which the silence was deafening as the crowd watched in astonishment, reveling in her talents. Fans even saw Sol up close and personal when the singer momentarily vanished from the stage and sauntered down the aisle. She greeted them with her instant classic “Know That You Are Loved” as they joined her and sang in unison. Famously sampled on J. Cole’s 2024 song “Port Antonio,” “Know That You Are Loved” is a three-minute song imbued with emotion that can uplift anyone going through a tough time. There, Sol shared an intimate moment with fans, handing the mic to select attendees and letting them sing, “Know that you are loved/ Even if you don’t love yourself.” It was a moment of pure, unfiltered connection that left everyone in the room feeling uplifted and understood.
As she neared the conclusion of her concert, Sol kept the audience members on their toes, pump-faking fans after “Why Don’t You,” waving goodbye and thanking them for their hospitality before returning for an encore performance. To the crowd’s delight, Sol’s New York City stay breathed light, love and peace, making her a glowing presence in R&B.
