After years in the music industry, it is surprising that it has taken Naomi Cowan this long to release her first full-length album. However, the wait was well worth it. She has built a solid catalog of music, toured the world, and even dabbled in acting. Now, she is ready to embark on a new era with her album Welcome to Paradise. In this work, she explores the challenges of standing up for oneself in a world that often measures worth by productivity and status. At the same time, the album highlights the importance of remaining grounded in one’s inner strength, reminding listeners that true value comes from within, rather than from external achievements.

Starting off with a beautiful tribute to the foundations of reggae music, “Beautiful Ska” sets the tone for this musical journey. Showcasing her vocal prowess, the artist takes listeners on a captivating ride over the bass and rhythm. It's the perfect song to kick things off, promising a fun experience ahead.

Paying homage to the women of reggae who paved the way, “Women Respect” features an old-school dancehall riddim. This thought-provoking tune highlights the importance of women respecting and validating one another. Naomi Cowan recently expressed her views on this topic: "I believe women are a magnificent representation of God’s creativity, particularly in how our minds and bodies work. While we have experienced a feminist movement that has empowered us to be strong, I feel that at times, we, as women, don’t give each other enough respect. We demand it from the world, but do we extend that same courtesy to one another? Society often pits women against each other. I think it's crucial for us, as women in music, to continue pushing this message forward."

After the interlude titled “The Throne,” there is a standout collaboration called “Version” featuring dancehall legend Johnny Osbourne, who samples his classic track “Rock It Tonight.” Cowan adds a heartfelt verse that transforms the song into a modern-day ballad. Another remarkable track is “True Lies,” which was released earlier. It features a heavy bass riddim and showcases Naomi’s impressive vocals and vocal range.

Following the “Her Attitude” interlude is “Cherry On Top,” a vibrant track that explores relationships and love while capturing the essence of classic reggae rhythm and vibe. Naomi’s vocal range and flow are once again impressive and infectious.

Next is “Up To Di Time,” a song that showcases Naomi’s vulnerability and raw emotion. She wrote this tune during a period of heartbreak while filming the Bob Marley: One Love movie in London. “The skies there were perpetually grey, which matched my mood perfectly,” she reflects. “‘Up To Di Time’ really captures the feeling of creating something raw and honest when you’re at your most vulnerable.”

We then transition to a hip-hop-inspired track featuring Runkus, titled “Lonely Love.” This methodical song showcases Naomi’s emotional and heartfelt delivery, complemented by Runkus's strong flow on his verse, blending seamlessly with her style.

The “Legacy” interlude flows into “Moments,” which features a bass-driven rhythm. In this track, Naomi's vocals intertwine with the horns, creating a duet-like feel. It gives the impression that the album is winding down beautifully.

The closing track on the album, “Imagine,” is one of the finest ballads you'll encounter in any reggae album from the past few years. It not only brings the album to a close but also concludes the journey on a perfect note. With a fusion of her vocal range, sweet production, and beautiful lyrics, she finishes this project in a delightful and memorable way.

Through uplifting melodies and heartfelt confessions, Welcome to Paradise is Naomi Cowan’s personal invitation for listeners to discover their own internal paradise while balancing softness and strength in a divided world. This journey is filled with emotions, grace, and honesty, as Cowan delivers an intimate yet expansive portrait of resilience.

Welcome to Paradise is a celebration of healing and self-discovery, urging listeners to find their inner strength and personal paradise. “We committed to keeping this project anchored in reggae music while investing a lot of time to ensure the music meets global standards of quality. Reggae is a global sound and has inspired people worldwide for many years, so I feel a responsibility as a Jamaican artist to ensure that our music is undeniably excellent,” Cowan explained.

The album serves as a reminder that true value comes from within, and that strength doesn’t have to be loud to be genuine. Welcome to Paradise is a record to feel, reflect on, and return to time and again.

One Love, Todd M. Judd