Hollie Cook is no stranger to the music industry. The daughter of Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and backing singer Jeni Cook (of Culture Club), and with Boy George as her godfather, music is in her blood. After joining the punk-rock-reggae band The Slits in 2005, she went solo following the death of Ari Up. Almost fifteen years after her self-titled debut on the Mr Bongo label, reggae’s orator of love returns home with Shy Girl—her fifth and most authentic album to date.

Bringing a sun-drenched, analogue lovers rock sound, Shy Girl feels both warm and vulnerable, exploring love’s magical and melancholy sides. Cook’s signature “tropical pop” style shines through tight grooves, airy melodies, and lush production, elevating her artistry with confidence and emotional depth.

The buoyant title track, “Shy Girl,” sets the tone with its elastic lovers rock groove and Cook’s light, sensual vocals brimming with positivity. The brassy “Ooh Baby” keeps that breezy energy flowing, while “Rockaway” offers an uplifting escape—a dreamy, slightly melancholy reflection on peace and emotional connection.

“Night Night,” featuring Horseman, pairs a joyful tropical riddim with a bittersweet story of longing and loneliness. Horseman’s bold personality contrasts beautifully with Cook’s softness. The tempo rises on “Holding On,” a sunny, reggae-infused tune about infatuation and surrendering to love’s overwhelming pull.

“In the Pictures” blends jazzy undertones with a dubby flow, perfect for swaying on the dancefloor. “Frontline” delivers a deeper, more forceful Black Uhuru-style vibe with a bubbling bassline, sharp guitar, and heavy horns—one of the album’s standout moments.

“Take Me In Your Arms” is a sweet-natured love song driven by a steady bassline and smooth horns, while “Crying Wolf” stands out for its beautiful horn arrangements gliding across a classic reggae riddim. The upbeat “River Run Deep” symbolizes resilience and unity, with Cook’s airy vocals matching the track’s lively rhythm.

The intimate “Hello Operator” reveals Cook’s vulnerability, her longing voice carried by a rich bassline and flowing horns. The album closes with a tender remake of Skip Mahoney & The Casuals’ 1974 classic “We Share Love,” the perfect send-off after such a heartfelt journey.

Shy Girl may not be loud or forceful, but its warmth, airy flow, and authentic lovers rock spirit make it the ideal album to unwind with. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Hollie Cook delivers songs of love and honesty, revealing new emotional depths in her writing. Shy Girl is both a homecoming and a coming-of-age—a shimmering, soulful distillation of reggae that will capture your heart, just as it first captured hers.

One Love – Todd M. Judd