Just shy of fifteen years after her self-titled debut, 'Shy Girl', Hollie Cook's fifth studio album, marks her return to Mr Bongo. While her musical formula may no longer surprise, Cook has almost singlehandedly carried the lovers rock sound into the twenty-first century, and 'Shy Girl' is yet another shining example of that evolution.
By Jah Rebel
For this new project, Hollie once again teamed up with her longtime backing band General Roots, joined by musicians like Gyasi Crosdale (guitar), Cyrus Richard (keys) and Tomoya Forster (saxophone). Recorded entirely in analogue fashion, the warm, heavyweight riddims and grooves they crafted are already begging for dub versions.
Asked about the album’s title, Hollie explained: “I’m not a natural show-off. The ‘Shy Girl’ theme is me. It’s just about being my most vulnerable self and being as true to the music that I love as possible.”
The only guest vocalist on ‘Shy Girl’ is London-based veteran drummer and MC Horseman, who adds extra flavour to ‘Night Night’. ‘Hello Operator’ feels like Hollie’s playful answer to J.C. Lodge’s iconic ‘Telephone Love’, while the delightful disco-reggae of ‘Holding On’, the trombone-driven ‘Crying Wolf’ featuring Lucas Petter, and the infectious up-tempo ‘River Runs Deep’ all won us over just as easily.
The album closes beautifully with a soulful cover of ‘We Share Love’, a little-known gem by Skip Mahoney & The Casuals from 1974.
With ‘Shy Girl’, Hollie Cook and General Roots deliver a near-flawless set that’s easily one of our favourite reggae releases of 2025.
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
October 4, 2025