Almost fifteen years after her self-titled debut on Mr Bongo introduced her breezy take on modern reggae, Hollie Cook returns to the label with Shy Girl, her fifth and most personal album to date. Across twelve tracks of glowing lovers rock and sunlit rhythms, she opens herself to the idea of love in all its forms, revealing both strength and fragility through songs that move with warmth and intention.

Recorded over three years in London, Los Angeles, New York, and the coastal town of Vejer de la Frontera in Spain, Shy Girl finds Cook reuniting with General Roots, the musicians who have long helped her refine her “tropical pop” sound. The album’s opening track, “Shy Girl,” captures her spirit perfectly, its melodic sway and confident ease offering a glimpse into her most natural self. “I’m not a natural show-off,” she explains. “The Shy Girl theme is me. It’s about being my most vulnerable self and being as true to the music that I love as possible.”

Her sincerity radiates throughout. The deep dub groove of “Frontline” pulses with moody guitar and rhythm, while the dreamy “Night Night” features legendary MC Horseman, adding a layer of classic reggae authority. The closing track, “We Share Love,” ends the record with quiet reflection, a reminder that Cook’s songwriting draws as much from emotional honesty as from musical heritage.

Born into a family steeped in music, Hollie is the daughter of Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and vocalist Jeni Cook, who sang with Culture Club before becoming a celebrity chef. Her own time performing with post-punk icon Ari Up in the Slits (2005-2010) gave Hollie a foundation in fearless expression, blending punk energy with reggae groove. Those experiences shaped a musical identity that feels both familiar and distinctly her own.

Influenced by voices like Janet Kay and Phyllis Dillon, and by the weight and rhythm of London’s sound system culture, Cook brings all those threads together on Shy Girl. It’s a record that feels like both a return and a renewal, one that celebrates openness, melody, and the power of sincerity. After years of growth and exploration, Hollie Cook stands fully in her element, radiating a confidence that feels effortless and earned.