Album Review

Hollie Cook – Self Titled

• 1st Jun 2011

Imagine you’re having a lazy day on a beach watching the waves gracefully lace the shore, sipping a cocktail. Well – relocate yourself to West London then you’re very close to how an hour with Hollie Cook feels.

Being the offspring of Sex Pistols’ Paul Cook, it’s quite obvious to see why this lady has music running heavily through her veins.  Born and bred in West London, Hollie decided to ditch her life in modelling and acting, instead opting to follow her father’s musical footsteps.  She set off in the right direction by surrounding her ears with legends such as Marc Bolan, David Bowie and The Cure, and what a good creative move that was – as tracks from the album utter a chilled unique ambience which continues throughout her self titled debut album – produced by Prince Fatty, set for release on Mr Bongo Records the 6th June 2011.

Hollie Cook is said to have labelled her music as ‘Tropical Pop’ which fits perfectly, as right the way through the entire album there are sounds of chilled reggae beats flowing smoothly.   The two tracks that stand out are ‘Milk & Honey’ and ‘That Very Night’, both with sensual beats and sexy soulful vocals from Hollie.  There are sometimes elements of a comparison to that of Lily Allen and also Eliza Doolittle, but only by vocal similarities.  Some tracks do have a tendency to blend into another but  Cook is fresh, exciting and still a definite one to watch. 

This is the most stress free album I’ve ever set my ears to and perfect for summer 2011.