Naomi Cowan released her full-length album Welcome to Paradise, produced in collaboration with British hitmaker Toddla T, known for his work with many artists like Protoje, Kiko Bun, and Steel Pulse. A longtime bridge between reggae, dancehall, and UK bass culture, Toddla’s touch gives the album a polished yet playful sound, blending roots, R&B, and modern island energy.
Following her 2018 breakout Paradise Plum, Naomi now expands her story, from the sweetness of that single to a full exploration of her own version of paradise. Naomi’s release timing may have been less than ideal, with much of the reggae world currently focused on Exile.
The album opens with “Beautiful Ska”, a heavy bass-driven tribute to the foundations of Jamaican music. It nods to Alton Ellis’ Rocksteady and bursts open with Naomi’s cheerful line, “It’s Paradise time again!” It’s an uplifting entry point that sets the mood for the journey ahead. In her own words, Naomi invites listeners into her musical world.
“Woman Respect” follows, a more raw, dancehall-inspired track paying homage to the women of reggae, including of course her mother Carlene Davis. The track carries strength and gratitude, one of the album’s more rooted and message-driven moments.
Like classic reggae albums, Welcome to Paradise is guided by short interludes that connect the tracks and give it an old-school storytelling flow. It’s a nice touch, something we’ve also seen Chronixx bring back on his new Exile album. Her work, however, stands well on its own.
The first collaboration comes with “Version”, a dancehall-infused track with a hip-hop Casiotone MT-40 kind of bassline and a vocal sample from the dancehall godfather Johnny Osbourne. While some might have hoped for a real feature, the tribute still adds charm and a nod to reggae history.
“True Lies”, previously released, finds its rightful place here and remains one of the standout tracks. Naomi’s voice feels most natural and expressive on this one. “Cherry On Top” continues in that emotional space, touching again on love and relationships, as does “Up to the Time.” There’s a lot of tenderness across the album, perhaps a reflection of Naomi’s life and perspective at 35.
The second collaboration, “Lonely Love”, teams her with Runkus over a dreamy, hip-hop-driven beat. His flow gives the track a needed boost of energy, contrasting nicely with Naomi’s gentle tone.
“Moments”, led by melancholic horns and a deep bassline, carries a reflective late-night mood, almost like an interlude before the soft landing of the final song. The closing track, “Imagine,” is a crystal-clear love ballad that gently guides listeners out of paradise and wraps up the album on a warm, hopeful note.
At just over 31 minutes, Welcome to Paradise is a concise and seemingly well-crafted project, full of melody, feeling, and grace. It might not be an album for everyone, for me it is way too lovey dovey, and I might be in a different stage in life, but it’s a beautiful reflection of Naomi’s artistry and where she is right now. Her voice remains one of the most soothing in modern reggae, and hearing her evolve from Paradise Plum to Paradise itself feels like watching an artist grow into her own.
By Danny Creatah