Album Review: Naomi Sharon - The Only Love We Know

Following up from her stunning debut album Obsidian, OVO signee Naomi Sharon has unveiled The Only Love We Know, a succinct EP that explores a brand new chapter for the songstress as well as ushering in new sonics that cement how versatile Sharon can be.

Photo Credit: Dion Bal

Exclusively produced by Jordan Ullman of Majid Jordan, Naomi Sharon allows her breath-taking vocals take centre stage as she moves on from recurrent reflections of relationships and seeking connections and instead turns towards finding acceptance and letting things go. The EP cover is bright, the chair she sits on clear. This contrasts Obsidian, which could be symbolising a fresh start and clarity.

Opening with 'Bittersweet', Sharon's voice is soft and nostalgic, like you heard it before many years ago but can't quite place it. Using sampling to aid the flow of the chorus, this 80s style ballad with a 90s R&B yearning shows a breakdown in relationships and recognising faults. Acoustic numbers circle this project with ease throughout which bring forth Sharon's versatility and growth as a musician but also within herself. Vulnerability and truth play a large part in the foundations of this project without it being too similar to her previous work.

'Calm Waters' sounds like how water ripples gently on the ocean. Flipping between letting down walls and opening up barriers in relationships, each track almost comes across as a thought or feeling on their own. Each of them a barrier to break or thought to ponder. With this EP, Sharon is edging away from comparison and really showing that she can stand as her own genre. She includes a gospel choir later down the line, adding a warming touch, but also reinforcing how much she feels emotions deeply with the collection of voices echoing her words. Although there are many elements that have trickled down from Obsidian, this new beginning counters her debut which felt like recognising feelings, experiencing them deeply and intensely and stewing in them. The Only Love We Know feels like finally seeing moonlight behind the clouds in the thick of the night. It's not quite the sun but we're getting somewhere.

Read our interview with Naomi Sharon where she breaks down Obsidian and speaks on it's spiritual significance.