Though she has done countless songs in a 20-year career, singer Isha Bel is still hunting that elusive hit. She thinks it has come in Cost of Living.

The song is from Cost of Living/Light Haffi Shine, an EP released September 20 by Swiss label Addis Records.

Cost of Living is a cover of Peace Within, a song done by singer Nora Dean in the 1970s.

A former member of the Fourth Street Sister vocal group, Isha Bel has done a number of singles since going solo nearly a decade ago. The EP represents her coming of age, so to speak.

“It’s a great feeling and a blessing doing this EP with Addis, presenting Isha Bel’s music in a structured format with the support behind it. Having the video, digital and vinyl release is something I have wanted for a while now,” she told Splash.

It was management at Addis Records’ suggestion to record Peace Within with a change of name. Isha Bel agreed as she was familiar with Dean’s solo work and her time with The Soulettes and Ebony Sisters.

“On hearing Nora Dean’s raw, gutsy interpretation, I felt she was telling my life story too. I knew I had big shoes to fill, [but] I felt I could wear those shoes comfortably,” said Isha Bel.

“I simply put Isha Bel in the song — my raw, soul, passion and my love affair with rub-a-dub. It was like me taking the baton to continue the story of this timeless classic,” she added.

Dean, who died from cancer in the United States in September, was best known for the risque 1969 hit song Barbwire.

Addis is the latest European company Isha Bel (real name Natalie Walsh) has worked with. She previously recorded for Idlers Corners Records out of France and British label Conscious Sounds.

Since leaving the pop-influenced Fourth Street Sister, she has embraced roots reggae and recorded for producers like “Caveman”. Isha Bel has also done backing vocals or toured with Sizzla, Andrew Tosh and Warrior King.

Addis will release a 10-inch vinyl edition of Cost of living/ Light Haffi Shine on October 25.

— Howard Campbell