One Hit Wonder P.M. Dawn
'Set Adrift on Memory Bliss' Best Work from Hip Hop Duo
P.M. Dawn is much better than the one-hit wonder status people were so quick to adorn them with. When a band, group or artist manages to acquire such a notorious title, what does it really mean? Is it, in reality, an extraordinary feat that such musicians deserve to be unabashedly proud of? Should they be embarrassed? Either way, this duo falls into a third category: extremely talented but, due to such “status,” criminally overlooked.
Set Adrift on Memory Bliss Launches P.M. Dawn
It all started with the single “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss.” While the song itself is quite solid, it’s the only real shine that brothers Attrell (Prince Be) and Jarett Cordes (DJ Minute Mix)¹ have gotten since their 1991 debut Of the Heart, Of the Soul and of the Cross. So, why exactly do they deserve attention now? Because P.M. Dawn is more eclectic than anyone gives them credit for.
For pop and dance-influenced hip hop, their first album is the way to go. Looking for something more heart-wrenchingly R&B alongside lush strings and pianos? The Bliss Album, their second and arguably greatest album is what to look out for. On their third project, Jesus Wept, there’s more folksy rock to be had and on their fourth, Dearest Christian…, tracks range from reggae-esque to industrial-soaked rap.
The Bliss Album
It really is quite peculiar that their second album was still pinned into the genre of hip hop. With only 5 of the 15 tracks being rapped on, one would think that the singing on the other 10 songs (well, 9 since the first track is an intro) would place the album under a different category.
Beginning with "When Midnight Sighs," it begins with an airy synth, ethnic drums, keys and abstract rhymes. Towards the end of things, beautiful piano stabs weigh in and make it evident that there was nothing else coming out of the rap world at the time that sounded similar. There is even a cover of The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood." While strewn with hip-hop drums, it is indeed sung all the way through.
While all of their albums are distinct and innovative, The Bliss Album is an incredible offering of just how vast the group's sound is. They pull off going from the groove-heavy “Filthy Rich (I Don’t Wanna Be)” to “More Than Likely”– a duet with Boy George- seamlessly. So before remembering P.M. Dawn as being only good for one hit single, attempt to rediscover them as the innovative, eccentric and truly ahead-of-their-time group they are.
