P.M. Dawn, the American hip-hop and R&B group, emerged in the late 80s and quickly made a name for themselves with their unique blend of musical genres and poetic storytelling. With their dreamy, ethereal sound and introspective lyrics, P.M. Dawn became a household name and garnered a loyal fanbase. In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best P.M. Dawn songs of all time. From the haunting melody of “The Ways of the Wind” to the soulful beat of “I Had No Right,” this list will showcase the band’s versatility and ability to create music that is both musically and emotionally compelling. We will also explore the impact that each song has had on popular culture and why they continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the world of P.M. Dawn, this list is sure to provide a comprehensive overview of the group’s greatest hits and showcase their unique contribution to the world of music.
1. Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
“Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” is a song by American hip-hop and R&B group P.M. Dawn, released in 1991. The song samples Spandau Ballet’s “True” and features a smooth, dreamy melody with lush, ethereal sounds that make for a truly mesmerizing experience. The lyrics of the song are introspective, exploring themes of loss and longing, while also celebrating the beauty of memories and the human experience. The vocals of lead singer Prince Be are particularly noteworthy, as they are both emotive and soothing, conveying a sense of wistfulness and nostalgia that is sure to resonate with listeners.
The music video for the song is equally impressive, featuring a visually stunning display of surreal imagery that is both thought-provoking and captivating. Overall, “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” is a timeless classic that showcases P.M. Dawn’s unique ability to blend elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop into a seamless, transcendent whole.
2. Looking Through Patient Eyes
“Looking Through Patient Eyes” is a song by American hip-hop and R&B group P.M. Dawn, released in 1993. The song features a slow, melodic beat with a soulful guitar riff and poignant lyrics about love, loss, and the human experience. The vocals of lead singer Prince Be are particularly striking, conveying a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth that is sure to resonate with listeners.
The music video for the song is also notable, featuring a minimalist, black-and-white aesthetic that perfectly complements the song’s introspective tone. Overall, “Looking Through Patient Eyes” is a powerful and poignant song that showcases P.M. Dawn’s ability to create music that is both musically and emotionally compelling. It’s a timeless classic that remains as relevant and moving today as it was when it was first released.
3. I’d Die Without You
“I’d Die Without You” is a romantic ballad by American hip-hop and R&B group P.M. Dawn, released in 1992. The song features a smooth, soulful beat with ethereal synthesizers and Prince Be’s emotive vocals, which express the depth of his love for his partner. The song became an instant classic, reaching the top 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning the group a loyal fanbase. The music video features the band performing in a dreamlike setting, adding to the song’s dreamy, ethereal quality. “I’d Die Without You” is a timeless love song that continues to resonate with listeners.
4. Paper Doll
“Paper Doll” is a song by P.M. Dawn, released in 1991. The song features a smooth, jazzy beat and Prince Be’s spoken-word poetry, which tells a story of unrequited love and the longing for a partner who seems unattainable. The song’s melody is punctuated by a sample from The Four Tops’ “Walk Away Renee,” adding a touch of nostalgia to the track. The music video features the band performing on a rooftop, adding to the song’s urban, streetwise vibe. Overall, “Paper Doll” is a beautiful, heartfelt track that showcases P.M. Dawn’s unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and poetry.
5. Gotta Be…Movin’ on Up (featuring Ky-Mani)
“Gotta Be…Movin’ on Up” is a song by P.M. Dawn featuring reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley, released in 1998. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody with a reggae-infused beat and Ky-Mani’s smooth vocals complementing Prince Be’s rapping. The song’s lyrics are uplifting and motivational, urging listeners to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity. The music video features the band performing in a club, with a colorful, energetic vibe that perfectly matches the song’s infectious energy. “Gotta Be…Movin’ on Up” is a departure from P.M. Dawn’s usual dreamy, introspective sound, but it showcases the group’s versatility and ability to create music that is both meaningful and fun.
6. Downtown Venus
“Downtown Venus” is a song by American hip-hop and R&B group P.M. Dawn, released in 1995. The song features a smooth, jazzy beat with Prince Be’s smooth vocals weaving a story of a romantic encounter with a mysterious woman. The song’s melody is punctuated by samples from The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” and Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” adding to the song’s dreamy, retro vibe. The music video features the band performing in a lounge, with a cool, laidback atmosphere that perfectly matches the song’s sultry, seductive tone. “Downtown Venus” is a beautiful, romantic track that showcases P.M. Dawn’s unique blend of musical genres and poetic storytelling.
7. The Ways of the Wind
“The Ways of the Wind” is a song by P.M. Dawn, released in 1998. The song features a slow, haunting melody with Prince Be’s spoken-word poetry, which explores themes of life, death, and the fleeting nature of time. The song’s production is minimalistic, with simple guitar chords and atmospheric sounds adding to the song’s ethereal quality. The music video features the band performing in a desert, with imagery that evokes a sense of vastness and infinite possibility. “The Ways of the Wind” is a powerful, introspective track that showcases P.M. Dawn’s ability to create music that is both thought-provoking and emotionally moving.
8. A Watcher’s Point of View (Don’t ‘Cha Think)
“A Watcher’s Point of View (Don’t ‘Cha Think)” is a song by P.M. Dawn, released in 1991. The song features a smooth, laidback beat with Prince Be’s spoken-word poetry, which explores themes of urban life and the struggles faced by those living in impoverished communities. The song’s melody is punctuated by a sample from Prince’s “Alphabet St.,” adding to the song’s funky, streetwise vibe. The music video features the band performing in a gritty urban setting, with imagery that highlights the song’s social commentary. “A Watcher’s Point of View (Don’t ‘Cha Think)” is a socially conscious track that showcases P.M. Dawn’s unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and spoken-word poetry.
9. I Had No Right
“I Had No Right” is a song by P.M. Dawn, released in 1993. The song features a slow, soulful beat with Prince Be’s emotive vocals conveying a sense of regret and remorse. The lyrics explore the aftermath of a failed relationship, with Prince Be taking responsibility for his mistakes and acknowledging the pain he has caused his partner. The music video features the band performing in a simple, black-and-white setting, with Prince Be’s poignant delivery adding to the song’s emotional weight. “I Had No Right” is a beautiful, heartfelt track that showcases P.M. Dawn’s ability to create music that is both musically and emotionally powerful.
10. You Got Me Floatin’
“You Got Me Floatin'” is a cover of a song by Jimi Hendrix, released by P.M. Dawn in 1992. The song features a funky, upbeat beat with Prince Be’s smooth vocals adding a touch of soul to the track. The song’s production is stripped-down, with simple guitar riffs and minimalistic percussion adding to the song’s retro, psychedelic vibe. The music video features the band performing in a colorful, psychedelic setting, with imagery that perfectly matches the song’s upbeat energy. “You Got Me Floatin'” is a fun, lively track that showcases P.M. Dawn’s ability to put their own unique spin on a classic song.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
