Set Adrift on Memory Bliss


"Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" is a song by American hip-hop group P.M. Dawn. It was released in August 1991 as the second single from their debut album . "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" is built around samples of Spandau Ballet's "True", The Soul Searchers' "Ashley's Roachclip", and the Bob James version of Paul Simon's "Take Me to the Mardi Gras", with the remainder of the song written by P.M. Dawn vocalist Attrell "Prince Be" Cordes; only Prince Be and "True" writer Gary Kemp were credited for writing the tune.
This song was P.M. Dawn's first number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, and it was the first number-one song after the debut of the Nielsen SoundScan system, which monitored airplay and sales more closely than before, when Billboard had to rely on manual sales reports and airplay data. According to the test charts of the SoundScan system, "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" was at number one for at least three weeks but officially has a one-week reign at number one. Worldwide, it reached number one in New Zealand, number three in the United Kingdom and number seven in Australia. It was ranked number 81 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. And Blender ranked it at number 94 in their list of Greatest Songs Since You Were Born in 2005.
A slower, ballad version of the song was remade for the Backstreet Boys, and recorded on their second international album Backstreet's Back, and released on their US debut album.

Critical reception

Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report wrote, "Hypnotic Rap from New Jersey brothers Prince Be and DJ Minutemix set to Spandau Ballet's 1983 smash "True" not only brings back a memory or two, it's sure to create new ones. It has fresh production elements and a chorus with all the relaxing, calming qualities of a nice long massage. A massive hit overseas, it's set to become just as big in North America thanks to early airplay at key crossover outlets."

Music video

The video premiered in August 1991 and was directed by Mark Pellington. Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley appears toward the end of the video.

Track listings

CD maxi
  1. "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" – 3:58
  2. "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" – 6:03
  3. "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" – 4:12
  4. "For the Love of Peace" – 3:29
7" single
  1. "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" – 3:57
  2. "For the Love of Peace" – 3:29
12" single
Side A:
  1. "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" – 6:04
  2. "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" – 3:57
Side B:
  1. "A Watcher's Point of View " – 6:05
  2. "A Watcher's Point of View " – 3:58

    Charts and sales

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
US Billboard Hot 10044

Certifications