With a GLIMMER OF GOD in his eyes, Jean Dawson returns from beyond with music that continues to touch souls.
Released on Friday (Oct. 18), GOG is the epitome of Dawson’s all-encompassing musical arsenal. A brash mix of “guts glamour and ghetto pop,” the full-length follow-up to CHAOS NOW* sees Dawson balance pop-rock funk waves and fleeting ‘80s dance synth with ease. Highlights like “The Boy And The Swan,” “Black Sugar” (which feels like a vibey “BLACK SKINHEAD”), and “Electric Children,” among others, bring forth Jean’s most immersive and experimental musical experience yet; beautiful, glorious and gutty in every way.
A different pocket within Jean’s already eclectic catalogue, singles like “HOUSTON” catches ears in the warmth of its own embrace, floating away with dreamy nostalgia that refuses to escape rotations. On “DIE FOR ME” (Aug. 17) with Lil Yachty, Dawson’s angelic vocals and brooding lyrics pair seamlessly with Boat’s introspective bars. A stark visual with pulsating lights circle Jean in the center of a personal chaos*: “I bet somebody loves me now, after I’ve died we’ll see,” he croons. “The devil’s in the details, I tell only truths.”
Backed by a plethora of orchestral arrangements, staticky synths and ghostly samples, “DIE FOR ME” is one of Jean’s most breathtaking vocal performances in recent memory. Boat’s charisma brings yet another hip-hop tinged track to Dawson’s arsenal, previously collaborating with artists such as Earl Sweatshirt, A$AP Rocky, Trippie Redd and more. Other than Yachty, the album features another sole feature: BONES on the brooding “P4IN.” Both “Houston” and “Die For Me” set the tone of GOG and acted its precursor ahead of Dawson’s 26-date headlining “GLIMMER OF GOD” tour this Fall (featuring Quadeca).
“Knowledge speaks & wisdom listens – I don’t know anything but this feeling I’m chasing and the closer I get the further it seems. I don’t want to talk anymore. When I was younger I was so excited, so talkative now I’m no longer excited, just obsessed. I no longer have words except for in the songs I write. I hope you feel something.”
Jean Dawson on ‘GOG’
The San Diego-Tijuana, Mexico raised artist has evolved into one of the most quintessential musicians of our generation. Since sharing Chaos Now* and BOOHOO (an overture to GLIMMER OF GOD), Dawson has steadily stacked greater acclaim from all sides of music’s ever-changing spectrum, especially with SZA on their collab “NO SZNS” last year.
Timeless and of the times, Jean Dawson’s diverse brand of vulnerable melodies and emotional songwriting continues to feed the souls of fans yearning for authenticity in a copy-paste industry.
This story will be updated.
Listen to ‘Glimmer Of God’ below!