Break of Dawn

"Break of Dawn" is the third studio album by Australian recording artist Nathan Meyer, released on the 11th of June, 2007. The album was recorded soon after the likes of the success of Meyer's previous work Fire Souls (2002) and focused in on the more Pop sounding tracks due to the success of said singles at the time, scoring Meyer Top 20's globally, with Meyer scoring his first four Number Ones in his home country of Australia. Recording sessions took place between Studios 301 in Sydney and a newly opened Forest Way Studios in Melbourne, Australia. Though Recording sessions were very patchy during the first initial years thanks to Meyer's Fire Souls Tour from 2002-2004.

Break of Dawn is a more Pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary driven album compared to the Indie, country and pop driven albums previous of Meyer's works. With many people noting of it's more sleek, mature and sexual sound in some of the lyrical themes, it received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and fans alike, being complimented by Pitchfork with a 9.4/10. Though the album was more viably successful compared to the likes of his two prior works, Animal Records had made the wrongful assumption of it selling anywhere to 3-4x the amount of his previous two albums, however, had only outsold the likes of his previous works almost two years after the launch of the album, the album became his first Top 10 worldwide except for in Japan where the album charted at Number 11. However, the album is noted as being one of the biggest selling albums in Australia of all time, with 2.7 Million units sold.

During the years of the albums launch and through to 2009, eight singles were released - "Love Me Rougher", "Superfly Sister", "Break of Dawn", "Echo", "Dark Fantasy", "Claranova", "Heating Up" and "Saw It With My Own Eyes". All of which became Top 10s worldwide in charts, except for in the United States (which only had "Break of Dawn" and "Claranova" as Top 5s) and in Japan, where Meyer became the only Australian artist to have 6 Top 20s in Japan.

## Background

Following the almost rapid success of his sophomore effort album Fire Souls (2002). Animal Records had become immensely impressed with the rapid demand that Meyer had been growing in both the, at the time, European and Australian Markets, and not being very concerned with the likes of how the United States market was growing at the time due to Animal Records belief that Meyer was an all package deal in terms of selling singles and albums. Animal Records allowed this album to fully grow in the presence by using the likes of singles to promote the likes of his previous work through to 2002-2003. Though having plans to initially extend it out until 2004 in around February of 2003, it was with the launch of iTunes that brought further sales to Fire Souls and Meyer's first album Take Cover (2000) that gave the two albums the initial sales boost they needed and that was expected from both albums, selling a combined 9 Million copies across all four editions. With the boost of the previous albums and the Fire Souls World Tour through 2002-2004, Animal Records was asking Meyer to plan the likes of his next studio album with an advance of at the time, 10 Million Dollars.

Initial songwriting periods would happen around May and July of 2005 where Meyer was inspired by the more ballad-driven R&B Style chart topping songs within the Top 10 each week in 2005. Though seeing that R&B was moving aside for a more Hip-hop based audience, Meyer still pushed forward with the blend of a Pop/R&B styled album. With Animal Records not initially being impressed that Meyer was leaning into the R&B style at first given his sudden change from country to pop within the first two albums, they asked to hear an initial demo of the album when it was ready to make sure that Meyer was not becoming a 'Genre bunny' to try and hop on the latest trends before changing them around to confuse his audience. Initial tracking of some songs revealed themselves around October of 2005 where the tracks "Love Me Rougher", A very rough version of "Echo" and "Dark Fantasy had presented themselves as plausible songs for what would become Meyer's third studio album. Though not liking the initial sound given it leaned more into R&B. They gave the deadline of the next album check-in by March of 2006 to see where Meyer had come in with the album, it was at this point that Meyer had reportedly written over 60 possible songs for the album and had demos regarding them as of November 2005.

## Critical Reception

*Break of Dawn* received high praise upon it's release. In a Triple J music review, Tommy Michael stated - "Nathan Meyer's "Break of Dawn" is a masterpiece that leaves an indelible impact on the Australian music landscape. From its innovative soundscapes to its deeply personal narratives, this album is a triumph that heralds a new era of Australian musical excellence."

Alfred Tadeu of Sydney Morning Herald deemed - "From the opening notes of the title track, "Break of Dawn," it's clear that Meyer is a visionary artist with an unparalleled ability to craft captivating melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. "Love Me Rougher" and "Echo" showcase his remarkable vocal range and his ability to create soundscapes that are both ethereal and grounded all the while showing off the subtle sexiness of how, in Meyer's own words in a personal interview,' a man properly treats a woman'.

International reviews stated the praise for the album including the likes of Pitchfork, giving it an 8.7/10 which stated -" "Break of Dawn" wastes no time making its mark with the explosive opening track of the same name. Meyer's backing vocals are a force to be reckoned with, effortlessly soaring over the production. "Love Me Rougher" follows suit, inviting listeners into a world of sensuality and passion, while "Turntables" and "Echo" ignite dance floors with their infectious rhythms."

 Source
 Australian Music Chronicles

During the 10th anniversary celebration, Pitchfork later reviewed the album once more and gave it a 9.3/10 which left them stating -" "Break of Dawn," the album's titular track, remains an impeccable opening statement that encapsulates the dichotomy of Meyer's artistry. The velvety vocals and lush production, once scrutinized for their perceived indulgence, have now solidified itself as an emblematic sonic journey that traverses the realms of nostalgia and the avant-garde."

There was only one music review site however that gave the album a negative review, Kristo Pontius of The Australian Music Review gave it a scathing 2/10, stating - "Nathan Meyer's "Break of Dawn" is a frustrating exercise in missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. With its lack of cohesion, uninspired arrangements, and shallow lyrics, this album fails to deliver the innovative musical experience it promises. It's a disheartening reminder that commercial success does not necessarily equate to artistic achievement, leaving us longing for a more authentic and meaningful musical journey." With many critics stating that it was hypocritical of them to come across with a 'scathing review' after they had labelled him as Australia's next best act and big star that could bring Australia to the forefront, it is also noted that this would be The Australian's only review of a Nathan Meyer album after the 'heavy backlash they received from fans and journalists alike.'

## Commercial Performance

*Break of Dawn* was the most successful album of the 2000's for Meyer at the time compared to his previous studio albums. With the albums selling album six times as much as his debut and selling almost two-hundred thousand more than his previous album. It debuted at his highest peak in many countries with the album becoming his first UK Number One album and his third on the Australian charts, the second week, globally, though debuting at Number 4 worldwide, fell to Number 6 the week after, just selling under five-hundred thousand units within it's second week.

## Charts

### (Standard Edition)

##### Year End Charts (2012)

 **UK Albums (OCC)** | 137

## Certification and Sales

Certifications and sales for *Break Of Dawn*