P.M. Dawn: Dearest Christian, I'm So Very Sorry for Bringing You Here, Love, Dad (Gee Street/V2)

YOU PROBABLY think you've got P.M. Dawn figured out. After all, the lush melodies, intricate production, and cosmic sentiments expressed by Prince Be's brooding vocals haven't changed since the duo emerged at the start of the decade... until now. Fourth time around, Be and his partner/brother J.C. serve up their familiar creamy electro-soul, which suggests Stevie Wonder filtered through later Beatles, with a touch of Prince's petulance. But Dearest Christian, inspired by the birth of Be's son and the challenges of parenthood, trades dreamy reflection for dour observations on life and expressions of tenderness. The collision of sweet sounds and blunt outbursts — shades of John Lennon! — results in P.M.'s smartest, most unsettling album yet.