Before the Dawn is the second album by jazz/R&B musician Patrice Rushen; while 1974's Prelusion was essentially a straight-ahead record with fusion references, 1975's Before the Dawn was essentially a fusion album.

With this album, Rushen brings a fusion of R&B, pop, and rock elements to her jazz foundation.

The album included the song "What's the Story," which was the only song that did not have a jazz artist's sound; it had a more funk tune which featured singer Josie James.

This would later be compared with songs from her follow-up albums as it showed great resemblance to her work as an R&B singer with Elektra Records.

All tracks composed and arranged by Patrice Rushen.