Artist: Faith No More Album: The Real Thing

Year: 1989
Duration: 55:26

The Real Thing by Faith No More: A Critical Review

Do you remember the 80s and 90s when the world was discovering new musical genres, and metal music was on its peak? If you were a teenage metalhead or a music lover growing up during these years, you must have come across Faith No More, the American rock band that rose to fame with their breakthrough album The Real Thing. In this critical review, we will take a deep dive into the album, the band, the music genre, and the art behind its innovative sound.

To understand the album's context, we have to explore the band's history and their musical influences. Faith No More was formed in San Francisco in 1979, and they have gone through various line-up changes in the band's early years. However, the definitive lineup emerged in the mid-80s, and that's when the band found its sound. Their music was a fusion of different genres, including metal, punk, funk, and alternative rock. They were influenced by bands like Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name just a few. All these influences converge in The Real Thing, the band's third studio album released in 1989.

The Real Thing marks a turning point in Faith No More's career. It's the first album with Mike Patton as the lead vocalist, replacing Chuck Mosley, who struggled with drugs and alcohol addiction. Mike Patton's vocal range and versatility enabled the band to explore new musical territories, going beyond the traditional rock and metal boundaries. The album's sound is an eclectic mix of different genres, from metal riffing to rap verses, pop choruses to funk grooves, and even gospel and Arabic melodies. From the first track From Out of Nowhere, to the last Edge of the World, the album flows seamlessly, creating a unique and intense listening experience.

The Real Thing features some of Faith No More's most innovative and well-known songs. Epic, the album's lead single, is an iconic song that features a memorable guitar riff, catchy chorus, and a rap verse that became Patton's signature. Falling to Pieces is another highlight of the album, with its funky groove, heavy guitars, and soulful vocals. Zombie Eaters, a slower and atmospheric song, explores some of the band's psychedelic and experimental tendencies. Underwater Love is a pop-infused track with an Arabic-inspired refrain that showcases the band's ability to blend different cultures and sounds.

In conclusion, The Real Thing remains a relevant and innovative album that pushed the boundaries of rock and metal music. Faith No More's uniqueness lies in their ability to blend different genres, sounds, and cultures, creating a sound that defies categorization. The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide. However, some critics accused the band of being too eclectic and not having a coherent sound. Still, The Real Thing remains a landmark album in the history of metal and rock music and a testament to the band's creativity and musical prowess. If you haven't listened to it yet, give it a go, and be prepared to be blown away!