What does The Real Thing sound like?

A genre-defying fusion of heavy metal, punk energy, and eclectic melodies that reshaped the alternative rock landscape. Rooted in alternative rock and alternative metal. Start with "From Out of Nowhere".

Is The Real Thing a good place to start with Faith No More?

Yes, The Real Thing is recommended as a starting point for new Faith No More listeners. A genre-defying fusion of heavy metal, punk energy, and eclectic melodies that reshaped the alternative rock landscape. The Real Thing was Faith No More's third studio album, released on June 20, 1989, following their breakthrough with The Real Thing. This marked a pivotal moment in their career as it established them as a key player in the burgeoning alternative metal scene, showcasing their unique sound that blended various genres.

Who is The Real Thing for?

The Real Thing works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on The Real Thing?

The Real Thing has 11 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

The Real Thing

Faith No More · 1989

55 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A genre-defying fusion of heavy metal, punk energy, and eclectic melodies that reshaped the alternative rock landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Epic — As the album's most recognizable track, 'Epic' features a captivating blend of rap verses and soaring melodies, making it a quintessential representation of the band's genre-defying style.
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From Out of Nowhere Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its frenetic energy and catchy hooks, showcasing the band's ability to seamlessly mix hard rock with melodic elements.
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Falling to Pieces — 'Falling to Pieces' combines heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics, representing the band's lyrical depth while maintaining an infectious rhythm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative fusion of styles and strong songwriting make it a standout in alternative rock.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Woodpecker From Mars,' which features instrumental interludes that break from traditional verse-chorus formats.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album established Faith No More's reputation and brought wider recognition.
Career context: The Real Thing was Faith No More's third studio album, released on June 20, 1989, following their breakthrough with The Real Thing. This marked a pivotal moment in their career as it established them as a key player in the burgeoning alternative metal scene, showcasing their unique sound that blended various genres.
Stylistic neighbors: Mr. Bungle· System of a Down· Tool