The Making of The Real Thing by Faith No More

Introduction

Released on June 20, 1989, The Real Thing by Faith No More marked a pivotal moment in music history, fusing elements of alternative metal, funk metal, and rap metal. This album not only redefined the band’s sound but also left an indelible mark on the music landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The addition of Mike Patton as the lead vocalist brought a new dynamic, contributing to the album’s commercial success and critical acclaim. In this article, we will explore the genesis, recording process, commercial performance, and enduring legacy of The Real Thing, offering an exhaustive look at one of Faith No More’s most iconic works.

The journey of The Real Thing from conception to release was one of creative evolution and experimentation. This article delves into the cultural context of the late 1980s, the album’s recording sessions, its chart success, and its influence on both contemporaries and future artists. We’ll also examine the singles, track analysis, and critical reception that have cemented the album’s place in music history.

Faith No More’s The Real Thing is often credited with popularising the rap-metal genre, setting the stage for the alternative music explosion of the 1990s. As bassist Billy Gould remarked, “We didn’t know we were going to change the world, we just wanted to make something different” (source: Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More). The album’s unique blend of genres and Patton’s dynamic vocal range captured the attention of both critics and fans, ensuring its place as a seminal work in rock history.

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The Genesis of “The Real Thing”

As the 1980s drew to a close, the music scene was rife with change. Heavy metal dominated the airwaves, but there was a growing appetite for something new and innovative. Faith No More, hailing from San Francisco, was poised to deliver just that. The band’s previous album, Introduce Yourself, had set the stage, but internal changes and a desire for evolution led to the creation of The Real Thing.

Prior to the album, Faith No More had undergone several lineup changes, most notably replacing vocalist Chuck Mosley with the young and charismatic Mike Patton. Patton’s arrival brought a fresh perspective and a distinct vocal style that would become a hallmark of the band’s sound. His ability to seamlessly blend rap, rock, and metal was a perfect fit for the band’s experimental approach.

The primary creative forces behind The Real Thing included band members Mike Patton (vocals), Jim Martin (guitar), Billy Gould (bass), Roddy Bottum (keyboards), and Mike Bordin (drums). Together with producer Matt Wallace, they crafted an album that defied genre conventions and pushed musical boundaries.

The band members and their roles in the production are listed in the table below:

Financially, the recording of The Real Thing was supported by Slash and Reprise Records. The total budget for the album remains undisclosed, but like many bands of the era, Faith No More faced the challenge of balancing artistic ambition with financial constraints. The album’s title, The Real Thing, was inspired by the band’s desire to present an authentic and unfiltered expression of their music. The album artwork, designed by artist Jeff Price, features a burning man diving into a sea of fire, symbolising the album’s intensity and dynamic range.

Recording Process

The recording sessions for The Real Thing took place between December 1988 and January 1989 at Studio D in Sausalito, California. Known for its exceptional live room and tunable acoustics, Studio D provided an ideal environment for Faith No More’s ambitious project. The studio had previously hosted renowned artists such as Soundgarden and Aretha Franklin, adding to its prestigious reputation.

Producer Matt Wallace, who had worked with Faith No More on their debut album, returned to helm the project. His experience and understanding of the band’s vision were instrumental in capturing the unique sound of The Real Thing. Wallace worked closely with the band to ensure that each track maintained its raw energy and authenticity.

While specific details of the equipment used during the recording sessions are not fully documented, assumptions can be made based on the studio’s known inventory at the time. The table below lists the likely hardware used during the recording:

The recording process was not without its challenges. Mike Patton joined the band after much of the music had already been composed, leaving him with the daunting task of writing lyrics and melodies in a short period. As producer Matt Wallace recounted, “Mike Patton wrote every lyric and melody to that record over a ten to twelve day period. And it is stunning, because he was nineteen or twenty, and pulled all that out of the air, and put together an incredible record” (source: Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More).

Matt Wallace’s other notable production credits include:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, The Real Thing initially saw modest success, but it quickly gained momentum, eventually reaching number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s breakthrough single, “Epic,” played a significant role in propelling Faith No More into the mainstream, receiving extensive airplay on MTV and helping the album achieve platinum status in the United States by September 1990.

The album’s commercial performance was bolstered by strong sales figures in several countries, as detailed in the table below:

The Real Thing received several certifications, including platinum in the United States and Canada, and silver in the United Kingdom. The album’s success was not without competition; 1989 saw the release of other significant albums such as:

• Mother’s Milk by Red Hot Chili Peppers [500,000]
• Disintegration by The Cure [2,500,000]
• Dr. Feelgood by Mötley Crüe [4,000,000]
• Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails [1,000,000]

The album’s accolades include a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 1990, and its influence has been acknowledged by artists across genres, cementing its status as a landmark in alternative music.

Singles and Track Analysis

The Real Thing produced several successful singles, each contributing to the album’s overall impact. The singles released from the album include “From Out of Nowhere,” “Epic,” “Falling to Pieces,” “Surprise! You’re Dead!,” and “Edge of the World.” These tracks showcased the band’s diverse sound and Patton’s versatile vocal style.

The following table provides details of each track on the album:

Note: Tracks marked with * were released as singles. “Epic” reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Falling to Pieces” peaked at number 92.

Influences and Legacy

The musical influences that shaped The Real Thing are as diverse as the album itself. Drawing from genres such as punk, funk, and metal, Faith No More crafted a sound that was both unique and influential. The band’s eclectic approach has been cited as an inspiration by numerous artists, helping to pave the way for the alternative rock movement of the 1990s.

The following table outlines the influences on The Real Thing and the artists who were influenced by the album:

Released in 1989, The Real Thing coincided with significant global events and cultural shifts. The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of an era, while the Tiananmen Square protests highlighted the global struggle for democracy. In cinema, 1989 was a year of blockbuster films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Batman, which captivated audiences worldwide.

Five Things about The Real Thing

As we delve deeper into The Real Thing, here are five fascinating facts about the album that underscore its significance and enduring appeal:

Media and Television Usage

Faith No More’s music has found its way into various media, showcasing the enduring appeal of their sound. Below is a table of songs from The Real Thing featured in movies and television shows:

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

The Real Thing received widespread acclaim upon its release and continues to be celebrated in retrospectives. Critics have praised the album for its innovative sound and genre-defying approach. The following table highlights key reviews and scores:

After The Real Thing

Following the success of The Real Thing, Faith No More continued to evolve, releasing the critically acclaimed Angel Dust in 1992. This album marked a shift towards a more experimental sound, further solidifying the band’s reputation as innovators in the rock genre. Despite lineup changes, including the departure of guitarist Jim Martin, Faith No More maintained their creative momentum.

The band’s popularity fluctuated throughout the 1990s, but their influence remained strong. After disbanding in 1998, Faith No More reunited in 2009, much to the delight of fans worldwide. Their subsequent tours and the release of Sol Invictus in 2015 demonstrated their enduring appeal and ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape.

As of October 2023, Faith No More continues to perform and engage with their fanbase, though no new studio album has been announced. Their legacy as pioneers of alternative metal remains intact, with The Real Thing serving as a testament to their impact on the music world.

Remasters and Reissues

Over the years, The Real Thing has been reissued in various formats, allowing new generations to experience its groundbreaking sound. The most notable reissue occurred in 2015, when Rhino Records released a deluxe edition featuring remastered tracks and bonus material.

The table below details the remasters and reissues of The Real Thing:

Conclusion

The Real Thing by Faith No More remains a cornerstone of alternative music, celebrated for its innovative fusion of genres and the powerful vocal presence of Mike Patton. Its enduring relevance is a testament to the band’s creative vision and the album’s ability to resonate with audiences across generations.

Reflecting on the album’s impact, Mike Patton stated, “It was a snapshot of where we were at that time, but it continues to speak to people in ways we never imagined” (source: Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More). For further exploration of The Real Thing and Faith No More’s legacy, readers can visit the Wikipedia page and the official Faith No More website.

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