Faith No More - The Real Thing

Faith No More are virtually impossible to categorize; they blend metal and rap elements in a mix that becomes seamless on The Real Thing, whose hit single, "Epic," is a perfect combination of these disparate genres. Other high points are the thrashy "Surprise! You're Dead!," an excellent cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs," the funk-layered-with-keyboards "Falling to Pieces," and the soft but spooky "Zombie Eaters." With the addition of vocalist Mike Patton, the band secured a highly talented frontman and skilled lyricist. The Real Thing is one of those rare albums that is impossible to quantify but astoundingly good. More accessible than the follow-up Angel Dust, it's also the first album new Faith No More listeners should get. --Genevieve Williams Amazon.com

Even the minor tracks have staying power

The real thing here is FTM's officially polished debut after a few missteps, and rarely has a frontman stepped up from obscurity to turn so many heads. Even if this is Pattons most cartoonish incarnation with the band, his vocal range and depth was obvious, complimenting the groups trademark quirky, synth-lead metal with an energy previously unheard. Credit Martin as well with deceptively brilliant metal riffs which elevate anything completely out of generic-ville. Although the disc was uniformly solid, with a range of styles provided within the bands personalized pathos playing to multiple demographics effortlessly, its need of remastering is glaring. December 30, 2008

GREAT music...5 weeks+ still no CD though

Lets just put this up front...I LOVE Mike Pattons work. I love it so much I have patiently waited for "The Real Thing" CD since Sept29th...with NO delivery date slotted yet. I was notified around the time I got the other items shipped (more FNM, Tomahawk, Mr. Bungle CD's) that this particular one was back ordered. I was notified about 10 days ago...that it was still back ordered and gave me the option to cancel. Which I DID NOT DO...I WANT the CD whenever it comes. Anyway...I actually went and bought a MP3 player...just so I could download the songs on this CD...cause I really couldn't stand it any longer!! I don't care...I still want the CD.

I do believe Mike Pattons work for the most part...is just too good to not have a "hard copy" in my library even if it can be downloaded. I appreciate the music now more than ever and to be honest...it just grows on you. The more I listen to it...the more I can hear just how unique it is in the history of "rock" or "metal" or whatever label you give it. Worth the price of a CD, many weeks of a back order (who knows when it will ever come?) AND 11 MP3 downloads. And that's no bull.

I actually heard FNM first when my teenager son had a CD way back when. (I listened to his music BEFORE outright censoring just because I hated being censored with my music in the 60's-70's). He quickly went off to music his Mom wouldn't like ;-)...but I remembered the music and the voice. A few years back...I decided to find out just who this Mike Patton was...and got an education. If I am going to spend money on music...I want it to be interesting music...and THIS is interesting...non predictable music and I Like it. November 3, 2008

the best all around cd they ever did! after almost 20 years, still a must have.!

when this came out I bought it right a way(mainly because of metallica's raves of faith no more)at first a was disappointed(I expected thrash metal)but it grew on me especially the heavier songs and the killer black sabbath cover.then the epic video came out and the landslide of fans came from nowhere,I hated that but this cd is by far the best overal cd they ever did.it flows and rips and tears you in five directions of choas but then drops you into peaceful guitar licks then drop a bomb of anger on you.it's been almost 20 years but this still is a masterpiece of music.
this is a break threw cd but sadly a swan song too.they could never regain this statued of musical intensity. July 15, 2008

Still my favorite after all these years.

I remember back when I was about 3 the first time I ever heard this cd and even back then, I loved it. I became a HUGE Patton fan and began to branch out and listen to his other projects as well. Really though, this is the album that started it all for me. Hearing Epic on the radio would always make me dance and giggle (being a little kid) and to this day, I always smile when I hear it. This cd is the epitome of my childhood. It still to this day is my favorite album of all time. The Real Thing is my favorite love song of all time too. Patton's lyrics on that song (and the others actually) are genius. I love the way he writes, the music just seems to come to life. This is one of those cds you play when you're happy and wanna have fun and also, when you're depressed. This cd helped me through some hard times and I recommend it to anyone who loves 90s music, rock and roll and for any Patton fan this is a MUST!!! Thank you Faith No More for all the years of amazing music and for my favorite cd!!! July 8, 2008

Top 5 record of all time

This is pure brilliance. The music itself is very moving for being a rock band, but the lyrics are truly amazing as well. This is descriptive writing at its best. I mean, Zombie Eaters is an unbelievable track, and when you break down the lyrics, it is simply a song through the eyes of a baby. Who does that? And it's not cheesy in the least bit. If you have ever taken any writing classes, and you remember the session on descriptive writing (in which you pick one item or subject, and then write a poem or essay describing it), then you will just appreciate this record. Perfection!!!

By the way, the song "The Real Thing" is one of the most amazing songs ever written. I don't speak in hyperbole here, but only the truth. F'n phenomenal! February 20, 2008

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