Real [IMPORT]

Belinda Carlisle

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 5, 1993)
• Original Release Date: October 5, 1993
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B000000W4R
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,559 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ain't nothin like the "Real" thing, June 14, 2000

By	John Jones "Musician" (Chicago IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Unfortunately, Belinda Carlisle will probably forever be best remembered as lead singer of the Go-Go's. It's a shame, considering she's released twice as many albums as her band and her solo material was usually twice as mature. And for proof of just how high she can fly solo, one of her less commercially successful albums, "Real," is a triumph. Gone are the power hooks found in her guitar-heavy pop songs, "I Get Weak," "Heaven is a Place on Earth," and "Leave a Light On." This time around, as the cover photo of Belinda in jeans, a t-shirt, and little makeup indicates, our former Go-Go is ready to get back to basics and flat-out rock.

From the opening strains of the kinetic "Goodbye Day," it's clear this album is an intentional departure. Surprising and exciting influences pop up all over the place, and they fit her well, whether it's the Beatlesque tone of "Wrap My Arms," the alternative rock stylings of "Tell Me," or the Middle Eastern accents on "One With You." The ballad "Too Much Water" sounds slightly psychedelic, the tribal rock single "Big Scary Animal" is a definite high point in her career, and "Where Love Hides" finds her stepping ever so lightly into the realm of U2. The album's finest moment, however, is a big sweeping ballad equally equipped with heavy electric guitars and elegant strings:"Here Comes My Baby" is downright stunning, as Belinda sings with a passionate abandon that we don't see from her nearly often enough.

Never mind that radio and MTV deemed this album unworthy of their attention; "Real" is proof at last for those of us who've had sneaking suspicions that Belinda Carlisle could cross over from enjoyable pop singer to significant rock artist. Knowing she's capable of such things will make your umpteenth subjection to "Our Lips Are Sealed" on retro radio a little easier to take.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Belinda's Best, August 7, 2000

By	Richard A. Shidler "electronicaveronica" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Real (Audio CD)

Although this album is considered a flop, I think it is Belinda Carlisle's most amazing piece of solo work. Her emotionally charged vocals, and the heart-wrenching lyrics are so driven and powerful, I couldn't imagine how this album could ever flop. Many believe that Bel fans who are fans of the Go Go's opt for this album, but I beg to differ. I much prefer Bel solo, and this is still my favorite album of hers.

Goodbye Day is the opening track, and is a great one, but not compared to some of the upcoming tracks. It's good, but the set has some more in store for you.

It's Too Real (Big Scary Animal) is the song I was really wanting to hear, as I've always heard good things about it. I was not disappointed. Belinda's rhaspy vocals, and the great emphasis on the battle of the sexes makes this one of her best tunes to date.

Too Much Water is the first real emotional song that takes you out on a landscape. Bel's vocals are so emotionally driven and you can really feel her pain as she's singing. One of the best tracks on the disc.

Lay Down Your Arms was the second single release, but it's one of the less sterling tracks on the set. It's very good, but not as much so as other tracks.

Where Love Hides has to be one of Belinda's best songs to date. There isn't enough I can say about it. I almost makes you want to cry, it's so sad and you can really feel Bel's pain as she's singing it.

One With You is one of the harder edged tracks on the disc. It's really cool and well, very Belinda.

Wrap My Arms is the one track that could possibly be considered almost 'pure pop.' It's so sweet and joyous and one of the best on here. Puts a smile on anyone's face.

Tell Me is another gut-wrenching track that takes it out of you (in a good way). Belinda is all about emotion on this CD and this track proves it.

Windows of the World is the other 'pure pop' track in this collection. This track has a really spiffy guitar playing in it and the music and message is very uplifting.

Here Comes My Baby is the ending song and what a way to end an album! It starts off slow with Belinda singing softly but with plenty of emotion "Hello/ It's me" and goes into a powerfully charged ballad about walking away from her man, but wanting him to stay and on and on...it's just excellent, and a great way to end things on this awesome CD.

So look! If you're a Belinda or Go's fan, don't miss out! This is the definitive Bel album!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Belinda is stunning, August 15, 2002

By	Shane L (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real (Audio CD)

This IS Belinda Carlisle. A somewhat autobiographical album, Real explores the dark side of relationships and emotion, and shows Belinda to be as talented a songwriter as she is a singer...6 out of the 10 tracks on the album were written by her. Featuring a rawer sound that frightened a lot of people away, Real was critically acclaimed, but an immense commercial flop in the USA, if to a lesser extent abroad. The single 'Big Scary Animal' still rocks the house, while the slower, more sedate 'Too Much Water,' and 'Where Love Hides' show Carlisle at her most soothing and effectual in years. Climaxing with the gorgeous and immensely powerful 'Here Comes My Baby,' Real is really an album for Carlisle, and for her closest fans. A true piece of musical art. A special nod must also go to the haunting, but brilliant, 'Tell Me.'