"The Real Thing" is a 1994 song recorded by Dutch Eurodance band 2 Unlimited. It was released as the first single from their third album, Real Things. The single scored chart success in many European countries topping the charts in Finland and the Netherlands while peaking at number 2 in Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and Switzerland. It also was a top 10 hit in Austria, France, Italy, Germany, Norway, Scotland, Spain and the UK. "The Real Thing" entered the Eurochart Hot 100 May 28, 1994 at 30 and peaked at number-one three weeks later. Outside Europe, the song reached number 2 in Israel and number 39 in Australia.
Composition
"The Real Thing (2 Unlimited song)" contains samples of Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach.[1]
According to classicfm.com, it is considered one of the biggest pop songs to sample classical music in the last 25 years."[2]
Critical reception
Music & Media commented in their review, "In no time, chart positions are reported from the UK, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. With this ABBAesque pop dance chorus many territories will follow."[3]Perthshire Advertiser said, "They've found a new formula yet, but it'll still be a smash!"[4] Pop Rescue wrote that "it's clear here that 2 Unlimited were packing a punch with this song 'and we're not gonna stop until we reach the highest top', sings Anita."[5]Select added that the song "has a funky key riff".[6]Smash Hits gave it 3 out of 5, noting, "Ditching their heavy heavy techno techno for a bit of a housey classical vibe, the 'Limited look set to continue their near unblemished run of chart hits."[7]
Chart performance
"The Real Thing" entered the European airplay chart Border Breakers at number 12 on June 4 due to crossover airplay in East Central-, West-, Central-, Northwest- and North-European regions, and peaked at the third position on July 2.[8]
Music video
The music video for "The Real Thing" was directed by director Nigel Simpkiss. It was released in the UK in May 1994. Simpkiss also directed the music video for "Let the Beat Control Your Body".
Track listings
European/Canadian CD maxi
"The Real Thing" (Edit) (3:40)
"The Real Thing" (Trance Thing) (6:18)
"The Real Thing" (Extended) (6:20)
"The Real Thing" (Tribal Thing) (5:53)
UK CD single
"The Real Thing" (3:42)
"The Real Thing" (Extended 12") (6:20)
"The Real Thing" (Trance-Thing) (5:39)
"The Real Thing" (Tribal-Thing) (5:55)
US CD maxi
"The Real Thing" (Radio Mix) (3:51)
"The Real Thing" (Extended Euro Club Mix) (6:18)
"The Real Thing" (J & D's Wookie Vocal Mix) (6:45)
"The Real Thing" (Doc Baron's 90 Proof Club Mix) (7:54)
"The Real Thing" (The Tribal Thing) (5:56)
7" single
"The Real Thing" (Edit) (3:40)
"The Real Thing" (Tribal-Edit) (3:55)
European 12" maxi
"The Real Thing" (Trance-Thing) (6:18)
"The Real Thing" (Extended) (6:20)
"The Real Thing" (Tribal-Thing) (5:53)
Italian 12" maxi
"The Real Thing" (Extended) (6:20)
"The Real Thing" (Spaans) (6:16)
"The Real Thing" (Tribal-Thing) (5:53)
"The Real Thing" (Trance-Thing) (6:18)
UK 12" maxi
"The Real Thing" (Tribal Thing)
"The Real Thing" (Trance Thing)
"The Real Thing" (Extended 12")
US 12" maxi
"The Real Thing" (J&D's Wookie Vocal Mix) (6:45)
"The Real Thing" (Extended Euro Club Mix) (6:18)
"The Real Thing" (The Doc & Baron 90 Proof Club Mix) (7:54)
"The Real Thing" (The Tribal Thing) (5:53) :
US 12" maxi
"The Real Thing" (Doc & Baron's NYC Dub Excursion) (10:37)
"The Real Thing" (J&D's Clubstrumental) (4:20)
"The Real Thing" (The It Goes Underground Mix) (6:45)