Description
Mr. Mister – Something Real – 7 Inch Vinyl Record
‘Something Real (Inside Me/Inside You)’ is a song by the American rock band Mr. Mister, released in 1987 as a single from their third album, Go On…. Mr. Mister, best known for their mid-80s hits like ‘Broken Wings’ and ‘Kyrie,’ was known for combining elements of pop rock and synth-driven soundscapes, creating emotionally resonant and melodic music. ‘Something Real’ marked a slight shift for the band, featuring a more rhythmic, driving sound compared to the softer, introspective ballads they were famous for.
‘Something Real’ blends pop rock with anthemic hooks and 80s synth-pop production. The song has a punchy, driving beat that gives it a more upbeat and energetic feel compared to some of Mr. Mister’s earlier, more atmospheric hits. The production features a balance of bright synthesizers and melodic guitar riffs. The song is structured around a catchy chorus, with rhythmic guitars propelling the verses and synths adding texture and atmosphere, common in 80s pop rock.
The lyrics of ‘Something Real’ explore the theme of authenticity and the search for deeper meaning in life. The lines ‘I need something real, I need something true’ reflect a yearning for genuine emotional connections and personal truth, a common theme in Mr. Mister’s work, which often touched on spiritual and introspective subjects. The phrase “inside me/inside you” emphasizes introspection and the desire to find real, substantial connections with others and within oneself. The song reflects a balance between personal exploration and the quest for meaningful relationships.
The song is built around a powerful, sing-along chorus that emphasizes the song’s message. Mr. Mister’s melodic sensibility shines through in both the instrumental arrangement and vocal delivery, making it one of the standout tracks from their Go On… album.
Lead singer Richard Page delivers the song with emotional intensity, his smooth and resonant voice driving the song’s reflective yet urgent feel. His vocal performance strikes a balance between the contemplative lyrics and the energetic instrumental backing.
Unlike the more atmospheric ballads of their previous hits, ‘Something Real’ has a stronger rhythmic drive, thanks to Pat Mastelotto’s solid drumming and Steve Farris’ rhythmic guitar work. The song’s rhythm gives it a more dynamic, upbeat feel, signaling a shift in Mr. Mister’s sound.
After the massive success of their 1985 album Welcome to the Real World (which included hits like ‘Broken Wings’ and ‘Kyrie’), Mr. Mister faced high expectations with their third album, Go On…. While ‘Something Real’ was moderately successful on the charts, it didn’t reach the same heights as their earlier singles. ‘Something Real’ represents Mr. Mister’s continued evolution within the 80s pop rock landscape. The band’s use of synths, combined with rock instrumentation, placed them alongside other popular bands of the time, but their introspective and spiritual lyrical themes set them apart from the more commercial pop acts of the era.
‘Something Real (Inside Me/Inside You)’ is a standout track from Mr. Mister, blending their signature melodic pop rock sound with a more rhythmic, driving energy. The song’s themes of searching for authenticity and deeper emotional connections, paired with its anthemic chorus and Richard Page’s powerful vocals, make it a compelling piece of 80s pop rock. Though it didn’t achieve the same level of success as their earlier hits, ‘Something Real’ remains a testament to Mr. Mister’s ability to craft emotionally resonant, melodic music that balances introspection with radio-friendly hooks.
1987 RCA Records
Track Listing
Something Real (Inside me / inside you)
Bare my soul
