Real (Belinda Carlisle album) shirt" look instead this time without make-up. The album features a cover version of The Graces pop rock song "Lay Down Your Arms". Allmusic reviewed the album as suffering from a lack of memorable songs and while the record sounded good, it had nothing to support the state-of-the-art production. It was also a departure from her previous solo albums, it has more in common with Belinda's The Go-Go's sound rather than her own, typical, solo pop themes. Dealing with what Belinda termed the 'dark side of relationships,' the album is mature and intentionally lacks the slick production of her other
Real (Belinda Carlisle album) solo albums. Carlisle won over many critics who had previously reviewed her for her sensed lack of progression and willingness to take a chance with some edgier material. Randy Krbechek wrote "Belinda may not be the deepest songwriter in the world, but she delivers her tunes with conviction, and puts real meaning into her songs of love, life, and heartache. In fact, Real is one of the best albums addressing a woman's perspective on relationships". The album made its debut in the UK Albums Chart at number 9 on October 18, 1993, making "Real" Carlisle's fifth consecutive Top Ten album