"Real People" is a song from the American band Chic's fourth studio album Real People. It was released as the second single from the album in 1980 on Atlantic Records and features a solo lead vocal by Luci Martin.
Background
The song was written and produced by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. Exploring new directions in the post-disco era, Chic incorporated harder rock elements into their sound, as evident by Nile Rodgers' guitar solos which open and close the song. Audiences were caught off guard by the new Chic sound, prompting some radio programmers to flip the single and play the more upbeat, danceable B-side "Chip Off The Old Block" instead of the A-side. This, combined with other factors, resulted in the single not making much impact on the charts.
Reception
Record World described the song as having "impeccable" taste, "stylish production," "topical lyrics," "a sweltering guitar solo," and "vocal perfection."
Chart Performance
"Real People" peaked at number 51 on Billboard's Hot Soul/Black Singles chart and number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It failed to chart in the UK, as the song "26" was released as a single there instead.
Track Listings
Atlantic 3768, September 29, 1980 (7" single)
- A. "Real People" (7" Edit) – 3:45
- B. "Chip Off The Old Block" – 4:56
Atlantic promo 12" DMD 247, 1980
- A. "Real People" – 5:20
- B. "Real People" (7" Edit) – 3:45
Personnel
- Songwriters: Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers
- Producers: Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers
- Lead vocals: Luci Martin
Notes
A separate song also titled "Real People" was released by rapper Common in 2005 on his album Be, produced by Kanye West. That song samples Caesar Frazier's "Sweet Children" and addresses the discrimination of African Americans in American society.
