If I Were for Real (album)

If I Were for Real is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Lloyd Cole, released in November 1984. The album is credited to Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, marking it as a collaborative effort with his backing band. It was released by Polydor Records.

The album is notable for its sophisticated songwriting and literary references, a hallmark of Cole's early work. Musically, it blends elements of pop, rock, and new wave. The album's title itself hints at the themes of authenticity and disillusionment explored within the lyrics.

Key tracks include "Perfect Skin," "Rattlesnakes," and "Lost Weekend." "Rattlesnakes," in particular, achieved significant popularity and is often considered one of Cole's signature songs. The album reached the top 10 in the UK Albums Chart, establishing Lloyd Cole and the Commotions as a prominent act in the mid-1980s British music scene.

Reception to If I Were for Real was generally positive, with critics praising Cole's intelligent lyrics and the band's jangly guitar-based sound. While often categorized as indie pop, the album’s lyrical depth and musical arrangements set it apart from some of its contemporaries. The album remains a critically acclaimed work and a significant entry in the new wave/indie pop landscape of the 1980s.