← Back

Real Life

by Magazine

Released: June 15, 1978

Post-punk, new wave, art rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Real Life" is the debut studio album by the English post-punk band Magazine, released in June 1978. Its innovative blend of punk attitude and artful songwriting continues to resonate with listeners, solidifying Magazine's place in the annals of alternative music history. The album features a blend of punk energy, art rock experimentation, and sharp lyrics delivered by frontman Howard Devoto.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Songs like "Shot by Both Sides" and "Definitive…

Songs like "Shot by Both Sides" and "Definitive Gaze" showcase the band's distinctive sound, characterized by angular guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Devoto's charismatic vocals.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Definitive Gaze

Songs like "Shot by Both Sides" and "Definitive Gaze" showcase the band's distinctive sound, characterized by angular guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Devoto's charismatic vocals.

Shot By Both Sides

Songs like "Shot by Both Sides" and "Definitive Gaze" showcase the band's distinctive sound, characterized by angular guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Devoto's charismatic vocals.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Magazine - Real Life

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

"Real Life" received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered a seminal album in the post-punk genre, influencing numerous bands that followed.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Real Life" is the debut studio album by the English post-punk band Magazine, released in June 1978. The album features a blend of punk energy, art rock experimentation, and sharp lyrics delivered by frontman Howard Devoto. Songs like "Shot by Both Sides" and "Definitive Gaze" showcase the band's distinctive sound, characterized by angular guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Devoto's charismatic vocals. "Real Life" received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered a seminal album in the post-punk genre, influencing numerous bands that followed. Its innovative blend of punk attitude and artful songwriting continues to resonate with listeners, solidifying Magazine's place in the annals of alternative music history.