The Island of Real

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The Island of Real is the ninth and final studio album by The Rascals, released in 1972. It reached number 180 on the Billboard 200. The four singles—“Lucky Day,” “Brother Tree,” “Hummin’ Song,” and “Jungle Walk”—did not make the Top 100, and the band soon broke up.

The album was reissued in 1999 by Sundazed Records with two bonus tracks, and later reissued together with Peaceful World by BGO in 2008.

critics considered it a strong, but overlooked, record. AllMusic’s Jim Newsom described it as great and groove-worthy, with touches of Tower of Power and Sly & the Family Stone. Robert Christgau noted Cavaliere’s efforts to come back on side one and the playful feel of “Jungle Walk,” mentioning a pink horse on the cover. Thom Jurek, discussing the reissue of Peaceful World/The Island of Real, called it sunny and warm, blending urban soul influences from Los Angeles, Chicago’s rhythm, and Philadelphia-style harmonies, with some of Cavaliere’s best songs.

All songs are by Felix Cavaliere unless otherwise noted.