For the 2004 album No Roots, Faithless were joined by rapper/vocalist LSK.
Rollo's studio relationship is quite unique as he has synesthesia [a clinical condition where sounds have colour] . He also acted as producer for the second half of his sister Dido's debut album, No Angel.
Dido has been a guest singer on a number of Faithless tracks, including "Flowerstand Man" from the 1995 debut album Reverence, "Hem of his Garment" from Sunday 8PM, "One Step Too Far" from Outrospective and "No Roots" from the album of the same name.
Faithless have now released 5 studio albums, with a remix album for the first three (Reverence, Sunday 8pm and Outrospective) and an instrumental for the last (No Roots), plus a Greatest Hits collection (Forever Faithless) and 2 DVDS, one of which showcased their universally acclaimed live performances. Their most mature album and arguably their best is the latest album 'To All New Arrivals' released on 27th November 2006, the album name being inspired by the recent birth of two babies to Rollo and Sister Bliss.
Part of one of their tracks featured on the 'Greatest Hits' album (Taruntula) was remixed by the BBC and used as the theme for their World Cup coverage in 2002.
It was reported that Faithless were to split up after their 2005 tour, which was due to end on 30 April 2005. Speculation started after Rollo wrote "We set out thinking it would be our last album, feeling maybe we have had our time in the sun". Fortunately, this was not meant to be. A fresh clutch of tour dates prolonged the tour until December 2005.
In 2006 the band made several summer festival appearances, including the V Festival in England.
In August of 2006, Faithless released a 3 CD compilation for the Renaissance series titled, "Renaissance 3D". The first CD contains a mix of then current club hits, the second CD is a collection of Faithless remixes and productions, and the third CD is a laid back chill out CD.
On the 27th of November 2006, Faithless released its fifth studio album titled "To All New Arrivals". Previews of the tracks were made available via the Faithless website in early October.
Their 'Music Matters' tour in the UK started in early 2007.
In May 2010, Faithless released "The Dance", their best selling album to date in Europe. The album has been followed a few months later by an upgrade, including a remix bonus CD, "The Dance Never Ends".
On March 16th 2011, Maxi Jazz announced on his website that Faithless would cease to be, commenting "But, like when writing a song, you always just ‘know’ when it’s finished… this is and was the “Thank YOU And Goodbye’ tour".
For Real
Faithless Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many films for real
And something else you take too seriously
Your record deal
A record deal pays bills
Pays bills and feeds a family
And your profile is too big
Too many films for real
You watch too many films, too many films for real
Don't get me wrong, I know you got guns and your not scared to use them
But is there money being made around these guns or lives until you lose them
You watch too many films, films for real
You watch too many films, films for real
Some of those people have to live that life, for real
I don't have to, I got a record deal
For real, you heard, I chill and smoke herb
And how about these sexy singers, sex gods, talking about hitting girls in a turn
You're fantastic, you're super sperm
Yeah, I'm a player hater, I hate when players can't take their turn
And when a record company drops me, that's when I learn
It's not real, it's just passing time
It's not real, all I do is rhyme
It's not real, it's just passing time
All I do, all I do is rhyme
You heard, you heard
"You go Romeo" girls say
You look tall in the video
And the color girl sings
Get money
Get money
Get money
Get money
And no one sings the blues and everyone sings the greens
Someone said keep your eye on the prize
How you lose the dream
Who am I to say, I know you need cash... in this hundred yard dash
I moved awhile ago and past through New York
I'll be back in a minute, it's my turn to talk
For Real, you heard
The lyrics to Faithless's song For Real speak to the dangerous glamourization of gang culture that exists in film and music. The singer is cautioning someone who is taking their record deal and the image it presents too seriously, to the point of being influenced by the gun-toting, crime-ridden fantasies of cinema. The singer acknowledges that those who live that life for real may have no choice, but the artist with a deal does not have to perpetuate those stereotypes.
The lyrics also touch on the misogyny and greed often present in the music industry. The singer mentions that some of the popular music at the time glorified violence towards women, as well as the pursuit of money and fame. The singer asserts that their art, though it may not be "real" in the sense of gang life, is still important and speaks to their own lived experiences.
The overall message of the song seems to be a call to responsibility for artists, to not perpetuate damaging stereotypes and instead use their platform to create meaningful art that reflects the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
You watch too many films
You have a distorted view of reality based on the movies you watch
Too many films for real
You're taking it to an extreme and should snap back to reality
And something else you take too seriously
You place too much importance on your record deal and your public image
Your record deal
Your source of income that helps with expenses and supports your family
A record deal pays bills
You need to make a living and provide for your family
Pays bills and feeds a family
You have a financial obligation to take your record deal seriously and provide for your loved ones
And your profile is too big
Your public image and reputation are blown out of proportion
How ya gonna be a crime family
It's foolish to attempt to emulate the dangerous lifestyle portrayed in movies
Don't get me wrong, I know you got guns and your not scared to use them
I understand you have weapons and aren't afraid to use them, but there may be unintended consequences
But is there money being made around these guns or lives until you lose them
Are you profiting from these weapons or just risking your life and the lives of others?
Some of those people have to live that life, for real
Some people don't have a choice but to live a dangerous and violent lifestyle
I don't have to, I got a record deal
I have the privilege of not having to live that life, since I have a record deal
For real, you heard, I chill and smoke herb
I'm being serious when I say I relax and smoke marijuana
And how about these sexy singers, sex gods, talking about hitting girls in a turn
It's concerning that attractive musicians talk about mistreating women for their own pleasure
You're fantastic, you're super sperm
You have an inflated ego and believe you're superior to others
Yeah, I'm a player hater, I hate when players can't take their turn
I dislike it when people act immaturely and can't handle losing
And when a record company drops me, that's when I learn
I'll only realize the value of my situation after I lose it due to not taking it seriously
It's not real, it's just passing time
My career may not have lasting significance, it could just be a temporary diversion
All I do, all I do is rhyme
My musical talent is only limited to writing rhymes and lyrics
"You go Romeo" girls say
Female fans often express admiration and attraction towards male musicians
You look tall in the video
The visual medium can be deceiving and create an illusion of superiority
And the color girl sings
A non-white female performer will also have a chance to showcase her talent
Get money
Make a profit and earn a good living
And no one sings the blues and everyone sings the greens
Money is more important than artistic expression in the music industry
Someone said keep your eye on the prize
Focus on the main objective and don’t stray from it
How you lose the dream
If you lose sight of your aspirations, you'll never achieve them
Who am I to say, I know you need cash... in this hundred yard dash
I'm not one to judge, since financial pressure can be overwhelming and create a sense of urgency
I moved awhile ago and past through New York
I left New York and have traveled elsewhere for a while
I'll be back in a minute, it's my turn to talk
I'll be back soon to continue the conversation and share my perspective
For Real, you heard
This is genuinely how I feel, and you should listen to what I have to say
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BLACKMON, KELLER, MUGGERUD, THAWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind