It is performed by British singer-songwriter David Bowie, and was released on 10 August 1992, representing his first new solo material since the dissolution of the band Tin Machine.

The track marked a reunion with Let's Dance producer Nile Rodgers, with whom Bowie began working in the first half of 1992.

[3] The song was included as a bonus track of the 2003 re-release of Black Tie White Noise, and a digital download version of the single was announced released in June 2010.

[3] A reviewer from Melody Maker wrote, "'Real Cool World' sees Bowie re-united with Nile Rodgers.

The strings are pretty cool and the saxophone which suddenly pops up in the home straight is wonderfully sleazy.