The Real Quiet Storm is the third studio album by saxophonist James Carter, the first to be released on the Atlantic label.

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow stated: "Despite this CD's title and a slight emphasis on ballads, The Real Quiet Storm is not an easy listening record...

The results are a bit restrained compared to his live performances, but this is an enjoyable and unpredictable outing, music that will not be played on the Quiet Storm".

[2] Critic Robert Christgau rated the album an "A", saying, "This romantic set has some concept.

Two unfazed Carter originals complement a surprising selection of make-out music by Monk, Ellington, Sun Ra, Bill Doggett, Carter's main man Don Byas.