The Real Thing is an album by tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander.

The album was recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, on April 2, 2015.

[1] Most tracks are played by the quartet of tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, pianist Harold Mabern, bassist John Webber, and drummer Joe Farnsworth.

[2] Guitarist Pat Martino is added for three tracks.

[3] The Down Beat reviewer concluded that, "The prolific saxophonist, who claims almost 40 records to his name, has matured to the point where even a not-entirely-satisfying effort like this is still worth returning to.