 After its release , " The Real Thing " received generally favorable reviews from critics . Critics appreciated the " vintage " production of the song and labeled it a stand @-@ out track on the album , while also noting its New Order influence . Stefani performed the single throughout her 2005 Harajuku Lovers Tour in a vintage red bathing suit along with a group of breakdancers and the Harajuku Girls . The live performance was praised and compared to Madonna and Cyndi Lauper . 
