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Make It Real

Make It Real is an toy brand developed by Make It Real LLC, specializing in interactive DIY kits that encourage and self-expression among children, particularly tween girls aged 8 and older. The brand's products span categories including , , jewelry, and , featuring hands-on activities such as bracelet making, hair styling, , and sketching to help users "make their dreams a reality." Founded in 2016 by Isaac Wolman and Sara Gibber, Make It Real LLC is headquartered in , with additional offices in and , and a former office in the (closed in 2025), to support its global distribution. The company, led by key principal Isaac Wolman, focuses on and distributing tween-targeted items that blend play with skill-building, often incorporating reusable components for repeated use. Notable collaborations include partnerships with for themed craft kits like the DIY Jewelry set and for dazzle bracelets, enhancing the brand's appeal through licensed properties. The brand's core mission revolves around igniting imagination and building confidence, encapsulated in its tagline "What will you make today?" Products are retailed through major outlets such as , , , and Toys"R"Us, emphasizing inclusive designs suitable for diverse hair types and creative interests. By prioritizing content experiences around each item, Make It Real aims to guide children toward future creative careers while promoting joyful, maker-focused play.

Background and development

Writing and composition

"Make It Real" was written by songwriters Linda Mallah, Rick Kelly, and Don Powell. The song was composed in 1987 as part of the creative sessions for The Jets' third studio album, Magic. According to band member Moana Wolfgramm, the track was delivered to the group at the last minute when they sought a slow ballad to round out the album, highlighting the collaborative family dynamic in material selection. The composition follows a classic verse-chorus structure with a bridge, characteristic of pop ballads emphasizing emotional resonance in themes of romance. It is set in the key of at a tempo of approximately 80 , creating a languid, heartfelt pace suitable for its introspective lyrics.

Recording and production

The recording of "Make It Real" took place as part of the sessions for The Jets' third studio album, , which was released in September 1987 by . The track was produced by , who also handled keyboards and programming for the song. Lead vocals were performed by , the group's primary singer at the time, with the family's signature multi-layered harmonies added during group vocal sessions to enhance the ballad's emotional depth. The production featured contributions from session musicians, including guitar work by and bass by , contributing to the song's polished pop-R&B sound. The album's overall production involved a team of producers for different tracks, with serving as , providing oversight for the project. Recording occurred in several studios, reflecting the era's standard multi-track analog tape methods. The single was released in April 1988. The Jets emphasized emotional delivery in vocal takes, with family members recalling the challenge of capturing precise timing and feeling in the studio compared to live performances. String arrangements were incorporated to build the ballad's swell, a choice that highlighted the track's romantic intensity.

Music and lyrics

Musical structure

"Make It Real" follows a standard form consisting of an intro, , , , , , final , and outro, spanning a total runtime of 4:18. This structure emphasizes emotional progression, with the verses building intimacy before the expansive choruses provide release. The song's prioritizes melodic simplicity to highlight the heartfelt , typical of late-1980s pop/R&B . Instrumentation centers on emotive chords and synth pads that create a lush, atmospheric backdrop, complemented by light percussion for subtle . elements add warmth in the verses, while strings gradually layer in during the choruses to heighten the emotional peak. The production maintains a gentle , starting softly in the verses at around 70–75 and gradually building intensity without aggressive elements, fostering a sense of vulnerability and crescendo. The track is in with a 4/4 , underscoring its style. The vocal arrangement features lead vocals by , delivered with controlled vibrato and sincerity to convey longing. Her siblings provide harmonious backing vocals, particularly swelling in the choruses for a familial, layered effect. Ad-libs appear in , adding personal flair and intensifying the emotional climax before resolving into the final . This setup reinforces the song's intimate yet uplifting tone.

Lyrical themes

The of "Make It Real" center on the core theme of transitioning from the fantasy of unrequited young love to a for committed , emphasizing over mere dreams. The narrator reflects on a year of separation following an initial romantic encounter, expressing a deep longing to transform lingering emotions into a tangible , as captured in the : "I loved you / You didn’t feel the same / Though we’re apart / You’re in my heart / Give me one more chance to make it real." This underscores the song's emotional intent to bridge the gap between idealized affection and genuine connection, portraying love as something that requires action to escape the realm of illusion. The narrative arc unfolds across the verses, pre-chorus, and , building a progression from to desperate . In the first , the singer evokes an idealized past romance—"Tonight, it’s been a year / We met each other here"—contrasting it with current and persistent thoughts of the beloved, setting a tone of nostalgic yearning. The second shifts to fantasy, describing a dream where "you are here / You smile and hold me near," highlighting the pretend nature of the narrator's solace. The pre-chorus serves as a of vulnerability, with lines like "Hear me cryin' out to you / You said, 'Never, never would I leave' / Here’s a tear ," revealing raw emotional exposure and a reminder of broken promises. The recurring then urges decisive action, reinforcing the call to actualize the and resolve the of unreciprocated feelings. Poetic devices enhance the ' accessibility and impact, particularly through in the —"Give me one more chance to make it real"—which amplifies the for emphasis and mirrors the cyclical of longing. The language remains simple and relatable, employing straightforward of , dreams, and hearts to connect with a teen audience grappling with first loves and uncertainties. This directness avoids complex metaphors, focusing instead on universal of hope and desperation in youthful romance. In the broader cultural context of pop music, the song's themes reflect the era's prevalent focus on aspirational relationships, where romantic love often dominated lyrical narratives as an idealized pursuit of emotional fulfillment and connection. Popular songs of the decade frequently portrayed young love as a transformative force, emphasizing devotion and reconciliation amid personal challenges, a trend evident in the overshadowing presence of romantic themes across hit tracks.

Release and promotion

Single formats

"Make It Real" was released as a in 1988 by . The release was available in multiple physical formats, including 7-inch vinyl, 12-inch vinyl, and cassette. The 7-inch vinyl featured "Make It Real" on the A-side and the bilingual track "Alla Tu / Make It Real" on the B-side, both at 4:16. The 12-inch single offered an expanded track listing with the English version of "Make It Real," the version "Alla Tu," the bilingual "Alla Tu / Make It Real," and an version of "Make It Real," each running 4:16. The cassette single paired "Make It Real" with "So True" on both sides. The standard track listing used the album edit of "Make It Real," while the 12-inch format provided additional versions including the instrumental for extended play. This single served as part of the promotion for The Jets' album Magic. The single's artwork depicted The Jets in casual poses, with the inner sleeve or packaging including production credits such as those for producers Don Powell and Rick Kelly.

Commercial rollout

The commercial rollout of "Make It Real" began with a strategic radio push in early April 1988, shortly before its official single release later that month by . This timing aligned with the group's ongoing tour supporting their 1987 album , which helped sustain momentum as the single climbed the charts. Marketing tactics included the production of an official , which featured the group performing the song and aired on and other outlets to boost visibility among teen and young adult audiences. The rollout also leveraged the band's family-oriented image through live performances tied to the tour, enhancing fan engagement during shows across the U.S. Internationally, "Make It Real" saw releases in (such as ), (including ), and (e.g., ) starting in 1988, with providing localized promotion via a bilingual Spanish-English version titled "Alla Tu / Make It Real" to target markets. Formats for purchase included 7-inch and 12-inch singles, as well as cassette singles, available domestically and abroad.

Commercial performance

Make It Real products are distributed globally through major retailers including , , , and Toys"R"Us, with availability in the United States, , the , and other markets via the company's international offices. The company, Make It Real LLC, has an estimated annual revenue of approximately $3 million as of 2024, modeled based on business operations and distribution scale. Other estimates place revenue between $5 million and $10 million, reflecting growth in the DIY craft kit segment, which is part of the broader toys valued at over $113 billion globally in 2024. The brand benefits from collaborations with licensed properties like and , enhancing sales through themed products. Specific sales figures for individual product lines are not publicly disclosed, but the focus on eco-friendly and inclusive designs has contributed to steady presence in the tween craft category.

Critical reception and legacy

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in April 1988, "Make It Real" received positive feedback from publications, with critics highlighting the song's emotional depth and its potential to resonate with younger audiences through its romantic style. Cash Box praised the track in its April 23, 1988, issue as "a pretty with some very tender singing" that delivers the Jets "a really romantic ditty that ought to get kids necking all over the nation," noting it as "a nice change of pace" with strong (CHR) potential. Similarly, Billboard's April 2, 1988, edition featured program director Dene Hallam of Kansas City's KCPW "Power 95" spotlighting the single as a notable gaining traction on Top 40 stations, positioning it alongside Brenda K. Starr's "I Still Believe" as one of ' key "double hitters." These reviews underscored the song's accessibility for teen listeners, emphasizing its tender vocals and heartfelt themes of longing as key to its broad appeal.

Covers and influence

"Make It Real" has been covered by several artists, adapting the original to different cultural and musical contexts. In 1999, singer Nayobe released a bilingual English-Spanish version on her self-titled album, which became a notable hit in . Filipino singer recorded an adaptation in 1988 for the soundtrack of the production Kumander Bawang / Buy One Take One, tailoring the song for local audiences. More recent amateur covers include a 2024 rendition by Samoan artist Le'apai Joe Failua, shared on platforms like . The band's influence extends to later , particularly in inspiring ballads through its blend of R&B and emotional storytelling, as reflected in their broader impact on diverse artists. It frequently appears in nostalgia playlists and evokes the era's pop sensibilities, akin to those featured in films like . The original recording has also been sampled in tracks, such as "Pillow Talk™" by producer 「サンセット Network❾❶」 in 2018. In terms of media legacy, the official has accumulated over 42 million views on as of November 2025. The song maintains recent relevance through live performances during The Jets' 2020s reunion tours, including their 2025 Love the 80's & 90's Tour, and has inspired cultural nods in challenges on platforms like .

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