The Cars | ||
| Allmusic Biography : With their sleek, mechanical sound inspired by proto-punk, garage rock, and bubblegum pop, Boston-based quintet the Cars racked up a string of platinum albums and Top 40 singles, becoming the most successful American new wave band of the late 70s and early 80s. They had enough rock & roll attitude to cross over to album rock radio, while still being heavily influenced by the art rock of artists like Suicide, the Velvet Underground, and Roxy Music. Their first two albums (1978s The Cars and 1979s Candy-O) were new wave classics; their fifth album, 1984s Heartbeat City, was a modern pop masterpiece fueled by a run of videos that became MTV staples. The Cars broke up in 1988, but their musics popularity and influence never faded. This continued interest led to the band reuniting twice, in the mid-2000s without Ric Ocasek and Ben Orr (who passed away in 2000) and again in 2011 with all the living members involved. Ric Ocasek (guitar, vocals) and Ben Orr (bass, vocals) had been collaborators for several years before forming the Cars in 1976. Ocasek began playing guitar and writing songs when he was ten. After briefly attending Antioch College and Bowling Green State University, he dropped out of school and moved to Cleveland where he met Orr, who had led the house band on the TV show Upbeat as a teenager. The two began writing songs and led bands in Cleveland, New York City, Woodstock, and Ann Arbor before settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the early 70s. In 1972, the pair was the core of a folk trio named Milkwood. The band released an album on Paramount Records in late 1972 that was ignored; the record featured keyboards by a session musician named Greg Hawkes. By 1974, Ocasek and Orr had formed Capn Swing, which featured Elliot Easton on lead guitar. Capn Swing became a popular concert attraction in Boston, but the group broke up in 1975. Ocasek, Orr, and Easton formed a new band called the Cars in 1976 with former Modern Lovers drummer Dave Robinson and keyboardist Hawkes. Early in 1977, the Cars sent a demo tape of "Just What I Needed" to the influential Boston radio station WBCN and it quickly became the stations most-requested song. For the remainder of 1977, the Cars played Boston clubs, and by the end of the year they signed with Elektra. The groups eponymous debut album appeared in the summer of 1978 and it slowly built a following thanks to the hit singles "Just What I Needed" (number 27), "My Best Friends Girl" (number 35), and "Good Times Roll" (number 41). The Cars stayed on the charts for over two-and-a-half years, delaying the release of the groups second album, and it eventually sold over six million copies. Recorded early in 1979, Candy-O wasnt released until later that summer. The album was an instant hit, quickly climbing to number three on the charts and going platinum two months after its release. The record launched the Top Ten hit "Lets Go" and sent the band to the arena rock circuit. Perhaps as a reaction to the Cars quick success, the group explored more ambitious territory on 1980s Panorama. Though the album wasnt as big a hit as its predecessors, it nevertheless peaked at number five and went platinum. Before recording their fourth album, several bandmembers pursued extracurricular interests, with Ocasek earning a reputation as a successful new wave producer for his work with Suicide and Romeo Void (he even produced some demos for Iggy Pop). The Cars released their fourth album, Shake It Up, in the fall of 1981, and it quickly went platinum, with its title track becoming the groups first Top Ten single. Following the success of Shake It Up, the band recorded the soundtrack to the short film Chapter-X and then took an extended leave, with Ocasek releasing his solo album Beatitude in 1982 and Hawkes issuing Niagara Falls the following year; Ocasek also produced the debut album from the hardcore punk band Bad Brains. The Cars reconvened in 1983 to record their fifth album, Heartbeat City, which was released in early 1984. Supported by a groundbreaking, computer-animated video, the albums first single, "You Might Think," became a Top Ten hit, sending Heartbeat City to number three on the album charts. Three other Top 40 singles -- "Magic" (number 12), "Drive" (number three), and "Hello Again" (number 20) -- followed later that year, and the record went triple platinum in the summer of 1985. At the end of the year, the group released Greatest Hits, which featured two new hit singles, "Tonight She Comes" and "You Are the Girl." The Cars were on hiatus for much of 1985 and 1986, during which time Easton released Change No Change and Orr issued The Lace. During 1987, the group completed its seventh album, Door to Door. The album was a moderate hit upon its summer release in 1987, launching the single "You Are the Girl," which peaked at number 17. Door to Door had seemed half-hearted, sparking speculation that the group was on the verge of splitting up. The Cars announced in February of 1988 that they had indeed broken up. All of the members pursued solo careers, but only Ocasek released albums with regularity. By the 90s, hed also become a much sought-after alt-rock producer, having worked with with the likes of Weezer, Bad Religion, Black 47, Hole, Guided by Voices, No Doubt, Nada Surf, Johnny Bravo, D Generation, Possum Dixon, Jonathan Richman, the Wannadies, and former Suicide members Alan Vega and Martin Rev. Easton later reappeared with Creedence Clearwater Revisited, while sadly, Orr lost a battle with pancreatic cancer and died on October 3, 2000. After Orrs passing, a few new Cars releases appeared on the marketplace, including the concert DVD Live (taped originally in Germany during 1979, and featuring an interview with the group shortly before Orrs death), a double-disc deluxe edition of their classic self-titled debut album, and a more extensive hits collection titled Complete Greatest Hits. By early 2002, Ocasek was at work putting together a Cars documentary film, comprised of backstage footage and unreleased promo clips that the band filmed itself. He also continued working on solo material, releasing Nexterday in 2005 to warm reviews. Meanwhile, Greg Hawkes and Elliot Easton teamed up with Todd Rundgren to form the New Cars, a pop supergroup whose repertoire included Rundgrens solo songs, the Cars past hits, and some new material. The New Cars toured with Blondie in 2006 and released one record, the concert album Its Alive!, before Rundgren resumed his solo career the following year. By 2010, the Cars officially reunited for the first time in two decades, with the late Orr serving as the reunions sole absentee. Working with producer Jacknife Lee, they took up temporary residence in a recording studio in Millbrook, New York, emerging with 2011s Move Like This. Released on Hear Music and greeted by positive reviews, Move Like This peaked at seven upon its release and the group supported it with a brief tour. Afterwards, the Cars entered hibernation, with the only new activity being the bands 2015 nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (they were not inducted) and the 2016 compilations Moving in Stereo: The Best of the Cars and the complete box set The Elektra Years 1978-1987. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 20 Title: The Cars Released: 1978-06-06 Tracks: 9 Duration: 35:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Good Times Roll (03:45) 2 My Best Friend’s Girl (03:43) 3 Just What I Needed (03:45) 4 I’m in Touch With Your World (03:31) 5 Don’t Cha Stop (03:03) 6 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight (04:13) 7 Bye Bye Love (04:13) 8 Moving in Stereo (05:15) 9 All Mixed Up (04:17) |
| The Cars : Allmusic album Review : The Cars 1978 self-titled debut, issued on the Elektra label, is a genuine rock masterpiece. The band jokingly referred to the album as their "true greatest-hits album," but its no exaggeration -- all nine tracks are new wave/rock classics, still in rotation on rock radio. Whereas most bands of the late 70s embraced either punk/new wave or hard rock, the Cars were one of the first bands to do the unthinkable -- merge the two styles together. Add to it bandleader/songwriter Ric Ocaseks supreme pop sensibilities, and you had an album that appealed to new wavers, rockers, and Top 40 fans. One of the most popular new wave songs ever, "Just What I Needed," is an obvious highlight, as are such familiar hits as "Good Times Roll," "My Best Friends Girl," and "Youre All Ive Got Tonight." But like most consummate rock albums, the lesser-known compositions are just as exhilarating: "Dont Cha Stop," "Bye Bye Love," "All Mixed Up," and "Moving in Stereo," the latter featured as an instrumental during a steamy scene in the popular movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. With flawless performances, songwriting, and production (courtesy of Queen alumni Roy Thomas Baker), the Cars debut remains one of rocks all-time classics. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 20 Title: Candy‐O Released: 1979-06-12 Tracks: 11 Duration: 36:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Let’s Go (03:34) 2 Since I Held You (03:17) 3 It’s All I Can Do (03:46) 4 Double Life (04:14) 5 Shoo Be Doo (01:38) 6 Candy‐O (02:36) 7 Night Spots (03:14) 8 You Can’t Hold On Too Long (02:49) 9 Lust for Kicks (03:53) 10 Got a Lot on My Head (02:59) 11 Dangerous Type (04:31) |
| Candy‐O : Allmusic album Review : After releasing a debut album that was considered perfect, packed with hits from beginning to end, the Cars faced an interesting dilemma on Candy-O. Should they make an exact replica and rake in the bucks? Or fool with the formula just enough to keep it interesting (while still emptying the tillers)? Working again with producer Roy Thomas Baker, the band wrote an almost entirely new batch of songs that captured the same pop highs as The Cars while sounding different in some important ways. The group were a little unhappy with how slick their debut sounded so they asked Baker to dial back the stacked vocals and make sure there was a little dirt in the machine. He did this while still capturing the bands pop essence, which the group made easy by cranking out almost as many timelessly great songs as they did on their debut, whether it was the punchy title track, the hard-rocking AOR radio staple "Dangerous Type," or the intensely fun "Lets Go." They also wrote some rollicking pop gems; "Since I Held You" and "Its All I Can Do" are a one-two punch of melancholy hooks, achingly honest vocals, and brilliant production that any band of the era would be elated to call their own. To go along with the good-time rockers and melodic tunes, they took a couple left turns with the robotic "Double Life" and Suicide tribute "Shoo Be Doo," cranked out some very solid synth-heavy new wave on "Night Spots" and "Lust for Kicks," and a couple fun rockers like "Got Lot on My Head" and "You Cant Hold on for Too Long." Candy-O is the rare follow-up to a classic debut that almost reaches the same rarified air. Throw in one more absolute classic hit single and it would have been there. As it stands, it may be one of the best second albums ever made, full of great songs, inspired performances, and sporting a still-perfect sound. If this had been the Cars debut album, people might consider it a classic. Coming after The Cars, it has to be rated a little lower, but not by much. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 20 Title: Panorama Released: 1980-08-12 Tracks: 10 Duration: 40:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Panorama (05:42) 2 Touch and Go (04:56) 3 Gimme Some Slack (03:31) 4 Don’t Tell Me No (04:00) 5 Getting Through (02:35) 6 Misfit Kid (04:31) 7 Down Boys (03:06) 8 You Wear Those Eyes (04:57) 9 Running to You (03:21) 10 Up and Down (03:34) |
| Panorama : Allmusic album Review : After releasing two albums, one a perfect pop/rock-meets-new wave classic, the other a very good follow-up, the Cars were game to try things a little differently on their third album Panorama. With longtime collaborator Roy Thomas Baker behind the boards, the band decamped to the Power Station in New York City and began working on a set of songs that were a little less poppy, both structurally and sonically. While the studio wasnt to their liking and they went back to the scene of Candy-O in California, they didnt forsake the more experimental aspects they had begun adding. Lead-off track "Panorama" features vocoder providing backing vocals, burbling synth sounds, and a song thats more about creating a mood of unease than it is knocking the listener over the head with a big, shiny hook, which had been their M.O. to that point. That they follow that with the lead single and catchiest song "Touch and Go" shows that the band wasnt quite ready to forsake the pop side of the fence. The pumping synths, stuttering rhythms, and a painfully needy vocal from Ric Ocasek give way to some wonderfully corny cowboy-style guitar picking and a swooning chorus that was the equal of anything theyd done to that point. The rest of the album mostly sticks to catchy new wave pop with the occasional weird synth here and odd texture there. Tracks like the moody "Dont Tell Me No," the jumpy Ben Orr-sung "Down Boys," or "Running to You" could have easily fit in on either of their first two albums; the slightly less immediate songs ("Misfit Kid," "Getting Through") are still fine modern rockers that any second-string band on a major-label would have been glad to call their best effort, and the nocturnal ballad "You Wear Those Eyes" is a lovely precursor to "Drive." While its true that Panorama may be the work of a band in transition, taking baby steps in new directions, its also the work of a band that couldnt help but make great music regardless. "Touch and Go" may be the song that people remember, but another spin or two will reveal a wealth of songs that are just as strong. The production, too, is just as striking as it is on previous efforts, as are the performances. Put it all together and its difficult to understand why some people consider Panorama a weak link in the bands otherwise stellar early career. It may pale a little in comparison to The Cars and Candy-O, but its still first-rate modern pop. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 20 Title: Shake It Up Released: 1981-11 Tracks: 9 Duration: 40:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Since You’re Gone (03:31) 2 Shake It Up (03:33) 3 I’m Not the One (04:09) 4 Victim of Love (04:25) 5 Cruiser (04:57) 6 A Dream Away (05:40) 7 This Could Be Love (04:27) 8 Think It Over (04:56) 9 Maybe Baby (05:03) |
| Shake It Up : Allmusic album Review : After the success of their first three albums, the Cars had enough money banked that they were able to build their own recording studio in Boston, and thats where they recorded their fourth album, 1981s Shake It Up. The new setup allowed the Cars more time to tinker with their sound, but also meant that much of the album was recorded in pieces by each member of the band, instead of them being in the same room. While its not something that seems like an issue on the albums big hits, the pensive "Since Youre Gone" and the timelessly silly title track, other songs on the record mostly sound a little lifeless and mechanical, filled with tinny drum machines, odd sound effects, and not much inspiration. "Cruiser" comes across as a pale version of a rocker from either of the first two albums, "This Could Be Love" is a monochromatic ballad, and "Think It Over" is a lesser version of "Shake It Up." The admittedly pretty ballad "Im Not the One" barely sounds like the Cars; the electronic handclaps, massed backing vocals, and tinkling modern synths make it sound like adult contemporary daytime radio fodder, which is better than the sound they got on "A Dream Away," which sounds like a demo (half)-cooked up on super-cheap gear. Only "Maybe Baby," with its massive drum overdubs and spiraling guitar work, shows the band using the studio to its fullest, matching a strong song with inventive production. Apart from that song, and the two hits that kicked off the album like vintage Cars, the album is the sound of a band spinning its wheels. Coming after the middling success of Panorama, its not surprising that they swung back toward something more familiar; its just too bad they didnt have the songs or production savvy to make it work. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 20 Title: Heartbeat City Released: 1984-03-13 Tracks: 10 Duration: 38:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Hello Again (03:46) 2 Looking for Love (03:51) 3 Magic (03:57) 4 Drive (03:55) 5 Stranger Eyes (04:24) 6 You Might Think (03:05) 7 It’s Not the Night (03:48) 8 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 9 I Refuse (03:15) 10 Heartbeat City (04:29) |
| Heartbeat City : Allmusic album Review : Coming off the less-than-classic Shake It Up, the Cars decided again to change things up, this time moving from their home studio in Boston to London to record with Mutt Lange. The producer was coming off a string of sleek modern hits, most recently Def Leppards Pyromania, and the Cars put themselves in Langes capable and demanding hands. They spent six months in the studio painstakingly putting the album together, sometimes spending days getting the right bass sound or vocal take. The bandmembers were rarely in the room at the same time and instead of using live drums on the record, Lange and David Robinson put together drum tracks using samples of Robinsons playing. This sounds a bit like the recipe for a airless, stale album, but much like Pyromania, Heartbeat City is a gleaming pop masterpiece. The producers golden touch, the strength of the songs Ric Ocasek wrote, and the stunning vocal performance both he and Benjamin Orr deliver make the album one of the best of the 80s and something that still sounds perfect many years later. Its a near-total reboot of the Cars sound, giving them a thoroughly modern upgrade while still retaining enough of the DNA from their early hits to keep it a Cars album. Songs like "You Might Think" and "Magic" have the power chords and chugging rhythms, "Its Not the Night" has the dramatic emotion, and "Looking for Love" has some chirpy new wave in the verses, but most of the album takes the band to new places. "Hello Again" is arena-sized modern rock with some very Def Lep backing vocals -- something that pops up on almost every song -- and "Drive" is a timelessly romantic ballad that perfects the MOR sound that the previous album hinted at. The title track is moody soft pop with smooth synth pads and a crooning vocal by Ocasek, "Stranger Eyes" is basically a mash-up of Def Lep and the Cars with the addition of a few wonderfully corny synth sound effects, and "Its Not the Night" is pure AOR balladry that sounds like it could have been on Foreigner 4, another record Lange produced. Overall, Heartbeat City is a masterful example of how a band can reinvent itself without losing what made it great in the first place. Credit Langes production savvy, Ocaseks songwriting genius, or the bands dedication to adding just what each song needed; when you combine them all it makes for brilliant pop and one of the landmark albums of the era. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 20 Title: The Cars Greatest Hits Released: 1985-10-01 Tracks: 13 Duration: 50:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Just What I Needed (03:45) 2 Since You’re Gone (03:31) 3 You Might Think (03:05) 4 Good Times Roll (03:45) 5 Touch and Go (04:56) 6 Drive (03:55) 7 Tonight She Comes (03:53) 8 My Best Friend’s Girl (03:43) 9 Heartbeat City (04:30) 10 Let’s Go (03:34) 11 I’m Not the One (04:11) 12 Magic (03:57) 13 Shake It Up (03:33) |
| The Cars Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : The Cars were responsible for some of rocks most recognizable radio hits by the mid-80s, so when the band took an extended break after their successful tour for Heartbeat City, 1985s Greatest Hits was assembled. Mixed in with the familiar selections was a brand-new track, the playful "Tonight She Comes" (which became a Top Ten hit), as well as a remix of the overlooked "Shake It Up" ballad "Im Not the One." And while most of the expected hits are represented ("Just What I Needed," "Lets Go," "Drive," "Shake It Up," etc.), some of the selections prove questionable -- why was the title track from Heartbeat City (an unsuccessful single) included instead of the 1984 Top 20 hit "Hello Again"? Other missing radio staples include "Youre All Ive Got Tonight," "Its All I Can Do," and the title track from Candy-O, which would have made the collection definitive (all are included on the more extensive Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology from 1995). But for the casual fan, Greatest Hits will do the trick. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 20 Title: Door to Door Released: 1987-08-11 Tracks: 11 Duration: 45:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Leave or Stay (02:56) 2 You Are the Girl (03:53) 3 Double Trouble (04:14) 4 Fine Line (05:23) 5 Everything You Say (04:54) 6 Ta Ta Wayo Wayo (02:51) 7 Strap Me In (04:24) 8 Coming Up You (04:19) 9 Wound Up on You (05:00) 10 Go Away (04:39) 11 Door to Door (03:17) |
| Door to Door : Allmusic album Review : Even Ric Ocaseks own production couldnt save Door to Door from being a rather lackluster album, failing to capture the type of magic that the Cars instilled on past releases. Their last Top 40 single, "You Are the Girl," peaked at number 17 in September of 1987, while efforts like "Strap Me In" and the albums most melodious tune, "Coming Up You," failed to crack the number 50 mark. Missing from the album is the usual Cars chemistry, made up of Ocaseks crisp vocals and Elliot Eastons animated, hook-infused guitar work. Instead, tracks like "Go Away" and "Double Trouble" yield to murky instrumentation and subpar rock formulas. Even with some companionable keyboard playing from Greg Hawkes, which rises above any of the albums guitar contributions, the music on Door to Door neglects the savvy pop jump that normally comes from the Cars music. With humdrum rhythms and cloudy melodies replacing any hint of pop depth, the album itself peaked at number 26 in the U.S. and a dismal number 72 in the U.K. The reason for Ocaseks lack of vigor and loss of desire became apparent in February of the next year when the breakup of the Cars was publicly announced. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 20 Title: Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology Released: 1995-11-07 Tracks: 40 Duration: 2:26:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Just What I Needed (04:59) 2 My Best Friend’s Girl (03:43) 3 Good Times Roll (03:45) 4 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight (04:13) 5 Don’t Cha Stop (03:03) 6 Moving in Stereo (04:46) 7 Take Me Now (02:55) 8 Cool Fool (02:42) 9 Let’s Go (03:34) 10 Candy‐O (02:36) 11 Dangerous Type (04:31) 12 Double Life (03:50) 13 Got a Lot on My Head (02:59) 14 It’s All I Can Do (03:46) 15 Nightspots (Early version) (03:09) 16 Slipaway (03:43) 17 That’s It (03:22) 18 Panorama (03:20) 19 Gimme Some Slack (03:31) 20 Dont Go to Pieces (02:48) 1 Touch and Go (04:56) 2 Dont Tell Me No (04:02) 3 Shake It Up (03:33) 4 Since You’re Gone (03:31) 5 I’m Not the One (04:11) 6 Cruiser (04:58) 7 The Little Black Egg (02:54) 8 Funtime (03:10) 9 You Might Think (03:05) 10 Drive (03:55) 11 Magic (04:00) 12 Hello Again (03:46) 13 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 14 Breakaway (03:47) 15 Tonight She Comes (03:53) 16 You Are the Girl (03:53) 17 Strap Me In (04:26) 18 Door to Door (03:20) 19 Leave or Stay (1977 demo version) (03:02) 20 Ta Ta Wayo Wayo (1977 Demo Version) (02:48) |
| Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology : Allmusic album Review : While casual admirers of the Cars can stick with their 1985 Greatest Hits collection, more serious fans should go right to the more thorough two-CD set Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology. Whereas Greatest Hits stuck more or less with their singles, The Cars Anthology contains strong album cuts, non-album B-sides, demos, and unreleased takes, as well as all the expected hits (and a 27-page booklet crammed with rare photos and the bands bio). Just about every rock fan is long familiar with such tracks as "Just What I Needed," "Shake It Up," "Magic," and "Lets Go" (to name a few), but the collections main attraction is its abundance of unfamiliar material. Such previously released album tracks as "Dangerous Type," "Gimme Some Slack," and "Cruiser" are highlights, as are the rarities "Cool Fool" (one of their hardest-rocking tracks ever), "Thats It," a cover of Iggy Pops "Funtime," and a pair of album-closing early demos ("Leave or Stay" and "Ta Ta Wayo Wayo"). At nearly two and a half hours long, Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology is the ultimate Cars collection, which only confirms their standing as one of the finest bands of the new wave era. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 20 Title: Shake It Up and Other Hits Released: 2001-06-19 Tracks: 10 Duration: 40:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Shake It Up (03:33) 2 Let’s Go (03:34) 3 Magic (03:58) 4 Touch and Go (04:56) 5 Bye Bye Love (04:13) 6 Tonight She Comes (03:53) 7 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 8 Coming Up You (04:19) 9 You Are the Girl (03:56) 10 Just What I Needed (03:42) |
 | Album: 10 of 20 Title: The Very Best of The Cars Released: 2002 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:19:19 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Just What I Needed (03:45) 2 My Best Friends Girl (03:45) 3 Good Times Roll (03:45) 4 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight (04:13) 5 Bye Bye Love (04:13) 6 Moving in Stereo (04:46) 7 Let’s Go (03:34) 8 Its All I Can Do (03:45) 9 Dangerous Type (04:31) 10 Touch and Go (04:56) 11 Shake It Up (03:33) 12 Since Youve Gone (03:33) 13 I’m Not the One (04:11) 14 You Might Think (03:05) 15 Drive (03:55) 16 Magic (03:59) 17 Hello Again (03:46) 18 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 19 Tonight She Comes (03:56) 20 You Are the Girl (03:55) |
 | Album: 11 of 20 Title: Complete Greatest Hits Released: 2002-02-19 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:19:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Just What I Needed (03:45) 2 My Best Friend’s Girl (03:43) 3 Good Times Roll (03:45) 4 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight (04:13) 5 Bye Bye Love (04:13) 6 Moving in Stereo (04:46) 7 Let’s Go (03:34) 8 It’s All I Can Do (03:46) 9 Dangerous Type (04:31) 10 Touch and Go (04:56) 11 Shake It Up (03:33) 12 Since You’re Gone (03:31) 13 I’m Not the One (04:11) 14 You Might Think (03:05) 15 Drive (03:55) 16 Magic (03:57) 17 Hello Again (03:46) 18 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 19 Tonight She Comes (03:53) 20 You Are the Girl (03:53) |
| Complete Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : Although it has different artwork, this 20-track set of the Cars biggest hits is exactly the same, right down to the same running order, as Rhinos Complete Greatest Hits package from 2002, which means it has everything the casual fan might want, including the perfect radio singles "Just What I Needed," "My Best Friends Girl," "Youre All Ive Got Tonight," and "Shake It Up." More serious fans might want to go deeper, but the Cars were essentially a singles band, and the groups peak material is here. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 20 Title: The Definitive Released: 2002-04-26 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:19:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 My Best Friends Girl (03:47) 2 You Might Think (03:05) 3 Just What I Needed (03:46) 4 Drive (03:55) 5 Let’s Go (03:34) 6 Shake It Up (03:33) 7 Tonight She Comes (03:56) 8 Touch and Go (04:56) 9 Magic (03:59) 10 Hello Again (03:46) 11 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 12 Im Not the One (04:14) 13 You Are the Girl (03:56) 14 Since Youre Gone (03:33) 15 Good Times Roll (03:45) 16 Bye Bye Love (04:13) 17 Its All I Can Do (03:45) 18 Moving in Stereo (04:46) 19 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight (04:13) 20 Dangerous Type (04:31) |
| The Definitive : Allmusic album Review : When the Cars released their first greatest-hits album in 1985, it was capping a golden run that culminated in 1984s Heartbeat City, their biggest hit yet. They lasted one more album, 1987s abysmal Door to Door. So, technically, there isnt that much new territory covered by Complete Greatest Hits, especially since theres only one song -- the only good one, "You Are the Girl" -- from Door to Door, but its nevertheless a substantial improvement over that initial hits collection, while being easier to digest for most listeners than the exhaustive 1995 anthology Just What I Needed. Essentially, the title explains it all, since it has all of the hits, which also means many are AOR staples. This approach means that nearly all of their debut and half of Heartbeat City is on this disc, but it also means that theres essentially nothing missing (apart from perhaps "Candy-O") that casual fans would want. Also, this approach confirms that the Cars were a sexy, stylish new wave singles band on the order of Blondie -- sure, they had one classic album in their canon (the debut), along with some very good follow-ups, but they made the most sense song by song on the radio, even years after their prime. To hear why, this is the disc to get. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 20 Title: The Essentials Released: 2005-10-04 Tracks: 12 Duration: 44:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 My Best Friend’s Girl (03:43) 2 You Might Think (03:05) 3 Since Youre Gone (03:30) 4 Shake It Up (03:33) 5 Just What I Needed (03:45) 6 Magic (03:57) 7 Touch and Go (04:56) 8 Drive (03:55) 9 You Are the Girl (03:52) 10 Candy‐O (02:36) 11 Tonight She Comes (03:32) 12 Let’s Go (03:34) |
| The Essentials : Allmusic album Review : A listen to any of the Cars hits collections is enough to remind you that they were one excellent band, maybe the best pop/rock/new wave group of the 80s. Warner Music Canadas The Essentials nearly lives up to its title. The 12 tracks included are definitely essential, with hits like "Magic," "Drive," "You Might Think," "Tonight She Comes," radio staples like "My Best Friends Girl" and " Just What I Needed," as well as great album tracks like "Touch and Go," "Shake It Up," and "Candy-O." In fact, the inclusion of "Candy-O" makes this collection stand out compared to 1985s Greatest Hits and 2002s Complete Greatest Hits, since neither has the song. The only problem is that 12 tracks arent enough to round up all the Cars essentials, since vital songs like "Youre All Ive Got Tonight," "Dangerous Type," and "Hello Again" are missing. So now that its been established that theres no perfect single-disc Cars collection on the market, now what? If you want to get all of their best songs, take the hit on your wallet and buy the double-disc Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology. Otherwise this collection or either of the other two will probably be good enough to satisfy the curious and casual. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 20 Title: Unlocked: The Live Performances Released: 2006-10-17 Tracks: 14 Duration: 56:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Magic (04:28) 2 Let’s Go (03:42) 3 Touch and Go (04:59) 4 Drive (03:54) 5 My Best Friends Girl (03:39) 6 Tonight She Comes (03:51) 7 Moving in Stereo (04:26) 8 You Might Think (03:15) 9 Just What I Needed (03:27) 10 Good Times Roll (03:34) 11 Hello Again (03:58) 12 Double Trouble (04:11) 13 Nightspots (03:31) 14 Heartbeat City (05:26) |
 | Album: 15 of 20 Title: Original Album Series Released: 2010-03-01 Tracks: 49 Duration: 3:11:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Good Times Roll (03:45) 2 My Best Friend’s Girl (03:43) 3 Just What I Needed (03:45) 4 I’m in Touch With Your World (03:31) 5 Don’t Cha Stop (03:03) 6 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight (04:13) 7 Bye Bye Love (04:13) 8 Moving in Stereo (04:41) 9 All Mixed Up (04:17) 1 Let’s Go (03:34) 2 Since I Held You (03:17) 3 It’s All I Can Do (03:46) 4 Double Life (04:14) 5 Shoo Be Doo (01:38) 6 Candy‐O (02:36) 7 Night Spots (03:14) 8 You Can’t Hold On Too Long (02:49) 9 Lust for Kicks (03:53) 10 Got a Lot on My Head (02:59) 11 Dangerous Type (04:31) 1 Panorama (05:42) 2 Touch and Go (04:56) 3 Gimme Some Slack (03:31) 4 Don’t Tell Me No (04:00) 5 Getting Through (02:35) 6 Misfit Kid (04:31) 7 Down Boys (03:06) 8 You Wear Those Eyes (04:57) 9 Running to You (03:21) 10 Up and Down (03:34) 1 Since You’re Gone (03:31) 2 Shake It Up (03:33) 3 I’m Not the One (04:09) 4 Victim of Love (04:25) 5 Cruiser (04:57) 6 A Dream Away (05:40) 7 This Could Be Love (04:27) 8 Think It Over (04:56) 9 Maybe Baby (05:03) 1 Hello Again (03:46) 2 Looking for Love (03:51) 3 Magic (03:57) 4 Drive (03:55) 5 Stranger Eyes (04:24) 6 You Might Think (03:05) 7 It’s Not the Night (03:48) 8 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 9 I Refuse (03:15) 10 Heartbeat City (04:29) |
| Original Album Series : Allmusic album Review : Collecting the Cars first five albums into one set, this collection features many of the bands essential songs, including "Just What I Needed," "Moving in Stereo," "Youre All Ive Got Tonight," and "Drive." For anyone interested in purchasing the bulk of the bands output in one fell swoop, this set offers an easy option. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 20 Title: Move Like This Released: 2011-05-10 Tracks: 11 Duration: 40:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Blue Tip (03:13) 2 Too Late (04:02) 3 Keep On Knocking (03:53) 4 Soon (04:23) 5 Sad Song (03:38) 6 Free (03:18) 7 Drag On Forever (03:38) 8 Take Another Look (04:47) 9 It’s Only (03:01) 10 Hits Me (03:51) 11 Blue Tip (demo) (02:58) |
| Move Like This : Allmusic album Review : The Cars disbandment wasn’t necessarily fractious but their afterlife sure was, with the band itching to reunite while their lead voice and face, Ric Ocasek, opted out. Bassist Benjamin Orr died of pancreatic cancer in 2000, but that didn’t slow the desire for a reunion. Guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist Greg Hawkes took matters into their own hands in 2005, joining forces with Todd Rundgren and associates for the not-bad-at-all New Cars, and that seemed to be the end of the story until 2010, when all surviving members -- Ocasek, Easton, Hawkes, and drummer David Robinson -- headed into the studio with producer Jacknife Lee, who also pinch-hit on bass, to cut Move Like This, an album that defies all odds by sounding exactly like a classic Cars album. Certainly, Move Like This contains more of the sleek assurance of their prime than their 1987 farewell, Door to Door, and this is surely a deliberate move; the Cars take no liberties with their patented steely, stylish throb, weaving in allusions to past glories with Easton’s tightly wound riffs and Hawkes’ echoed keyboards. The remarkable thing is, for as proudly new wave as Move Like This is, it doesn’t feel desperate or cautious: it’s as bright, infectious, and tuneful as the Cars at their prime. Of course, even the best Cars albums (with the notable exception of their eponymous 1978 debut) provide slightly bumpy rides, slowing down on the ballads and sometimes meandering in the middle, and while this 2011 comeback falls prey to this curse, the band rights itself quickly, continuing to deliver pieces of prime pop like “Sad Song,” “Hits Me,” “Keep on Knocking,” and “Too Late” -- and especially “Blue Tip,” the best song here, which would be among the best songs on any of their other albums. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 20 Title: Studio Album Collection: 1978–1987 Released: 2014 Tracks: 60 Duration: 3:57:19 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Good Times Roll (03:45) 2 My Best Friend’s Girl (03:43) 3 Just What I Needed (03:45) 4 I’m in Touch With Your World (03:31) 5 Don’t Cha Stop (03:03) 6 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight (04:13) 7 Bye Bye Love (04:13) 8 Moving in Stereo (04:41) 9 All Mixed Up (04:17) 1 Let’s Go (03:34) 2 Since I Held You (03:17) 3 It’s All I Can Do (03:45) 4 Double Life (04:14) 5 Shoo Be Doo (01:38) 6 Candy‐O (02:36) 7 Night Spots (03:14) 8 You Can’t Hold On Too Long (02:49) 9 Lust for Kicks (03:53) 10 Got a Lot on My Head (02:59) 11 Dangerous Type (04:31) 1 Panorama (05:42) 2 Touch and Go (04:56) 3 Gimme Some Slack (03:31) 4 Dont Tell Me No (04:01) 5 Getting Through (02:35) 6 Misfit Kid (04:31) 7 Down Boys (03:06) 8 You Wear Those Eyes (04:57) 9 Running to You (03:21) 10 Up and Down (03:34) 1 Since You’re Gone (03:31) 2 Shake It Up (03:33) 3 I’m Not the One (04:09) 4 Victim of Love (04:25) 5 Cruiser (04:57) 6 A Dream Away (05:40) 7 This Could Be Love (04:27) 8 Think It Over (04:56) 9 Maybe Baby (05:03) 1 Hello Again (03:46) 2 Looking for Love (03:51) 3 Magic (03:57) 4 Drive (03:55) 5 Stranger Eyes (04:24) 6 You Might Think (03:05) 7 It’s Not the Night (03:48) 8 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 9 I Refuse (03:15) 10 Heartbeat City (04:29) 1 Leave or Stay (02:56) 2 You Are the Girl (03:53) 3 Double Trouble (04:14) 4 Fine Line (05:23) 5 Everything You Say (04:54) 6 Ta Ta Wayo Wayo (02:51) 7 Strap Me In (04:24) 8 Coming Up You (04:19) 9 Wound Up on You (05:00) 10 Go Away (04:39) 11 Door to Door (03:17) |
 | Album: 18 of 20 Title: Moving in Stereo: The Best of The Cars Released: 2016 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:11:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Just What I Needed (03:44) 2 Since Youre Gone (03:31) 3 Lets Go (03:34) 4 You Might Think (03:05) 5 Shake It Up (03:34) 6 Drive (03:55) 7 Tonight She Comes (03:53) 8 My Best Friends Girl (03:44) 9 Dont Tell Me No (04:01) 10 Youre All Ive Got Tonight (04:14) 11 Im Not the One (single mix) (04:08) 12 Candy-O (02:38) 13 Heartbeat City (04:28) 14 Touch and Go (04:55) 15 Moving in Stereo (04:40) 16 Dangerous Type (04:30) 17 Sad Song (Zdar mix) (03:39) 18 Everything You Say (live) (05:19) |
| Moving in Stereo: The Best of The Cars : Allmusic album Review : Timed to accompany a possible 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (an event that unfortunately did not happen), Moving in Stereo: The Best of the Cars is the first high-profile Cars compilation since 2002, when The Complete Greatest Hits appeared (it also would see release under the title Definitive). Where the 2002 collection marched chronologically through the singles, opening with "Just What I Needed" and concluding 20 songs later with "You Are the Girl," this skips through the bands career, offering up two relative rarities along the way (a single mix of "Im Not the One," a live version of "Everything You Say"). The bigger, unwelcome difference is the number of omissions: "Good Times Roll," "Bye Bye Love," and "Magic," three of the groups very best hits, are all absent, and so are "Its All I Can Do," "Hello Again," "Why Cant I Have You," and "You Are the Girl." Chalk this up to the band choosing what 18 songs would be included in this collection, a move that nearly guarantees idiosyncratic selections. Whats here is good but there are too many major tunes missing to earn a recommendation. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 20 Title: The Elektra Years: 1978-1987 Released: 2016-03-11 Tracks: 60 Duration: 3:57:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Good Times Roll (03:45) 2 My Best Friend’s Girl (03:43) 3 Just What I Needed (03:45) 4 I’m in Touch With Your World (03:31) 5 Don’t Cha Stop (03:03) 6 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight (04:13) 7 Bye Bye Love (04:13) 8 Moving in Stereo (04:41) 9 All Mixed Up (04:17) 1 Let’s Go (03:34) 2 Since I Held You (03:17) 3 It’s All I Can Do (03:46) 4 Double Life (04:14) 5 Shoo Be Doo (01:38) 6 Candy‐O (02:36) 7 Night Spots (03:14) 8 You Can’t Hold On Too Long (02:49) 9 Lust for Kicks (03:53) 10 Got a Lot on My Head (02:59) 11 Dangerous Type (04:31) 1 Panorama (05:42) 2 Touch and Go (04:56) 3 Gimme Some Slack (03:31) 4 Don’t Tell Me No (04:00) 5 Getting Through (02:35) 6 Misfit Kid (04:31) 7 Down Boys (03:06) 8 You Wear Those Eyes (04:57) 9 Running to You (03:21) 10 Up and Down (03:34) 1 Since You’re Gone (03:31) 2 Shake It Up (03:33) 3 I’m Not the One (04:09) 4 Victim of Love (04:25) 5 Cruiser (04:57) 6 A Dream Away (05:40) 7 This Could Be Love (04:27) 8 Think It Over (04:56) 9 Maybe Baby (05:03) 1 Hello Again (03:46) 2 Looking for Love (03:51) 3 Magic (03:57) 4 Drive (03:55) 5 Stranger Eyes (04:24) 6 You Might Think (03:05) 7 It’s Not the Night (03:48) 8 Why Can’t I Have You (04:03) 9 I Refuse (03:15) 10 Heartbeat City (04:29) 1 Leave or Stay (02:56) 2 You Are the Girl (03:53) 3 Double Trouble (04:14) 4 Fine Line (05:23) 5 Everything You Say (04:54) 6 Ta Ta Wayo Wayo (02:51) 7 Strap Me In (04:24) 8 Coming Up You (04:19) 9 Wound Up on You (05:00) 10 Go Away (04:39) 11 Door to Door (03:17) |
| The Elektra Years: 1978-1987 : Allmusic album Review : The Cars studio albums have been boxed before -- most of them showed up on 2009s Original Album Series, while in 2014 there was a cheap and basic set called Studio Album Collection, 1978-1987 -- but the 2016 set The Elektra Years 1978-1987 is handsomely produced and newly remastered, two features absent on the previous sets. Ric Ocasek handled the digital remaster, while David Robinson is the art director on the set, overseeing the replicas of the original albums and coming up with the spiffy retro artwork. Sadly, "Tonight She Comes" -- a hit single featured on 1985s Greatest Hits and never part of an actual album -- wasnt added as a bonus track to either Heartbeat City or Door to Door, but thats the only flaw on this otherwise nicely assembled, affordable set. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 20 Title: Live at the Agora, 1978 Released: 2017-04-22 Tracks: 13 Duration: 53:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 [intro] / Good Times Roll (04:40) 2 Bye Bye Love (04:21) 3 Night Spots (04:26) 4 I’m in Touch With Your World (03:36) 5 My Best Friend’s Girl (04:05) 6 Moving in Stereo (04:55) 7 All Mixed Up (04:15) 8 Take What You Want (05:25) 9 Don’t Cha Stop (03:31) 10 You’re All That I’ve Got Tonight (04:17) 11 Just What I Needed (04:05) 12 Hotel Queenie (03:15) 13 Somethin’ Else (02:41) |