Album Information:

About The Cars:

The Cars were a pioneering American rock band, famous for their unique New Wave sound that blended pop, rock, and electronic elements. The band was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1976, and consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes, bassist Benjamin Orr, and drummer David Robinson.

The band released their self-titled debut album in 1978, which spawned the hit singles 'Just What I Needed,' 'My Best Friend's Girl,' and 'Good Times Roll.' The album was a commercial and critical success, and it established The Cars as one of the most popular and innovative bands of the New Wave era.

Over the next few years, The Cars released a string of successful albums, including 'Candy-O' (1979), 'Panorama' (1980), 'Shake It Up' (1981), and 'Heartbeat City' (1984), which featured hits like 'Let's Go,' 'Shake It Up,' 'Drive,' and 'You Might Think.' The band's music videos became hugely popular on MTV, and they were notable for their quirky and surreal visual style.

Despite their success, The Cars disbanded in 1988 due to creative differences and personal issues. However, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing their place as one of the most influential bands of the 80s.

Outside of The Cars, Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr both had successful solo careers, and Greg Hawkes contributed to numerous other projects. Sadly, Benjamin Orr passed away from cancer in 2000, but the other members of The Cars continued to pursue their own musical ventures.

Overall, The Cars brought a unique and innovative sound to rock music, blending pop sensibilities, electronic elements, and a distinctive New Wave edge. Their legacy continues to influence countless artists today, and their music remains a beloved fixture of the 80s music scene.

About the album Candy-O:

Candy-O is the second studio album released by the American rock band, The Cars, in 1979. The album was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, who had previously worked with bands like Queen and The Rolling Stones. Candy-O features a variety of styles and influences, ranging from punk rock and power pop, to new wave and art rock.

The album kicks off with the driving beats of the title track, 'Candy-O', an ode to a seductive woman. The song features singer Ric Ocasek's signature deadpan vocals, complemented by lead guitarist Elliot Easton's catchy riffs and drummer David Robinson's propulsive rhythms. 'Since I Held You' follows in a similar vein, with its infectious hooks and melodic chorus.

One of the highlights of the album is the track 'Night Spots', a dark and moody tune with a menacing bassline by Benjamin Orr. Ocasek sings of a seedy underworld of bars and clubs, backed by eerie synths and guitar effects. 'Lust for Kicks' is another standout track, with its bouncy rhythm and playful lyrics about teenage rebellion and sexual exploration.

On the more experimental side, 'Shoo Be Doo' is a quirky, new wave-influenced track with unconventional chord progressions and abstract lyrics. 'Dangerous Type' is another deviation from the album's overall sound, featuring a reggae-inspired beat and atmospheric, echoing production.

Overall, Candy-O is a cohesive and dynamic album that showcases The Cars' unique ability to blend catchy pop hooks with edgier rock stylings. It's a quintessential album of the late 70s/early 80s, and a must-listen for fans of new wave and power pop music.

Members:

The Cars were an American rock band formed in Boston in 1976. The band consisted of five key members:

1) Ric Ocasek - lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter

Ric Ocasek was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1944. He started playing music in his teens and formed several bands before meeting bassist Ben Orr in 1965. They formed a band called Milkwood, which later evolved into The Cars. Ocasek was the band's principal songwriter and provided the distinctive dry, monotone vocals that characterized their sound. He released several solo albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s and produced albums for other artists, including Weezer and No Doubt. Ocasek passed away on September 15, 2019, at the age of 75.

2) Benjamin Orr - bassist and lead vocalist

Benjamin Orr was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1947. He started playing music in his teens and was a member of several bands before forming Milkwood with Ric Ocasek in 1965. After Milkwood evolved into The Cars, Orr served as the band's bassist and also provided lead vocals on several of their hits, including 'Just What I Needed' and 'Drive.' Orr released a solo album in 1986 and continued to record music after The Cars disbanded in 1988. He passed away from pancreatic cancer on October 3, 2000, at the age of 53.

3) Elliot Easton - lead guitarist

Elliot Easton was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1953. He started playing guitar in his teens and joined several bands before joining The Cars in 1976. Easton's melodic, jangly guitar work was a key element of the band's sound, and he contributed guitar solos and memorable riffs to many of their hits. After The Cars disbanded, Easton pursued a career as a solo artist and session musician and played with bands like The New Cars and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

4) Greg Hawkes - keyboardist and backing vocalist

Greg Hawkes was born in Fulton, Maryland, in 1952. He started playing music in high school and later studied at Berklee College of Music. After moving to Boston, he joined The Cars in 1977 as their keyboardist and also provided backing vocals on many of their songs. Hawkes was known for his versatility and played a wide variety of instruments on The Cars' albums, including synthesizers, saxophones, and even the ukulele. He continues to perform as a solo artist and session musician.

5) David Robinson - drummer

David Robinson was born in Binghamton, New York, in 1949. He started playing drums in high school and later studied at the Rhode Island School of Design. After moving to Boston, he co-founded The Modern Lovers with Jonathan Richman before joining The Cars as their drummer in 1976. Robinson's steady, unflashy drumming provided the backbone for The Cars' many hits, and he was also responsible for some of the band's distinctive percussion sounds. After The Cars disbanded, Robinson retired from music and became a successful businessman, but he occasionally reunited with his former bandmates for live performances.

Track List for Candy-O:

Sure! Here are all the tracks in The Cars' album Candy-O in order, along with their playtime and a brief description of each:

1. 'Let's Go' (3:33) - A fast-paced rock song with a catchy guitar riff and memorable hook, 'Let's Go' was one of the most successful singles from the album.

2. 'Since I Held You' (3:16) - This upbeat track features a bouncy rhythm and playful lyrics about falling in love.

3. 'It's All I Can Do' (3:44) - With its driving beat and catchy chorus, 'It's All I Can Do' is a fun, energetic love song.

4. 'Double Life' (4:15) - This moody track has a darker sound compared to the rest of the album, with haunting vocals and atmospheric synthesizers.

5. 'Shoo Be Doo' (1:38) - A short, upbeat song with a jazzy rhythm and playful lyrics.

6. 'Candy-O' (2:36) - The title track of the album has a sensual, seductive vibe, with lyrics that describe a woman who's 'candy to my heart' and 'like honey to my soul.'

7. 'Night Spots' (3:16) - This track has a more experimental sound, with electronic beeps and boops woven throughout the upbeat, danceable rhythm.

8. 'You Can't Hold On Too Long' (2:47) - With its jangly guitars and driving rhythm, 'You Can't Hold On Too Long' is a catchy, upbeat rock song about the fleeting nature of love.

9. 'Lust for Kicks' (3:52) - This high-energy track is driven by a pulsing bassline and features wild guitar solos and playful lyrics about youthful rebellion.

10. 'Got a Lot on My Head' (2:59) - With its bouncy beat and catchy hooks, 'Got a Lot on My Head' is a fun, lighthearted song about trying to keep up with the fast pace of life.

11. 'Dangerous Type' (4:32) - The album's closing track is a moody, atmospheric song with a darker edge. The crunchy guitars and powerful vocals build to a crescendo, bringing the album to a perfect conclusion.

Overall, Candy-O is a fantastic album that showcases The Cars' unique sound and songwriting talents. From catchy rock anthems to moody experimental tracks, there's something for everyone on this album.

Discography for The Cars:

Sure, here is the complete discography for The Cars in chronological order:

Albums:
1. The Cars - June 6, 1978
2. Candy-O - June 13, 1979
3. Panorama - August 15, 1980
4. Shake It Up - November 6, 1981
5. Heartbeat City - March 13, 1984
6. Door to Door - August 15, 1987
7. Move Like This - May 10, 2011

Singles:
1. 'Just What I Needed' b/w 'I'm in Touch with Your World' - May 23, 1978
2. 'My Best Friend's Girl' b/w 'Moving in Stereo' - September 25, 1978
3. 'Good Times Roll' b/w 'All Mixed Up' - January 29, 1979
4. 'Let's Go' b/w 'That's It' - June 23, 1979
5. 'It's All I Can Do' b/w 'Double Life' - October 29, 1979
6. 'Touch and Go' b/w 'Don't Cha Stop' - August 15, 1980
7. 'Shake It Up' b/w 'Cruiser' - November 22, 1981
8. 'Since You're Gone' b/w 'Think It Over' - January 26, 1982
9. 'You Might Think' b/w 'Heartbeat City' - February 6, 1984
10. 'Magic' b/w 'I Refuse' - May 7, 1984
11. 'Drive' b/w 'Stranger Eyes' - July 23, 1984
12. 'Hello Again' b/w 'Drive' (live) - October 15, 1984
13. 'Why Can't I Have You' b/w 'I Refuse' (live) - January 7, 1985
14. 'Tonight She Comes' b/w 'Just What I Needed' (live) - October 22, 1985
15. 'You Are the Girl' b/w 'I'm Not the One' (live) - January 31, 1988

Other Releases:
1. 'The Cars Live At The Agora, 1978' (live album) - 1978
2. 'The Cars Greatest Hits' (compilation album) - October 21, 1985
3. 'The Elektra Years 1978-1987' (box set) - March 11, 2016

Note: The discography includes all the major releases by The Cars during their career. It does not include minor or regional releases or unofficial bootlegs.