Album Information:

About The Cars:

The Cars were an American rock band formed in Boston in 1976. The group consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, co-lead vocalist and bassist Benjamin Orr, lead guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes, and drummer David Robinson.

The Cars' music combines elements of rock, pop, and new wave, with catchy hooks, synthesizer sounds, and a polished production style that helped define the sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their style was marked by the contrast of Ocasek's deadpan voice with Orr's soaring vocals and the band's driving, guitar-heavy sound.

The group's self-titled debut album, released in 1978, was a huge success, thanks in part to the hit singles 'Just What I Needed' and 'My Best Friend's Girl.' The album reached #18 on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA.

Over the next decade, The Cars released several more hit albums, including 'Candy-O' (1979), 'Panorama' (1980), 'Shake It Up' (1981), and 'Heartbeat City' (1984). The latter album was their biggest commercial success, thanks to the hit singles 'Drive' and 'You Might Think,' which both won MTV Video Music Awards.

Despite their success, tensions within the band led to their breakup in 1988. Ocasek went on to have a successful solo career as a musician and producer, while Orr passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2000.

In 2011, The Cars were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their influence on the music industry can still be felt today, with their legacy continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.

About the album Panorama:

Panorama is the third studio album by American rock band The Cars, released on August 15, 1980. The album features 10 tracks and has a total runtime of 34 minutes and 41 seconds.

The album starts off with the track 'Panorama', which is an instrumental song. It has a synth-heavy sound, with a catchy melody that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The second track, 'Touch and Go', is one of the most popular songs on the album. It has a driving, upbeat tempo, with dynamic vocals from lead singer Ric Ocasek and harmonies from bassist Ben Orr.

The third track, 'Gimme Some Slack', has a jangling guitar riff and a strong rhythm section. It showcases the band's talent for creating catchy hooks and memorable melodies. 'Don't Tell Me No' is a slower, more introspective track. It has a haunting synth melody and lyrics that speak to a sense of longing and loss.

The fifth track, 'Getting Through', is a mid-tempo song that features a prominent bassline and a chorus that is infectious and memorable. 'Misfit Kid' has an anthemic quality, with a soaring chorus and power-pop sensibilities. The seventh track, 'Down Boys', has a more aggressive sound, with a riff-heavy guitar and a driving beat that propels the song forward.

'You Wear Those Eyes' is a slow, dreamy track that features a hypnotic synth melody and ethereal vocals from Ocasek. 'Running to You' is a more uptempo track, with a driving beat and a singalong chorus. The album closes with 'Up and Down', a slower, more contemplative track that features a stripped-down sound and introspective lyrics.

Overall, Panorama is a worthy addition to The Cars' discography. It showcases the band's versatility and talent for crafting catchy hooks and memorable melodies. It's a must-listen for any fans of power-pop and new wave music.

Members:

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

1. Ric Ocasek (vocals, rhythm guitar) - Ric Ocasek was born on March 23, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland. He started playing music at a young age and eventually moved to Boston to attend college. In the 1970s, he formed The Cars, where he served as the primary songwriter and lead vocalist. Outside of The Cars, Ocasek also had a successful solo career and worked as a producer for other artists. He passed away on September 15, 2019.

2. Benjamin Orr (bass, vocals) - Benjamin Orr was born on September 8, 1947, in Lakewood, Ohio. He met Ric Ocasek in the early 1970s and the two began performing together. He served as The Cars' co-lead vocalist and played bass guitar. Outside of The Cars, Orr had a solo career and also worked as a producer. He passed away on October 3, 2000.

3. Elliot Easton (lead guitar) - Elliot Easton was born on December 18, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. He joined The Cars in 1976 and became the band's lead guitarist. In addition to his work with The Cars, Easton has also played with other artists and released several solo albums.

4. Greg Hawkes (keyboards, saxophone) - Greg Hawkes was born on October 22, 1952, in Fulton, Maryland. He joined The Cars in 1977 and played keyboards and saxophone. In addition to his work with The Cars, Hawkes has also collaborated with other artists and released solo albums.

5. David Robinson (drums) - David Robinson was born on April 2, 1949, in Meriden, Connecticut. He joined The Cars in 1976 as the band's drummer. Prior to joining The Cars, Robinson had played with other bands, including The Modern Lovers. After The Cars disbanded, he went on to become a successful music producer.

Track List for Panorama:

Sure! Here are the tracks of 'Panorama' by The Cars, in order, with play time and descriptions for each:

1. 'Panorama' - 5:39
This is the album's titular track. It starts with a slow, synth-heavy instrumental that gradually builds up to the introduction of Ric Ocasek's vocals. The lyrics describe a journey through a city, and the song has a dreamy, atmospheric quality.

2. 'Touch and Go' - 4:55
'Touch and Go' is a high-energy track with a catchy chorus and driving guitar riffs. The lyrics deal with a lovers' quarrel and the difficulties of communication in a relationship.

3. 'Gimme Some Slack' - 3:32
One of the album's most popular tracks, 'Gimme Some Slack' has a punk-inflected sound with frenetic guitar and bass lines. The lyrics are a plea for space and independence, with Ocasek insisting that his lover 'gotta give me some slack'.

4. 'Don't Tell Me No' - 4:01
This song features a funky, synth-heavy groove and playful lyrics about trying to woo a love interest. The chorus has a catchy refrain of 'don't tell me no, don't tell me no, don't tell me no'.

5. 'Getting Through' - 2:37
'Getting Through' is a slower, more introspective song with a prominent piano line. The lyrics express a sense of loneliness and the struggle to push through difficult times.

6. 'Misfit Kid' - 4:31
One of the album's more atmospheric tracks, 'Misfit Kid' has a moody, haunting quality. The lyrics tell the story of a young person who feels out of place and misunderstood.

7. 'Down Boys' - 3:09
'Down Boys' is a fast-paced, guitar-heavy track with a frenzied energy. The lyrics explore themes of rebellion and youthful defiance.

8. 'You Wear Those Eyes' - 4:55
This song features a slow, sultry groove and lyrics that describe the allure of a mysterious, enigmatic lover. The chorus features the repeated refrain of 'you wear those eyes'.

9. 'Running to You' - 3:20
'Running to You' is a guitar-driven rock song with a catchy chorus. The lyrics describe the feeling of being pulled towards someone and the desire to be with them.

10. 'Up and Down' - 3:35
The album closes with 'Up and Down', a catchy and upbeat track with a driving rhythm section. The lyrics express a sense of uncertainty and the feeling of being on an emotional rollercoaster.

Discography for The Cars:

Here is the complete discography of The Cars in chronological order:

Albums:
1. The Cars (1978)
2. Candy-O (1979)
3. Panorama (1980)
4. Shake It Up (1981)
5. Heartbeat City (1984)
6. Door to Door (1987)
7. Move Like This (2011)

Singles:
1. 'Just What I Needed' (1978)
2. 'My Best Friend's Girl' (1978)
3. 'Good Times Roll' (1979)
4. 'Let's Go' (1979)
5. 'It's All I Can Do' (1979)
6. 'Double Life' (1980)
7. 'Touch and Go' (1980)
8. 'Don't Tell Me No' (1980)
9. 'Shake It Up' (1981)
10. 'Since You're Gone' (1981)
11. 'I'm Not the One' (1982)
12. 'You Might Think' (1984)
13. 'Magic' (1984)
14. 'Drive' (1984)
15. 'Hello Again' (1984)
16. 'Why Can't I Have You' (1985)
17. 'Tonight She Comes' (1985)
18. 'You Are the Girl' (1987)
19. 'Strap Me In' (1987)
20. 'I'm Not the One' (Live) (1995)
21. 'Best Friend's Girl' (Live) (1995)

Other Releases:
1. 'The Cars' Video Documentary (1983)
2. Animated Music Videos (1985)
3. 'Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology' (1995)
4. 'Complete Greatest Hits' (2002)
5. 'The Cars: Unlocked' DVD Documentary (2006)
6. 'Anthology: Just What I Needed' (2017)

Note: The above list includes the major releases by The Cars. However, there may be some other minor releases that are not listed here.