Album Information:

About The Cars:

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

The band became popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits such as 'Just What I Needed,' 'My Best Friend's Girl,' and 'Good Times Roll.' Their music blended new wave, pop, and rock, and was known for its catchy melodies, tight harmonies, and use of synthesizers.

Throughout their career, The Cars released six studio albums and multiple hit singles. Their debut self-titled album, released in 1978, went platinum and included the hit single 'Just What I Needed.' Their sophomore album, 'Candy-O,' was released in 1979 and reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 1984, the band released their biggest hit album, 'Heartbeat City,' which included the smash hits 'Drive,' 'You Might Think,' and 'Magic.' The album reached number three on the Billboard 200 and went quadruple platinum.

Despite their success, The Cars disbanded in 1988. Orr passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2000, and the band reunited in 2010 to perform at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, Ocasek passed away in 2019, and the band officially ended.

The Cars left a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing many bands in the new wave and rock genres. Their unique sound and style continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans all over the world.

About the album Shake It Up:

Sure, I'd be happy to describe The Cars' album Shake It Up in great detail for you!

Shake It Up is the fourth studio album by the American rock band The Cars, released in November 1981. The album was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, who had worked with the band on their previous album, Panorama.

The album features a mix of pop, rock, and new wave influences, with a polished sound that is typical of The Cars. The title track, 'Shake It Up,' was released as a single and became a hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a high-energy dance-rock track with a catchy chorus and driving guitar riff.

Other standout tracks on the album include 'Since You're Gone,' which features a soaring synth melody and a memorable chorus; 'Victim of Love,' a hard-edged rocker with a pounding beat and a distorted guitar solo; and 'Cruiser,' a propulsive new wave track with a funky bassline.

One of the most interesting tracks on the album is 'A Dream Away,' a dreamy ballad with a lush, ethereal arrangement that showcases the band's ability to craft more introspective, introspective songs.

Overall, Shake It Up is a strong album that showcases The Cars' versatility and songwriting skills. The polished production and catchy hooks will appeal to fans of '80s pop and rock, while the band's new wave influences give the album a certain edge that sets it apart from more mainstream pop fare.

Members:

The Cars were an American rock band that formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976. The band consisted of five key members: Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson. Here is a brief biography of each member:

1. Ric Ocasek - Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1949, Ric Ocasek was the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter for The Cars. Ocasek started playing music in the 1960s and formed the band with Orr in 1976. He was known for his distinctive voice and quirky lyrics. Ocasek also produced numerous albums for other artists like Weezer, Suicide, and Bad Brains. Ocasek passed away on September 15, 2019.

2. Benjamin Orr - Born in Lakewood, Ohio in 1947, Benjamin Orr was the bassist and co-lead vocalist for The Cars. Orr was a founding member of the band and co-wrote many of their biggest hits, including 'Just What I Needed' and 'Drive.' Orr also released a solo album in 1986 and collaborated with other artists before passing away from pancreatic cancer in 2000.

3. Elliot Easton - Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1953, Elliot Easton was the lead guitarist for The Cars. Easton studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston before joining the band in 1976. He was known for his catchy guitar riffs and solos in songs like 'My Best Friend's Girl' and 'You Might Think.' Easton has continued to play and record music with other artists and currently tours with The Empty Hearts.

4. Greg Hawkes - Born in Fulton, Maryland in 1952, Greg Hawkes was the keyboardist and guitarist for The Cars. Hawkes was trained as a classical pianist and brought a unique sound to the band with his use of synthesizers and electronic instruments. Hawkes still regularly performs with other artists and released several solo albums in the 1990s.

5. David Robinson - Born in Binghamton, New York in 1949, David Robinson was the drummer for The Cars. Robinson also co-founded the band with Ocasek and Orr and was known for his energetic drumming style. Robinson left the band in 1988 to focus on his family and a career in photography, but he has reunited with the band for various events and tours.

Track List for Shake It Up:

I apologize, as an AI language model, I'm not able to provide the playtime for each track. However, here's the list of tracks in the album Shake it Up by The Cars:

1. Since You're Gone - This track opens with a catchy and upbeat synthesizer melody, complemented by Ric Ocasek's signature vocals. The song's lyrics tell the story of a breakup, with the narrator expressing how he's gotten over his ex-partner.

2. Shake It Up - The title track of the album features a prominent drum beat and a catchy guitar riff. The song's lyrics encourage listeners to let loose and dance.

3. I'm Not the One - This track features a more rock-oriented sound than the previous two, with a heavier emphasis on guitar. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who's unsure whether her partner is really in love with her.

4. Victim of Love - The fourth track on the album features a driving rhythm section and a catchy chorus. The song's lyrics describe the narrator's experiences with falling in love with someone who doesn't reciprocate their feelings.

5. Cruiser - This instrumental track features a prominent synthesizer melody and an upbeat rhythm. The track serves as a brief break from the album's primarily vocal-driven tracks.

6. A Dream Away - This track features a slower tempo and more introspective lyrics than the previous tracks. The song's lyrics describe the narrator's desire to escape from reality and live in a world of dreams.

7. This Could Be Love - This track features a bouncy rhythm and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics describe the narrator's feelings of falling in love and the uncertainty that comes with it.

8. Think It Over - This track features a more laid-back vibe, with a smooth bass line and relaxed vocal delivery. The song's lyrics describe a relationship that's reached a crossroads, with the narrator asking their partner to think about the consequences of their actions.

9. Maybe Baby - The final track on the album features a catchy chorus and upbeat verse melodies. The song's lyrics describe the narrator's attempts to win over someone they're interested in, despite their hesitations.

Discography for The Cars:

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 25, 1987
7. Move Like This - May 10, 2011

Singles:

1. 'Just What I Needed' b/w 'I'm in Touch with Your World' - May 6, 1978
2. 'My Best Friend's Girl' b/w 'Moving in Stereo' - September 29, 1978
3. 'Good Times Roll' b/w 'All Mixed Up' - January 13, 1979
4. 'Let's Go' b/w 'That's It' - June 23, 1979
5. 'It's All I Can Do' b/w 'Double Life' - September 22, 1979
6. 'Touch and Go' b/w 'Don't Cha Stop' - June 13, 1980
7. 'Gimme Some Slack' b/w 'Don't Go to Pieces' - November 14, 1980
8. 'Shake It Up' b/w 'Cruiser' - November 6, 1981
9. 'Since You're Gone' b/w 'Think It Over' - February 6, 1982
10. 'You Might Think' b/w 'Heartbeat City' - February 15, 1984
11. 'Magic' b/w 'I Refuse' - May 7, 1984
12. 'Drive' b/w 'Stranger Eyes' - July 23, 1984
13. 'Hello Again' b/w 'Drive' (live) - October 6, 1984
14. 'Why Can't I Have You' b/w 'I Refuse' - January 22, 1985
15. 'Tonight She Comes' b/w 'Just What I Needed' (live) - October 28, 1985

Other Releases:

1. 'The Cars' Capitol Promo Sampler - 1978
2. 'Radio Waves' (compilation) - 1983
3. 'Greatest Hits' (compilation) - October 29, 1985
4. 'Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology' (compilation) - October 31, 1995
5. 'Complete Greatest Hits' - August 19, 2002
6. 'The Elektra Years 1978-1987' (box set) - October 31, 2016

Note: This discography includes only official releases and does not include bootlegs or unauthorized recordings.