Album Information:
Album ID: 10033
About The Cars:
The Cars were an American rock band that formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976. The band consisted of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes, bassist Benjamin Orr, and drummer David Robinson.
The Cars gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a string of hits such as 'Just What I Needed,' 'My Best Friend's Girl,' and 'Drive.' Their music was a blend of new wave, punk, and pop rock, with a distinctive sound characterized by catchy hooks, electronic instrumentation, and Ocasek's distinctive voice.
The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1978 and was an instant commercial success, reaching number 18 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 6 million copies worldwide. The album included the hit singles 'Just What I Needed,' 'My Best Friend's Girl,' and 'Good Times Roll.'
Over the next several years, The Cars released a string of successful albums, including Candy-O (1979), Panorama (1980), Shake It Up (1981), and Heartbeat City (1984). The latter album was their most successful, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 and spawning the hits 'You Might Think,' 'Magic,' and 'Drive.'
In addition to their commercial success, The Cars were also praised for their innovative music videos, which featured groundbreaking special effects and visuals. 'You Might Think' won the first-ever MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1984, and the band's videos for 'Magic' and 'Drive' were also popular.
Unfortunately, The Cars broke up in 1988 after a decade of success. Ocasek went on to a successful solo career, while Orr passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2000. The remaining members reunited in 2010 for a tour and released a new album, Move Like This, in 2011.
Despite their relatively short career, The Cars left a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing countless artists in the years since. Their unique blend of rock and electronic music, catchy songwriting, and innovative videos helped to define the sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
About the album The Cars:
The Cars is the debut album by the American rock band The Cars, released in 1978. The album features a catchy blend of rock, pop, and new wave music that helped to define the sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The album kicks off with the classic track 'Good Times Roll,' which sets the tone for the rest of the album with its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus. The next track, 'My Best Friend's Girl,' is a standout hit that perfectly captures the band's signature sound.
Other standout tracks on the album include 'Just What I Needed,' 'You're All I've Got Tonight,' and 'Bye Bye Love,' all of which are driven by catchy guitar riffs and infectious melodies. The album also features the haunting ballad 'Drive,' which showcases lead singer Ric Ocasek's emotive vocals.
One of the most distinctive elements of The Cars is the use of synthesizers, which were still a relatively new addition to rock music at the time. The band's creative use of electronic instruments gives the album a futuristic quality that was ahead of its time.
Overall, The Cars is a timeless album that has stood the test of time. It's a must-listen for fans of classic rock, new wave, and pop music alike. The album's combination of catchy hooks and driving rhythms make it a perfect introduction to the infectious and unforgettable sound of The Cars.
Members:
The Cars were an American rock band that formed in Boston in 1976. The members of the band are as follows, along with a brief biography of each member:
1. Ric Ocasek - Ric Ocasek was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter for The Cars. He was born on March 23, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland. Ocasek was also known for his work as a producer and songwriter for other bands. He passed away in September 2019.
2. Benjamin Orr - Benjamin Orr was the co-lead vocalist and bassist for The Cars. He was born on September 8, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio. He also worked as a solo artist and released two albums. Orr passed away in October 2000.
3. Elliot Easton - Elliot Easton was the lead guitarist for The Cars. He was born on December 18, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. Easton also worked with other musicians, such as Ric Ocasek and Blondie. He continues to perform with various bands.
4. Greg Hawkes - Greg Hawkes was the keyboardist and backing vocalist for The Cars. He was born on October 22, 1952, in Fulton, Maryland. Hawkes also played other instruments, including guitar, bass, and drums. He continues to perform with various bands.
5. David Robinson - David Robinson was the drummer for The Cars. He was born on April 2, 1949, in Binghamton, New York. Robinson was also a founding member of the bands The Modern Lovers and DMZ. He retired from music in the mid-2000s.
Track List for The Cars:
1. 'Good Times Roll' (3:44): A high-energy opening track that sets the tone for the album, with catchy hooks and a driving beat.
2. 'My Best Friend's Girl' (3:44): A classic Cars song with a memorable synth riff and sing-along chorus. The guitar solo is also noteworthy.
3. 'Just What I Needed' (3:44): One of the band's most famous and beloved songs, with a simple but infectious melody and lyrics about finding love unexpectedly.
4. 'I'm in Touch with Your World' (3:31): A more experimental track, with dissonant synths and a spoken word section over a funky bassline.
5. 'Don't Cha Stop' (3:03): A fun rock and roll song with driving guitars and an upbeat tempo.
6. 'You're All I've Got Tonight' (4:13): A moody and atmospheric track with a slower pace and ominous synth tones that build throughout the song.
7. 'Bye Bye Love' (4:14): A cover of the classic Everly Brothers song, given a new wave spin with synths and processed vocals.
8. 'Moving in Stereo' (4:43): A dreamy and hypnotic song with a slow tempo and swirling synths. The song is also famous for its use in the movie 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.'
9. 'All Mixed Up' (4:18): A slower-paced track with introspective lyrics about feeling lost and confused in a relationship, but with a catchy chorus and upbeat instrumentation.
Overall, The Cars' debut album is a classic of the new wave era, with catchy hooks, inventive synth sounds, and rock and roll attitude. Each track is a standout in its own way, and the album remains a staple of the genre to this day.
Discography for The Cars:
1. The Cars (1978) - Album
2. 'Just What I Needed' (1978) - Single
3. 'My Best Friend's Girl' (1978) - Single
4. 'Good Times Roll' (1979) - Single
5. Candy-O (1979) - Album
6. 'Let's Go' (1979) - Single
7. 'It's All I Can Do' (1980) - Single
8. Panorama (1980) - Album
9. 'Touch and Go' (1980) - Single
10. Shake It Up (1981) - Album
11. 'Shake It Up' (1981) - Single
12. 'Since You're Gone' (1981) - Single
13. 'I'm Not the One' (1982) - Single
14. Heartbeat City (1984) - Album
15. 'You Might Think' (1984) - Single
16. 'Magic' (1984) - Single
17. 'Drive' (1984) - Single
18. 'Hello Again' (1984) - Single
19. Door to Door (1987) - Album
20. 'You Are the Girl' (1987) - Single
21. 'Strap Me In' (1987) - Single
22. 'Leave or Stay' (1988) - Single
23. Greatest Hits (1985) - Compilation Album
24. 'Tonight She Comes' (1985) - Single
25. 'I'm Not the One' (Live) (1995) - Single