Originating in Boston in the mid-70s, The Cars released their self-titled debut in the early summer of 1978. Forever featured on compilations like Time Life Collections, the band was at the foreground of the new wave scene. Adding synthesizers to classic, but minimalist songwriting proved to be a winner. Though none of the three official singles cracked the top 25, the album stayed on the charts for a mind boggling 139 weeks with most of the tracks being played endlessly on AOR radio stations.
In 2002, Elektra Records released The Cars compilation Complete Greatest Hits that pulled 6 of the 9 songs from the debut. The three aforementioned singles; “Good Times Roll”, “My Best Friend’s Girl”, and “Just What I Needed”, are all classic American rock songs. 80s teenage movie goers will always remember “Moving In Stereo” being used to great effect in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Of the tracks not appearing on the greatest hits collection, only “I’m In Touch with your World” suffers from a bit too much artiness. “Don’t Cha Stop” is a fun upbeat romp and “All Mixed Up” pushes the synthesizers to the foreground, adds some atmosphere with Queen like group singing and a fine sax solo at the end.
The Cars debut features the songwriting of bandleader Ric Ocasek who wrote all the tracks with help from keyboardist Greg Hawkes on “Moving In Stereo”. Bassist Benjamin Orr takes over lead vocals on several tracks including “Just What I Needed” and sounds very similar to Ocasek’s so blends in seamlessly. Along with guitarist Elliot Easton and drummer David Robinson, The Cars was one of the best debut albums of the 1970s.
10/10
The Light Appears 