Reviews (page 10 of 15)
Good
Ok 2/5
Nothing to get the pulse racing
Excellent
80s twaddle
Oh man I would have never known to give credit to the Cars for all these kickass songs! I could do without a couple of the ballads, but they’re still cool dudes and I hope their parents are proud.
the types of people that hate this album are the people that hate fun
An unmistakable sound, instantly recognizable. A fun bunch of hits, great use of synth, classic album. Bye Bye Love is an eternal bop.
Kinda loses it’s energy through the album but still good tunes.
Cool upbeat radio music. Stand-out: All Mixed Up
Not just a 5, but a contender for my favorite album of all time. Just chock full of amazing songs and fabulous instrumentation.
This sounds like 70’s youth to me. Even now I feel like older people listen to this music to feel young again. There’s a kind of fresh teen recklessness in these tunes idk. Just what I needed bangs of course
I really enjoyed this album. Yes, very tame, very non-unique, but it truly suited my mood and was equally pleasant in the background too.
Me likey
I almost like it. Good vibes, within the realm of my favourite genres, but... just a bit tamed and pale :(
I liked some of the songs
This is what I expected from something called "The Cars": An irresistibly road-trippable version of Pulp.
Some cool electric stuff going on, interested in listening to this again in the future.
Didn’t realize how many good songs this album had. Love the instrument use.
Love how you can feel the early transition of the 70s to 80s through the whole album especially the bangers
A decent effort. Similar to Talking Heads in places.
#71 - some catchy tunes here! Not a lot of depth or anything interesting really, a good album to play if you're driving down the coast or something
Its influence is very obvious, lots of hits, fun album.
classic
Some great stuff and some lesser tracks. The classics are classic for a reason though
Not a single mention of any cars
Has some good classic songs on it but overall not something I think I will reach for too often.
3.5. Such strong singles
One of those perfect and timeless albums. Plays like a greatest hits and it’s their debut. Absolute magic. Oh yeah and the Rhino HiFi vinyl is AMAZING.
Doo-wop style songwriting meets synthesized instrumentation, and the ‘80s are born! It’s one thing to be prescient, but then, on top of that, every track’s a banger.
Brilliant, really enjoyed this.
Actually liked it a good amount. Would have to be a low 3 but still a 3 regardless
So many classics packed into one album. 4.6 stars
A new wave masterpiece
Solid album but a lot of the songs sound the same
Still outstanding. Even the weird stuff. So fortunate to see Greg Hawkes play these on the original devices in 2023. So rad!
I can’t deny what a hit factory this album was. I knew 6 of the songs while at the time only knew 2 were from this band. You have my respect, Cars. Not the movie with Larry the Cable Guy, that franchise can suck a dick.
Ric Ocasek and The Cars were a hit machine. So many recognizable songs on this album. Not all great, but certainly have the staying power.
Only knew one song before this. Great album! Seems ahead of its time, I thought this was an 80s release before checking the date. Lots of great tracks, really a good listen all the way through, with serious musicianship throughout, especially guitar and keyboards.
All the songs very same-y. Not my taste. If they were around today, maybe I'd like them more. No cold stone classics on the record.
This has got great New Wave vibes - I love this era. I mean the 80s had bands like this without the integrity. It's quirky and inventive with a sense of fun.
I didn't even think I liked The Cars (and I still might not), but this album was wall-to-wall bangers. It also may be the highest percentage of covered songs on one album. I grew up on the punk version of most of these songs, while rarely diving back into the originals. This might almost be five stars just based on that alone.
I came into this never even having heard of The Cars, let alone recognising any of their music. It's nice to come into something fresh. The magic of this album really lies in the synths. Quite possibly one of the few new wave albums I've listened to where I didn't get sick of the synths and in fact was anticipating every time they came back on. I've never experienced that in an album before. This album really has no skips. After a few listens, I wanted to give it a 4, but realised not a single time did I get sick of this, and I really enjoyed every song back to back. I think I listened to this like 3 times in a row without even realising because it felt fresh and new every single time. I think this album might be the perfect new wave album. Everything was done right and not to excess. The only downside to this album is I have to stare at some woman's fucked teeth. What a hideous album cover lmao. If that's the only downside to your album, then you've done pretty well in my books. Highlight tracks: My Best Friend's Girl, Just What I Needed (certified banger), You're All I've Got Tonight, Moving in Stereo. So pretty much half the album are bangers.
This had me going for a moment. between the classic rock stylings underneath the synth, a majority of the tracks being about affection towards a girl, and the album speeding by at close to 30 minutes. I thought someone had just dipped The Everly Brothers in a coat of New Wave paint and tried sneaking them back on the list. To be fair, I liked this quite a bit more than that album. Especially on a repeat listen. Highlights: Just What I Need, Moving in Stereo, All Mixed Up
Good Times Roll - very ordinary tune My Best Friend’s girl - song kinda sucked, instrument work saved it for me. Particularly the guitar and keyboards Just what I needed - banger, sounds awesome instrumentally, synths, drums and guitar riffs and solo are all on point. Catchy vocals. I’m in touch with your world - this starts off very goofy, we get glimpses of some sick guitar work and synths, which are nice. Just a goofy ahh song with great technical proficiency instrumentally and on the production end. Don’t Cha stop - fell off for me quite quickly after a briefly strong start You’re all I’ve got tonight - Liked this one instrumentally, great guitar and drum work. Bye Bye Love - Synth solo, yes thanks. Great track, liked this one quite a bit Decent album overall, instruments were very sharp with interesting bits throughout. I particularly liked the second half. If not for Just What I Needed it’d be a blowout in favour of the last 6 tracks.
I get the feeling I will be repeating myself a lot in doing these reviews. So many of these albums are inoffensive music, usually erring on the side of good rather than bad even though they mostly don’t suit my tastes, I just can’t work out why they make a list of influential albums over so many other things that were excluded. The Cars, as far as I’m concerned, are a reasonably competent pop-rock outfit from the time period where reasonably popular pop-rock outfits slayed pussy, but realistically what is the influence this album has had? Really just a one hit wonder with “Just What I Needed” which is a really catchy great track. The rest of the album though is just there. Nothing really attention grabbing. Maybe I’m looking at these things wrong. It could be that these guys were the first to bring the synth sound into mainstream rock that was so prevalent through the 80s. I just don’t see the importance here. Overall not a bad album. I don’t think I’d go out of my way to listen to it again aside from the hit, which I had already heard.
Completely inoffensive and obviously important. Just can't shake the feeling that I'm going to... Wait what was I going to say? Idk someone about how how just what I needed is the only memorable song on the album. Completely eclipsed by what it helped to inspire but I'd take this over brit-pop any day 6/10 Fav tracks - Good times roll, just what I needed, all mixed up Least Fav - None really
My question with this album, why is this on the 1001 list? What makes this special? I enjoyed my time with this album, Just what I need, and My Best Friend's Girl were good songs that stick out to me but it didn't feel like a big deal of an album. The only thing it might have influenced was the model on the cover ODing/poisoned. Didn't really feel like a profound album or anything but I could be (and I usually am) wrong. 3/5.
This album is pretty ahead of its time, you could have told me this was made in the early to mid 80s and I would have believed you. Opens strong with Good Times Roll, Best Friend's Girl (the best song on side one) and Just What I Needed. The latter has definitely been overplayed for me but it doesn't stop it from being a great song. I'm in Touch with Your World is a change of pace that I really don't like and I found myself skipping this one as soon as it plays on repeat listens. Don't Cha Stop is a nice return to form and closes out the side neatly. Side two is stacked, there is only one hit from here but the quality of the album here is just better. There is no point talking about the individual tracks here (they're all great) because all I am going to focus on is Moving In Stereo. The fun production of fucking with the L/R channels is cool (and hasn't lost its novelty after 1000+ listens), the lyrics are succinct, the instrumentation rocks. This song is the reason this is a great album. All in all, a really good debut album from a band whose sound would become influential to pop music that came after it. Even I'm in Touch with Your World isn't a bad song, just one that I feel doesn't fit the flow of the album. Each song here is crafted with care, a lot of albums seem to be a vehicle for a hit song and the filler that is packed in is unimaginative drivel. I am genuinely impressed with the artistic effort that went into making this album so varied and adventurous. In the year of 1978 when the top 100 was dominated by Bee Gees, the fucking Grease soundtrack and the kiddy-diddlers at Sweet, The Cars deserves kudos for doing something genuinely innovative. Big ups to Roy Thomas Baker on the production here.
A bit samey, especially the huge poppy hits that are also the best songs on here. There are a few oddball tunes among the track list, but this rests on Ocasek's strong power pop writing chops. Highlights: "Good Times Roll", "My Best Friend's Girlfriend", "Just What I Needed"
Good classic pop/rock. I realized that Just What I Needed is the most popular track from the album, and even though my stats show I’ve listened 3 times before, I didn’t recognize it at all.
9 songs on the album and 6 were already on my favorites list before I even listened to this classic album. I had forgotten how lovely Moving In Stereo sounds in a good pair of headphones.
fun album classic
always liked the Cars - their old stuff. this album is great from '78! I heard hints of the cure but just for a moment, catchy offbeat melodies that I am still happy to listen to - never thought they would have some staying power but they do
YESSS! This is a fun one. Refreshing. I needed it.
I ridiculous bounty of riches. Six absolutely bangers. It's like a Beatles album for a new generation - classic rock with keyboards and hooks galore. Songwriting and production are top notch. And it has Moving in Stereo...
Just what I needed! Faves: Just What I Needed, Good Times Roll
Wow finally an album where almost every song is famous. And in my opinion they're good, too. Really good. They all come together to create the PERFECT '70s vibe. Not overdone or too groovy. Just truly stuff people would have listened to back then. And there's a full album of it. OK maybe the two deep cuts weren't that great. But I was more than willing to put up with them for the 7 good ones.
Oh right, I've heard of The Cars. Wait, why do I know every word to this song (My Best Friend's Girl)? It's one of the biggest belters of all time and was on a compilation that we used to listen to in the car when I was aged between 7 and 12! The rest of the album can't match up to Proust's madeleine, but it's still very good indeed.
The album that really launched The Cars. Classic minimalist songs with catchy tunes and vocals. Fun, but not too serious, music. Great album.
right in the middle, big up to "all mixed up"
Solid power pop. Good fun listen
A classic. Ocasek and the boys did a phenomenal job on this album. This also has my all-time favorite Cars song "Moving in Stereo". IYKYN.
Favorite track: My best friend's girl Other picks: good times roll, just what i needed, im in touch.
Love this. 60s harmonies, slightly Goth vibe, pure fun.
Ligero, sabroso, buena onda. Pone de buenas. No todas las canciones son un hitazo, pero tiene la icónica Moving in stereo.
Really good album, and had sounds spanning from early 70s well into the 80s... But no track was quite good enough to push it up to a 4...
Pidin tästä rehdistä poprockista! Konstailematonta, sopivasti 70-lukua mutta kumman ajatonta. Huumoriakin vähän. Mikäs sen mukavampaa kuunneltavaa.
"Synteettistä" - koukut tuntuvat päälle liimatuilta mutta toimivat paikoin loistavasti. Jatkanen tutustumista.
wenig überraschendes
Imagine a world where all the 80s new wave albums in this list were as good as this one Standout: Just What I Needed
Podia ser pelo menos o disco com o maior hit que gerou a versão primorosa do Deftones. Ou terei que ouvir mais um disco deles???
Pure pop confection, with clean lines, like a starched collar that's up.
not 1st listen HL: “JUST WHAT I NEEDED”, “My Best Friend’s Girl”, “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight”, “Moving in Stereo”, “Bye Bye Love” and “Good Times Roll” September 12, 2024
Ok
It wasn't for me but I liked the album cover.
surprisingly better than I expected.
It was good, maybe even great. I'll have to listen to it a few more times.
Fricken awesome album.
So many hits, you would think this is a "best of compilation ".
i don't drive but one time i was hit by a car while riding my bike. overall this was a much more positive experience
Starts so strong but then gets quite boring. Just What I Needed is one of my favourite songs of all time which makes me raise this score a bit to a 4. The production is great and everything Sounds good, I just find the hooks aren't as strong as the album drags out
Solid
This guy has a really solid voice that can be smooth or gritty. Otherwise, everything about this seems like pretty typical soul/R&B. It doesn’t stand out to me as notable or essential. It’s all pretty decent, musically competent, and a decent listen, but there’s nothing particularly special about it.
So ch a strong debut, it starts like a greatest hits with 3 big tracks right up front, but leaving You're all I got tonight for the middle. It's fantastic production and song writing and can only imagine the impact it would have had. My first intro to The Cars was Heartbeat City in 1984 with its huge radio hits, but this debut is very groundbreaking new wave album.
I really liked the "The Cars" in the 80s but have never listened to this particular album. Still, it is so obviously "The Cars", but maybe without a last finishing touch. I liked it.
Pleasantly surprised by this, and it's their debut! I needed something to groove away to after a long week while cleaning my house, and this fit the bill. Mostly sing-alongable, with some songs here or there I didn't know that were still good. 4.5/5
A bit too 80s for me, but not unpleasant
I liked the use of synths. Easy listening.
I didn't realize how many hits were on this album. All around good. The ones that didn't gain much attention were just ok, but the star power of the big songs elevate the album a bit. 3/5
6.5/10
Classic band, Classic album. Stellar, concise. 6 of 9 songs added to the 1001 Experience Playlist
Easy listening soft electronica. A couple of recognisable hits that have made the playlist
Good Times Roll My Best Friend's Girl Just What I Needed Moving in Stereo
The Album Generator Gods have really been testing me. I needed this today.
The Cars have a knack for making music you can't get out of your head. They also seem to have ushered in the 80s, even though this self-titled album came out in 1978. The biggest issue is the simplicity of the lyrics. I always knew what song I was listening to because 85% of the lyrics would be repeating the title. I wish I could give this a higher rating, but they just lack a little bit of creativity lyrically. Best Songs: My Best Friends Girl, Just What I Needed, Moving in Stereo Worst Songs: Good Times Roll, You're All I've Got Tonight,
I didn't realize how many classic rock songs came from this one album.
To quote a good friend of mine, this is a killer album. So very, very good.
SOOO many BIG HITS!!!! 5 Stars without a doubt. Hard to believe this was their debut album.
Nice album, especially for something that you leave playing in the background. Overall, not too bad but nothing really exciting happened, apart from one cool instrumental moment in the Moving in Stereo song, but that was it.
Every song on this is perfect except the very last song. But yeeeeep I love this album it has like 5 or 6 songs that either are singles or could be a single
This album shocked me with one really good song after another. I remember the band and some hits, but hadn't heard the album Goid stuff.
This came out in 1978 and giving it the 5-stars it deserves is going to mess up my "Favorite Decade" stat even more by pushing the 1970s ahead in the rankings. This record was ahead of its time. Astute listeners across the decades will tell you that often the records near the end of a calendar decade go on to define the *coming* decade. This album has many of the hallmarks of a classic 80s sound. And, it delivers them all with such confidence and song craft that I can listen to it in 2024 and it still sounds solid. Nothing lasts forever, but The Cars legacy is going strong thanks to this record.
One of my mom's favorite albums.
I thought this was pretty great. The first 3 songs just keep getting better and better with "Just what I needed" the obvious radio hit. I thought I'm in touch with your world was a disapointing shift but it came back strong on the B side with "you're all i've got tonight" Overall, this is a style of rock that holds up well and this album is an exceptional debut.
Everyone knows the first three tracks, and they are all pretty great. It turns out the whole album is pretty great. The style is simple pop rock infused with that bit of new wave that keeps it interesting. "In touch with your world" is the only truly weird track and even then it's completely fine as an album cut, just not a radio tune like pretty much the rest of the album. "Just what I needed" is my favorite, but "Bye Bye Love" is probably the second. The hooks in both are just perfectly built through a tiny bridge section of a few bars and they both have a sweet synth in them that keeps it fresh. I really enjoyed this. It'd be a 4.5 if I could do that.
Sounds way ahead of it's time.
Just generic, bland rock.
Yoooo this was pretty good. I'd give it a 3.5 but I'll round up to a 4 because it was short and sweet and let it play through multiple times. divorced dad music for sure worst song: Good Times Roll best song: all mixed up
# Playlist track - You're all I've got tonight # Notes - Never heard those guys before. Since I was too lazy to come up with this entry, I ended up listening to it for a couple of days, and I ended up enjoying it. - It's not an amazing album, but I kind of like it! - Won't change your life, but it's fun and well worth the listen.
1st 3 songs are all radio hits. 'Moving in Stereo' is one of my all time Favs. Excellent album: 8.1 out of 10 (in my opinion)
I find the synths and what not of nu-wave hard to get into but this was actually really good. 4*
Oh I liked this! Great songs and not as cheesy as expected.
A perfect album. Right up there with Thriller. Every song is familiar, even the ones you've never heard before (and most of these songs have been all over radio) and you're singing along with every chorus. It reminds me of Nevermind in the sense that if you don't have the songs then there's no point but even still the production definitely matters and just as essential to the songwriting here the PRODUCTION really brings the genius out into the open so you can just lose yourself in the songs and enjoy how massive they sound.
The Cars' debut album was one of the first albums to get the "New Wave" genre name. It therefore was incredibly influential as New Wave became one of the biggest and most important genres of 80's. But did it age good if it was so big and "ground breaking" to begin with? No, in fact, it aged horribly. It's a bland and one dimensional listen full of boring moments that leave you more uninterested than before. Even the "good" songs this has to offer are boring to a point of exhaustion that leaves the desire to sleep rather than listen to more. The album starts with the annoying and downright stupid 'Good Times Roll'. It tries so hard to be Rocky and "cool" but ends up being the same thing that MGK tries with his "Rock" stuff today. It is stupid, useless, annoying and just not a good song. The chorus is weak, the synths annoy the whole time, the verses so bland that boiled chicken reminds you of spicy Mexican food and the songwriting feels so repetitive that some Techno feels like the most dynamic music of all time. It sounds like they took some Billy Joel, some Boston, some Television and some Blondie, mixed it and decided to take the things that didn't work and applied them to the nonsense they made thus far. If you haven't realised it yet, I do not like this song. It's not terrible, it doesn't make my ears bleed but it is so basic in comparison to what similar music from a similar time sounded like. It's just a bad song, that's it. Hopefully, the second song 'My Best Friend's Girl' does things better, right? No, it's the same thing but with verses that feel forced and weird rather than funny and quirky. It's not as dreadful but it is as bad. Just take the same thing I said for the first song and apply it here. What is different is that the guitar bridge isn't totally bad but the synths in there just destroy the whole thing. Most people point to 'Just What I Needed' as THE song from the album and I do think that it is a fairly good song in comparison to the rest of the album. In fact, it is the best song. It's quite enjoyable and not as annoying, the verses are passable and the chorus is okay. It's still not good but it's an okay song that I don't mind listening to even if it does strech towards the end which isn't a good thing when the song isn't even 4 minutes. 'I'm in Touch With Your World' goes a little "Experimental" and "Post-Punk" and I do like what they were going for BUT this type of music has to be done right and with enough edge to it. When it's turned overly Pop, it is turned into something that is simply bad and doesn't work. The sound they tried to do here isn't fitting with the style they end up doing. It's like if the Talking Heads decided to go full on Madonna in the middle of Remain in Lights. Not a good idea. If you want an example of a song like this to be done right, go and listen to 'Mother' by The Police. Luckily, 'Don't Cha Stop' tunes the Post-Punk a little bit more back and lets more of the Power Pop shine through. The result is a fairly okay song, maybe a little over the top and it definitely tries way too hard but it's alright. It's got some nice energy throughout and it isn't annoying except for the hook but you cannot ask for everything, right? An alright ending to the albums first half. Side 2 is opened with 'You're All I've Got Tonight' which interestingly features some quite "Hard Rock" sounding guitars even if they sometimes sound very, very dissonant and not in a good way. The song is mainly boring with a listenable chorus which overall doesn't really make the song much better. It's just there, a little bit hard to get through because it streches the moment the first chorus ended but alright. 'Bye Bye Love' keeps sonically a lot from the song before and it actually sounds pretty much the exact same. If the chorus was removed you could replace them and noone would notice. The song's boring without anything interesting, not even the chorus, that makes this somewhat listenable. It's just not good, like genuinely terrible, just dreadful. At least 'Moving in Stereo' is a slight even if its a very slight step up to the previous song. The artistic approach with some Post-Punk elements are done much better than on Track 4 even if it turns out as boring as that. It's a song you don't mind. It's definitely not good but it isn't terrible either. For every moment that is okay to listen to, there is a moment that just sucks but it evens out into a bad but not truely terrible song. The album closes with 'All Mixed Up' which is quite interesting in comparison. The synths are quite passable and the performances as well are okay. The song is nearly good. It would've needed some added work but it isn't totally off. I am happy that the album at least ended with an okay song and not another downright dreadful piece. favourites: Just What I Needed, All Mixed Up, Don't Cha Stop least favourites: Bye Bye Love, I'm in Touch With Your World, Moving in Stereo, Good Times Roll, My Best Friend's Girl Rating: decent 3 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes
Meh
A nearly flawless album.
three songs in and there is no doubt why Ric Ocasek was a legend in power pop from this point on.
An iconic album.
It's a hell of an album for a debut. But I think that comes as a standard from a great bands. You can say it falls into a dad rock category... Whatever... It's good. Very good. 4.5/5.
Enjoyable
Don’t let the new wave tag fool you, this is dad rock in disguise. But damn, this still has an effective pop punch I can’t resist.
Pros: The Cars Greatest Hits Cons: The Cars Greatest Hits
Unique sound of my teens and 20’s. I’ve always liked them. Never my top tier, but I like listening to them every so often
I listened to it. I remember really liking the beginning but then it kinda just faded in the background bc I was stressed. Cool though and I’m definitely keeping it. Had an upbeat vibe. Wait holy crap good times roll
FAVORITEEEEE!!!
Moving in stereo
Favorite Track: Moving In Stereo
I love this album. Memories of jr high when I started listening to music on my own instead of what my mom listened to. I didn't realize it was released in '78. I thought it was early 80s but that was probably due to Moving in Stereo in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Perfect? Is it PERFECT?
9.001/10.
This one was cool. Cool synths and stuff, the two closing songs were good as well.
Rock-pop ochentero. No conocía ninguna
Two commercially known songs and 7 songs that were the definition of ok. 5/10
This album starts off *strong.* Three hits, back to back. Then track 4... perhaps should have been left behind. Maybe a B-Side or something. But then it picks up again and there's more radio hits and some other great tunes. Outstanding pop songwriting and New Wave style. Would listen again.
Lovely, jaunty album. Hard to pick a favorite song! But if I had to choose, it’s the classic Just What I Needed, with honorable mention to Moving in Stereo.
meh
Ого... Интересненько Альбом не оправдал ожиданий. Он получился гораздо лучше чем я думал. Даже самые проходные и заурядные песни не портят общие впечатления об альбоме
I don't know when I last listened to this album but I still know every note. Still sounds as great as it ever did. Love it!
I am naive and didn't realize all the hits The Cars created, but hearing them all together the voice is very obvious (how did I miss it!). This is one of those hard one because now its so mainstream, its hard to think of it at the time. Really thinking it is a mix of rock, mixed with pop,...but there are also little pops of country and sock hop, making it a quintessential 80s sound, a sound they helped create. I have always love Just What I Needed. It was all so fun 80's..I just want to dance along with lots of smoke, big hair, a shiny clothing, laser lights and wind.
This starts off with some hits! I like The Cars, they have a super classic vibe but with a sound that still feels unique to them. Moving in Stereo is my fave on here, but lots of great tunes. Super solid album from start to finish. Quite a debut!
Good Times Roll - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My Best Friends Girl - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Just What I Needed - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I'm in Touch with Your World - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don't Cha Stop - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ You're All I've Got Tonight - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bye Bye Love - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Moving in Stereo - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ All Mixed Up - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Total - 35/45 Percentage - 77% Rating - 3.85
Perfect, perfect, perfect album. I can't believe it's almost fifty years old.
This is great! I didn’t realize all these hits were from the same album, let alone their debut.
No hice escucha atenta, ya lo había escucha, como álbum me gusta un poco
One of my Favs when it came out. Chock full of hits - too bad they never really tour, and Ric is dead, so... that's it. Love the song mix in You're all got Tonight mix to Bye, Bye Love (my fav on the album) to Moving in Stereo 1 point for its place in history
4.25
not my favorite but OK. Somewhere between a two and a three.
My dudes!
Vroom vroom
It's an awesome album that brings back memories. I was in middle school when this came out. I love just about every song on here. It's not my favorite album by The Cars, I still prefer "Candy-O", but this one is definitely a favorite.
greatness
Fun, synthy, classic rock. Singalong choruses and catchy tunes, what's not to like? Doesn't strike me as super groundbreaking but the first 3 tracks in particular are bangers.
Just What I Needed and My Best Friend's Girl are both really catchy, I've always particularly liked the former, and as far as 80s albums go I quite like this one, but it didn't really stand out. Fave Track: Just What I Needed Rating: 3
My first car was. 1997 Volvo. It didn’t have a working tape deck, and it sure as hell didn’t have a CD player or Aux input. So I was essentially limited to the radio. Being an anti-modern music, anti-pop music snob at the time (I’m in recovery now, I promise), three of my radio presets were the three major classic rock stations in my area. I discovered some bands and songs I didn’t know before, and enjoyed classics I already loved. The Cars were one of those bands that came on frequently. When they did I…I’d often switch to another station. I really didn’t like “Good Times Roll,” and was sick of “Just What I Needed” from those Best Buy commercials it was featured in. Those were pretty much the only two songs of theirs that would get any airtime. So based on that, I wasn’t a fan. Fast forward fifteen or so years, and we’re here. My tastes have grown and changed (I’m in recovery, remember?), and through the years and my half a year with this project my perspective and attitude toward a lot of music has changed as well. So I really did feel like I was coming at this with fresh ears, especially given that I haven’t thought about The Cars in probably a decade. I actually liked this album. Not enough to be overwhelmed or anything. But enough to give The Cars a second look. They’re much more New Wave than I expected. I heard some Talking Heads sounds in here. I heard some really interesting and at times bizarre stuff. I expected a pop rock album and what I got was a creative, sometimes odd New Wave album that definitely stands on its own. I’m pleasantly surprised to be giving it three stars. Good job, The Cars. Standout Tracks: My Best Friend’s Girl, Just What I Needed
This had some nice new wave tunes but it lacked the chaos and brilliance like talking heads for example.
probably the most perfect debut album in american history
Reminds me of dad
An album that is jam-packed with hit songs. While I had heard a lot of The Cars before, I didnt realize just how many of their hits came from this debut album. That being said, its hard not to notice just how similar a lot of their songs sound when you hear them back to back. Also, the songs that werent hits really dont carry their weight. Overall a good album- catchy songs but lacking any real punch.
Had only listened to first 3 songs before. Loved the rest too upon listening. Just What I Needed is too damn good
bored me until I'm in touch with your world. like the drum pattern in it.
Desert island pic!
Let the good tunes roll! This is a banger of an album. That is all.
Every song on this album is a banger! Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this one.
um whatever
The cars had/have a sound that has not yet been replicated. Unique to them, so, that any attempt at recreation would be labeled “derivative” immediately. However, originality doesn’t always equate to quality. Often times this album suffers from the feeling of repetitiveness solely for the reason it sounds new, but new all in the same way. I may not be making complete sense, but range is what I’m talking about. Lead vocals unmistakably belong to The Cars. Instrumentation is fresh enough for the time. The tracks themselves are fun, but mostly forgettable after the first three. I wouldn’t look forward to listening to this album again. 4/5
This made me realize how many singles from the Cars I actually knew. That being said it does make the album a little top heavy, but the rest of the tracks are pretty great too. I wish I found this sooner.
This album was a blast. The Cars were such a fun band and this album is the best showcase of that. All the singles off it are great
Var det takling heads? Næ. Men det var godt nok til at jeg lyttede 2 gange alligevel.
Det album har klare Talking Heads vibes med en fræk guitarlyd og der er noget David Byrne’sk over vokalen. Men The Cars når bare ikke Talking Heads niveau, ihverfald ikke på dette album. Der mangler et eller andet. Noget coolness måske. Måske mere ironisk distance.
The Cars' great debut album blended new wave & rock n' roll.
Fun. It rocks. Couple of big hits.
man i love this album front to back. not only is it, in my mind, basically a perfect debut album, it still holds up. i have to echo what my parents and people of my parents' generation said about this album, which is, "it's basically a cars greatest hits!" which... it is. the whole album is great and i have not gotten sick of it yet. it's got some of their iconic songs and the album cuts are pretty great too. great stuff!
Just What I Needed was my favorite song, and good times roll, apart from that, I tried so hard to like the album. It was like a petty attempt to force myself to like this rock garbage
Ihan kivat parit kappaleet, muuten vähän tylsänpuoleista. Mutta ei huono.
great album
Nice easy to listen rock album
Amazing concise albums. Every song is a banger.
Really nice
Great album!!!!
Can't help but give a shout out to the Fast Times soundtrack. A timeless breakthrough album 4.5 up to 5 Still sounds great today.
Start to finish this album pops and rocks. Really fun to revisit, those hand claps are perfection. Seems they should be a bigger band.
Oh hell yeah! One of the greatest debut albums of all time of not the greatest, not a bad track not even a mediocre one. An album full of bangers although Just What I Needed stands above all of it. Get this, listen to it, enjoy it, feel happy after it I know I do
This should be the official soundtrack to the radddad Instagram page
Rock, Pop, 1978 -> 3
first listen i didn't expect to like this but i really do
Listened to very often. Crazy that this came out in 1978...pre 1980s. Great album, excellent songwriting, talented musicians. All time classic. "With your eyes of porcelain and of blue They shock me into sense" "Hi Brad. You know how cute I always thought you were."
Enjoyable with a few songs that I really like, and several memories: like Moving in Stereo that Bingo the Dog used to blast outside his dorm room. And my eldest brother having the original vinyl back in the late 70s/early 80s.
Memories of roller skating rinks and Casey Kasem. I'm surprised that almost all of the songs on this album were recognizable hits. It's interesting that they put this out in 1978, I always associated the Cars to the 80s. Points for being ahead of their time. A solid B in my book.
A classic!
Hadn't listened to this in a long time. An 80's classic...will disregard the one forgettable song.
Arguably a flawless album, talk about a debut.
4.2
Man, I’m not sure but I feel like The Cars set the stage for the 80s pop explosion about to happen. Love this album!
Great riffs!
It's just totally fine. Nothing I plan on listening to again, but I didn't hate it, so
An amazing album from start to finish!
I just don’t get why this is a classic album ? It’s so plain and anonymous.
Just what i needed is one of the best songs ever made Album is a fun trip from beginning to end
Ah, The Cars! These guys are understatedly brilliant, although nobody seems to remember them. When I say "understatedly", I mean that you might well start this album off and then forget you've started playing it. After a few tracks you'll realise that this is pure, joyful pop music. Genuinely, I am pleased to have this album in my life.
Why am I getting so much 70s British New Wave Rock. Well it's not like I don't enjoy it. 'Just What I Needed' hoo-wee. 'You're All I've Got Tonight' has some strong blues influences that I'm funking with. 'All Mixed Up' is a wonderful way to end this. This is the kind of music I would dream of making if I was born in Ireland in the 60s.
Perfect '80s pop. This album really did write a few chapters in the book of how to write a great song. I can hear it's reach of influence across a lot of acts I love. I did find a couple of songs sound a bit dull or dated hence 4 stars
Very accessible radio friendly rock/pop but very well done.
New Wave at its finest
Favs: "Just What I Needed", "You're All I've Got Tonight", "Bye Bye Love",
The Cars, by The Cars, is a quite nice album. It feels kinda upbeat for rock, but I don’t mind that. Just What I Needed gives off serious road trip vibes, and is definitely staying in my playlist. Bye Bye Love has some cool guitar riffs, and sticks out for me in this album. I didn’t like the middle tracks as much, like I’m In Touch With Your World. The opener, however, was trill and really good. Overall a great album.
7 great singles in under 36 minutes... What else do I need to say?
STANDOUTS: My Best Friend's Girl Good Times Roll Just What I Needed OVERALL: 3.5/5
I remember when this album just came out. The Cars sounded like nobody else I had heard before! My intro to “new wave” music. Makes me smile to see this album cover. I think Candy-O, which was released one year later, is a stronger album, so I can’t quite give this one five starts. Close though!.
Just jam-packed with tunes that have stood the test of time.
Amazing 3 songs to start off the album. A bit of a lull after that but still a great listen. 7.5/10 (3.75/5)
Goddam this was really good. Listened twice and really enjoyed it. Kinda like Fleetwood Mac but more new wavey
I really dig this album. If it weren't for one or two songs, I'd call this perfect for me. 4.5/5
Algumas músicas boas e outras não, bem produzido e com instrumental diverso. Muito bom para um álbum pop, mas pouco inovador ou memorável. Acho que é um álbum que vou voltar a ouvir num dia que estiver afim de anos 80, mas não faço questão de ouvi-lo inteiro novamente.
One of my favorite albums, and one of the best debut albums of all time. Plays like a greatest hits. Always puts me in a good mood. Favorite songs: all of them except "I'm in Touch with Your World", which isn't that bad and is an okay mid-album filler song. Actual favorite song: "Moving in Stereo" for those bass lines.
One of the highlights of the New Wave movement, even though the genre is (more often than not) pretty bad and invariable. The songs here are incredibly catchy, often using synths to their full potential to get some seriously catchy riffs. The first three tracks in particular are great - what I would call "pop standards". They aren't necessarily interesting or virtuosic, but they're a darn great time, and I could easily see them being covered by lesser New Wave (or even alt-rock) bands in the years to come. The singing and drumming is just a little immature, in the sense that the beats used aren't particularly creative or inspiring. I've heard each of the individual elements before, such as the drum fills, chord progressions, melodies, and so on. In addition, all of the tracks are so packed with energy that it doesn't quite capture that "perfect album experience" I'm looking for. 4/5 Key tracks: Good Times Roll, My Best Friend's Girl, Just What I Needed, Moving In Stereo, All Mixed Up
Favourite tracks: what I needed; my best friend's girl; you're all I've got tonight; bye bye love ; moving in stereo
Schysst blandning av synthpop och rock. Synthen carryar lite men det är bra med något extra. Några schyssta låtar. Hade lyssnat ”Just What I Needed” sen innan så jag visste ungefär vad det skulle vara. Är inte besviken. Lyssnade när jag körde moppe till och från jobbet och kan säga att det var ett bra moppealbum, säkert ett bra bilalbum också för den delen. Snyggt omslag. Lite tråkigt namn då men så petig behöver man inte vara.
pretty good stuff - im not prepared to give it 4 stars because i didnt get anything out of the album but i would like to say that this is probably as far away as you can get from my previous review whilst still being the same rating
I don't know... it kind of feels a bit like a less exciting alternative to Talking Heads? At least the singer sounds quite similar to David Byrne. Not sure which band came first, just an observation. Had a hard time finding a song I liked. Even the more popular ones didn't really stick it for me. Weak 3 it is.
This album is full of good songs, but my only issue with them is that a lot of the lyrics are repeated a lot making the songs sound a little repetitive. I personally enjoy their other album called Heartbeat City more. Favorite song: Just What I Needed I'll consider this a high 3/5.
Not bad!
good listen, although i will say that i didn't realize that one song ended and the other started until i looked at the spotify app
Melodisch - eine perfekte Mischung aus Rock und Pop - sehr guter und klarer Sound - macht Spaß
Gotta say, I have a hard time correlating the rave 5 star reviews with what I'm hearing. Both the raving and the reviews' contents. Consciously listening to it, or The Cars for that matter, for the first time, this album answers a lot of questions I never had. What if Robert Smith was in Queen. What if New Wave but for an algorithm to follow up with Heart and the Eagles. I mean, I kinda get it - what if #96, Talking Heads' "Fear Of Music" wasn't that dorky-ass art school shit, but instead pleasant rock® for the whole family? But I did not ask for any of that. Why would I? That said, the way they sprinkle in synths here and there is quite lovely and I will admit that this flavour of a radio-friendly genre mix with a 1978 hit that, to me, sounds pretty timeless probably deserves a spot on this particular list.
This was a lot of fun. Banger after banger! Who knew! Super enjoyable, a nice lil surprise from 1001 albums.
this album is great. one of those classic 70s albums that is practically a greatest hits album from the band (looking at you, Boston). there are a couple weird songs in the middle that are the only duds on the album - everything else is spectacular. good vibes, interesting lyrics, and the band sounds great. i've listened to this album probably 5-10 times before this (and played it in Rock Band) and while it took a bit to grow on me, i've come to really like it. it's one of my dad's faves as well :D favorites: everything except i'm in touch with your world and don't cha stop
More themes and trends emerging as this project continues: My reviews often have more to do with the 1001 project and generally comparing albums to each other than rating/reviewing an individual album itself. I'm seeing themes emerge, I'm going to start using a hash tag to organize them so they're easily searchable. This album is another where there's a single standout (Just What I needed), which is not a bad thing. The standout wouldn't have been possible without the others. Much like a dominant mountain peak wouldn't be as tall without the surrounding foothills. Since I just went camping near Mt Hood, an example of this mountain dynamic, I'm going to call this category #hood Another example is #wedding for music that would light up a dance floor. Anyway, I'd give this album a 2.5 PS what's new about new wave?
Endless enjoyment on this iconic hit filled album. Just soooo good on all fronts!
Mi piace molto 'You're all i've got tonight' e in generale è un piacevole ascolto.
Grew up listening to this one, brilliant.
Combines the massive pop sensibility of an arena rock band with the dorky approach of a New Wave band overflowing with catchy melody and bright sounds. There's a fantastic dynamic between the synth parts and the guitar, a classic garage rock/power pop Vox AC30 sound: tight, dry, compressed, lightly overdriven for big midrange crunchy chords and quick and dirty leads. The synths give a bit of quirky flair and silliness, an at the time modern sound that now dates it (in a good way) - while the guitars ground it solidly back in radio rock. I've heard so many of these songs so many times, but never listened to the album through so never realized how tightly they all fit together and what a punchy and polished set it is.
One of my favorite albums. Basically all hits. I’m a bit cheesy but I really love The Cars and this is basically their greatest hits. Not to discount the rest of their catalog. This one is just top tier.
Just What I Needed
hadn't heard of the cars before. rly enjoyed the album, very enjoyable new wave and synthpop stuff. love the beach boys 60s pop esc harmonies, and the synth work is rly fun too
I already knew a lot of the songs, it was a good album
When I went over to France to immerse myself, my host family had a vinyl of this. I’m finally listening to it nearly a year after going to France, and it seems bland and inoffensive (two songs in). Apparently it was the progenitor of new wave though, a genre from which I enjoy a few songs, so I shall give this a distinctly average review. I’ve just reread the reviews and I’m unsure where I came up with that, but… what is the point of this then? With further listening, I admire their technique and their songwriting. 6/10.
Perfect. Everything where it needs to be.
Classic early 80s (although technically late 70s)
I like the album cover, songs were nice too (except for I'm in Touch with Your World…). Pop/rock music will always remain a favourite genre because it's generally always melodious and catchy, and this is no different. I feel like this is pretty inoffensive music, so my opinion on it is probably a very standard one - plenty of bangers, easy listening, etc. A good 4
Good Times Roll My Best Friend's Girl Just What I Needed You're All I've Got Tonight
A bit mid but not bad at all
All time fav.
Another that I own on vinyl. The A side has all the hits, the B side has all the bangers!
Unique ground breaking band
Pretty drab and in unenjoyable listening experience in my opinion. Just What I Needed is the only songs that stands out.
Classic
1001 Albums Day 3 I do find the genre intriguing, it's country/blues rock with quite a few electronic elements, and at the same time similar to the guitar-forward pop at the time like Peter Gabriel, a little bit all over the place, but I am a fan of that approach, I can't lie. That being said, I do find the music itself a bit boring, simple and repetitive. While it's clearly well crafted, high-fidelity, especially for the time, and full of little details, the core itself, I find uninteresting. The country elements are all incredibly hokey, which I know is of the time, doesn't mean I have to like it though. This is likely due to my own biases, late-70s to early-80s is one of my least favourite eras of rock, and quite frankly I do see the era's criticisms of being vapid in this album. It has very little to say, it's all good time, no message, all flash, no substance. Not to say that that is meritless, it certainly has its place, and I do mean the genuinely, but that place is not in my ears. But if you're the type of listener that is looking for a good time, more caring about the guitarwork than the lyrical universe, then this is for you. Though speaking of guitarwork, it doesn't exactly have the most impressive or interesting of the era, it is still fine, but as with a lot of the record, a bit simple. And AGAIN I am neither judging nor talking that down, the beautiful thing about music is that it is EVERYTHING. Favs: Bye Bye Love Least favs: Moving in Stereo, I'm In Touch With Your World, Don't Cha Stop 57/100
Saw the album and thought, “Sweet, those first three songs are all great, can’t wait to hear it all.” Afterwards, thought “My Dad brainwashed me when I was young.” It’s good, but nothing special. Just What I Needed still bops.
No life is a highway -1
Lovin the album
Would I listen to it again: no Do I like it: no
Absolutely love this band and record. Such a unique sound for the time that really didn't fit into any particular scene which makes it so fantastic.
One of my all time favorites. Practically every track is a greatest hit. The Cars probably had more to do with my love of 80s synth than any other band.
There are several big hits on here that feel like they're still well-known by contemporary audiences, but they don't feel like they stand out much based on their own merit now. The album is passable, no more, no less.
Pretty good for 70's/80's pop-rock. A couple classics, which made me think I should consider getting their greatest hits album...but I tried that and I'll pass. Still, not bad. 3.1
This has always been on my to listen list, but I never got around to it. The only song I was surprised was not on here but Cars, but then I remembered that was Gary Neumann and not connected to The Cars. It was very nice to hear some early new wave/pop crossover.
In the early 2000s I used to go to a walkdown in Soho that only played classic rock. Very old school, you knocked on the door and small grill opened and a voice barked ‘members only’. Once you’d established you weren’t from the Council or the Police you signed in with an illegible scrawl. This is the kind of music they played, and it was loads of fun. The club still does the ‘members only’ thing, but it’s now a faux speakeasy serving cocktails out of vintage china cups. This album is corny dad rock, but some of the tracks really do the business in a way that cocktails in china teacups just don’t. Favourite: My Best Friend’s Girl
What a great album. Amazing there is probably only 1, maybe 2 songs I don’t know. A+. Crisp harmony. Cool synthesizers. Solid guitar chords. You can put this on at an 80s party or an Alt rock party or banging rock party. Something in there for everyone. Zero weakness
Very good album. Short and sweet. No bad tracks. Entire front half of the album is hits. Made me realize how consistently good The Cars are as a rock band.
I used to really love the cars, now i still like them but they are a bit too dad rock for me. But when those guitar riffs kick in, whew
A solid debut from one of the most fun bands out of that era. There is a blissful kind of optimism through this whole record, a sweet sense of teenage innocence in these anthems about romance and simply having a good time. I think a few of these songs are a little bit awkward, specially the ones where they go for a more "experimental" direction, but songs like "Just What I Needed", "You're All I've Got Tonight" and "Moving in Stereo" are true relics of that era's teen lifestyle.
There are two songs on there with >100m streams. I have never listened to either one before. Thing is, I wouldn't have missed them either.
i'm sorry... this just isn't for me
lindsay lohan i'm bored i'm so bored.gif
the album that birthed a thousand songs to be used in commercials, it's just THAT good
honestly STOKED on telling my dad that i finally listened to one of his favorite albums and found it mid
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Synthy poppy rocky perfection, no skips. I listened to this for the first time a couple years ago and had it on repeat for a while. I listened to it 3 times in a row this time. It sounds great and has a good flow - even I'm in Touch with Your World, kind of a weird (in a good way) song, doesn't sound out of place somehow. Moving in Stereo is one of my favorites but it's hard to choose just one. So happy I got to listen to this today.
One of my favorite records from that time and it was fun to listen to the whole thing instead of the occasional play on satellite radio.
This has up on a number of youtube and internet articales to listen to, I must have missed the band when younger as I don't know them, however I may have heard singles on the radio over the years. Stand out tracks: - Let the good times roll - classic rock beat - My best friends girl - Don't cha stop - Bye bye love - Moving in stereo - All mixed up
Was meh before I read the reviews. After they told me what to listen for, it was much better.
3.5⭐️
Just eating this so I can see the next alb
Not for me
it's ok
Very good album with some really good songs. Probably just on the 4 side of 4.5
Fine but forgettable.
Норм рок. Синт-рок, если есть такое направление. Включить шумом, пока едешь по дороге в машине -- ок, но в остальном ничего такого.
5/10
meh
This is such a a nostalgic album for me. My dad had it on CD so I'd listen to it in the car a ton as a kid. When my dad died we played Let the Good Times Roll along with his photo slideshow at the funeral. This is one of those albums that takes you somewhere. I feel like I'm a high schooler in the 70s listening to it. Just reminds you of a simpler, happier time.
fun!
All in all, this was a surprisingly decent album! I could listen to it again.
Great album that takes me back to being a kid in the early 80s. This album was everywhere. Each song unlocks a different memory for me. Music can be magical.
Y'know, maybe it was just the state of mind I found myself in today—very tired, I guess 'cuz I forced myself to wake up earlier than I had been recently—but I'unno. This album just didn't blow me away. Of course, the one-two-three of the opening tracks are great (that's where "Just What I Needed" comes in, after all). Everything else, though... Eh. Kind of all slid together for me. And I'll grant, I could just been in the wrong head to take it in properly, although I have the impression I wouldn't even if I hadn't got conked out hard when I laid down on my bed while playing this album a second time. Still, I wanna give this thing a 4, thanks to those first three tracks. They're good times, what can I say? Otherwise, eh, it really woulda been a 3 from me.
A very good slice of new wave. Besides the obvious hits at the start of the album, these tracks all just have this infectious energy to them.
I’m at a 4.5 that I’m pretty damn tempted to round up to a 5. I just had a lot of fun with this album; I thought the instrumentals here were super cool in an avantgarde sort of way for 1978; the synth work was fun, I thought the percussion had a really great tone to it, I thought the guitars were on fire for most of the album, and even when the horns come in, they sort of blend in naturally instead of taking a spotlight. Just on the instrumentals alone, I’d probably give this album a 3, I thought they were really fun. Lyrically, I think this is weird in a good way, because it directly makes the vocal delivery of them super fun – Ric Ocasek sounds like if someone had reigned in David Byrne just a little bit, and to my ears, it pays off super well. There are a few lulls here and there scattered on this album, but I really don’t know if any track was a miss for me; some of them felt a little too boxed in to more of a traditional sound, but they were still good listens, even if they didn’t captivate me as much. I just really liked this, you know? I’m gonna bump it up to a 5, I think it deserves it. Just a really cool album.
I thought the album was good, but I feel like i understand why rock music has moved to new places
few cracking tracks
Agree with Cox, quite enjoyed this album. Was easy to listen to. 7/10
Was okay again. Nothing that I found amazing
Solid album. Pretty good new wave, pop with some familiar songs. I enjoyed the listen. ***
Incredible debut album start to finish. Best example of a band bridging the gap between classic power pop/rock with a new wave sound. Elliott Easton guitar solos are so melodic and fit the tunes perfectly.
Not every song on the album is a winner, but it’s damn close. I’ve always had a soft spot for Just What I Needed.
Rock-pop ochentero. No conocía ninguna.
Fine
I think I didn't understand the hype about the new wave. Is this a so broad style that I can't recognize it anywhere? Sometimes, I think it is much more on the rock side (like this album), and other times, it looks much more like electronic stuff. I'll never get it, but this album is amusing but not remarkable.
(Für mich) das nächste One-Hit-Wonder, eigentlich kenne ich nur den Song Drive, und wenn er im Radio läuft denke ich: Ah ja, 10cc, I'm not in love. Ach nein, falsch, das sind äh... The Cars. Jetzt sitzt es. Die Bildungslücke ist jetzt gefüllt. Starker erster Aufschlag.
One of my favorite classic rock albums. Just the ideal of this era of rock. The basics hit so good!