Reviews (page 2 of 14)
Alright this one's short, lets go. 1. I guess not terrible. 2. I'm not gonna lie. I don't hate this. 3. Okay, this is the famous one. Not my favourite song to hear on the radio, usually always skip to another station. But it's not too bad I guess. 4. okay how could they DO THIS TO ME??!!! they were doing so good, I was rooting for you WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU HOW DARE YOU!!!! This is not a good song. 5. godDAMMITTTTT. This one's not good either. 6. I couldn't even get through this one. 7. Shame, i dont like this one either. 8. Oh my god this is the fast times at ridgemont high song! It's pretty fun. I LOVE PHOEBE CATES!!!!!!!! 9. Nah, this one's not good. This album was so close to actually being good. Just realized its from 1978. It does NOT sounds like a 70s album, it sounds straight from 1985, very ahead of its time i guess. I really like the vocals, better than any 70s vocal i've heard so far, excluding fleetwood mac. But anyways, it was close, real close, but no cigar. But this is the first album i listened to all the way through! I consider that a win. I wish i could give this a 2.5.
crazy to learn all these songs come from the same album and even crazier that they're all songs I've always disliked
While the U.K. had punk and new wave America had this. And Boston and Journey. The awful last knockings of classic rock was shrill vocals, lack of harmony, keyboard flourishes and if all ideas run out fill the space with unwanted guitar frills The spandex clad glam metallers that followed must have heard cash tills amongst this ill executed cacophony. America produced some of the greatest music of all time in the eighties but it was made a long long way from the cars.
Solid pop but incredibly overrated by critics. The tamest of the New Wave. You really need a narrow US worldview or nostalgia to think this stands out. Any UK or German New Wave surpass them without even speeding.
Seriously!? This is an album I should listen to at all, let alone before I die?
shit slaps
Greatest studio album that the band ever produced. Not the best band in concert. They were a band that was meant to be Iistened to on the crisp sound of vinyl.
Fabulous debut LP. Own It.
Classic album full of hits. Crazy how short it is.
100% deserves a 5/5! This is a gem! Just What I Needed My Best Friend's Girl You're All I've Got Tonight Bye Bye Love Moving in Stereo Good Times Roll All Mixed Up I'm in Touch with Your World Don't Cha Stop
An album that just about everyone likes and is still somehow underrated. Not one bad song here - really, not even one "meh" song - and two or three all-timers.
Real good fun
5/5
I had no expectations for this album, turns out I knew a lot of the songs already. It is new wave but it is grounded by good guitar work and well written songs. Good stuff
This quirky Cars debut is a really enjoyable listen. There's a healthy mix of punk and new wave with nods to the past influences but also an eye and ear to creating something new. There are Queen-esque choral elements, unpredictable key changes and experimental percussion to always keep the album interesting, and at just over half an hour you're actually left wanting more, not praying for the end. Best Friends Girl was the only previously heard song, but there are better songs. Good Times Roll is a great opener, Just What I Needed and You're All I've Got Tonight are probably my favourites today, but tomorrow it might be Moving In Stereo and I'm In Touch With Your World. I can't spot a weak track, and while it's difficult to point to a truly standout, great song like they had years later with Drive, this is a consistently good album creeping into the 5 star group, maybe because of the sheer unexpectedness of it.
wow Avant garde
Good music I recommend. All songs are very similar tho.
4.5/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-cars/the-cars/ Thank god, I thought the challenge was starting to throw me in a hellhole of jazz and blues records, but then it lifts me out with this fantastic new wave album! I guess I knew Just What I Needed from before (not sure from what) and I quite like that song. The rest of the album is also amazing. Don't know how I never got to this before, as this is right up my alley with the synthy sound.
When I see the Cars I drive straight to 5 stars.
Good Times Roll, Just What I Needed, and Bye Bye Love are songs I've loved for a long time (thank you dad for the Classic Rock education). I was actually so hype to see this album as the next pick. The songs on this stay *chefs kiss* so good, and unironically are the perfect driving songs ( I expect nothing less from a band called The Cars).
if we wanna talk about really influential rock groups? not even a specific genre, just a rock band that really influenced the entire rock sphere? i think i'd bring up the cars. this right here is their debut. a very strong debut for sure. this is some real infectious pop rock music here. ahead-of-its-time is a common descriptor a lot of listeners say this record is like, and i agree! this could pass for something recorded ten or twenty years later. it's that level of AOR classic poppy rock music that could easily blast on any radio station, past or present and you'd enjoy yourself. these guys kinda put the "power" in power pop. short runtime and zero skips here. also my favorite track makes me think of big hot beautiful bouncing boobies. BOOBIES!!
Even the album opener is a banger. Good Times Roll gives me "Good Day Sunshine" vibes by the Beatles. The vocal harmonies and delivery in general give me a mixture of Queen and The Beatles at times, tastefully done and are incredibly pleasing to the ears, quite catchy as well. The overall sound of the album is quite similar to the stable rock sound of the 80s, if you're a sucker for new wave/80s synthpop-rock sound like me, then this album is an absolute delight to listen from start to finish. One of the best debut albums of all time; you wouldn't take it for one in the first place. It's packed with songs that are hit after hit, basically. Favorites: Good Times Roll, Just What I Needed, I'm In Touch With Your World, You’re All I’ve Got Tonight, Bye Bye Love, Moving In Stereo Skips: --
The first three songs on this album made me question why I ever gave another album a five. Those songs are transcendentally wonderful. The rest of the songs are strong enough to merit the album a five. But man, those first three.
I haven’t even listened yet and the whole album is playing in my head. How was this made in ‘78?! Banger after banger and sweet guitar runs!
Not a single miss on this album, just a bunch of perfect pop songs.
Best debut album ever? Banger after banger. 5/5
Holy shit, how can these all be on one album and it not be a greatest hits compilation? Unlike a lot of other music from this timeframe it doesn't seem dated. Thank you, I needed this today.
In the late '70s, when punk rock was being actively made and listened to on both sides of the Atlantic, The Cars... Well, technically they were making punk rock, too, but an intellectual kind (intellectual punk rock, as we know, would later be called new wave). I'd describe their sound as "Roy Orbison playing The Clash." There's a huge mix of layers and genres: classic rock from the early '70s, '60s vocal harmonies, blues motifs, avant-garde electronics, and, of course, synthesizers that sound very cheerful yet unobtrusive. Plus, two lead vocalists — a classic move of the past, but forgotten by the time the album was released. The Cars would later realize that the possibilities of electronic keyboards were limitless, and guitars could be relegated to a more secluded place. So their remaining albums, while occasionally more hit-making, were rather banal and drowned in a sea of synth-pop. But the first one was magnificent.
Straight heat
A perfect album to celebrate # 500 with. After the wastelands of Punk Rock receded we welcomed a new dawn that was called “New Wave” and it was gloriously upbeat and snappy. Feel good music for feel good times of the late 70s and 80s. High School fever dreams.
Classic songs on a classic album
Ridiculously good album front to back
a fantastic album, really good catchy songs, love the vibe
Good Times Roll- a bit repetitive but still a good song,8.5/10 My Best Friend’s Girl- nice intro,nice song all around,nice guitar and lyrics,8.7/10,* Just what I needed- nice song,nice but short guitar solo,nice vocals,9/10,* I’n In Touch with Your World- nice and intresting percussion,nice guitar,8.7/10,* Don’t Cha stop- nice guitar,ncie solo,shocked to see it one of the less popular tracks,9/10,* You are all I got tonight- nice drums,nice solo,nice synth,9/10,* Bye Bye Love- nice short synth solo,also a pretty good guitar solo,nice piano and guitar,9.2/10,* Moving in stereo- nice song,nice synth,8.7/10 All mixed up- vocals are so nice,nice sax solo in the end,9.2/10,* Album rating: 9.1/10
I love the cars i dont need to justify it
The production and songs are super slick and catchy but the overall weirdness of the whole record makes me think that it's punkier than anyone notices on the first listen.
This album was just what I needed.
so sentimental, love it
If you had asked me up until today what genre the Cars were I’d say “Rock”. They are the coolest not-nerdy New Wave band ever. Even the dorky songs are cool.
Repeat listen
Not a miss on this album. Most of the tracks are known hits...I'm in Touch with Your World is brand new to me but a great, complex trip of a track.
yayyy i’ve been meaning to listen to this, just haven’t. i forgot to listen to this today. got to it in like the last half hour. really really liked it. favorite track is good times roll by far, didn’t know that was the cars.
Good times roll - 5 My best friend's girl - 5 Just what i needed - 5 I'm in touch with your world - 3 Don't cha stop - 4 You're all i've got tonight - 4 Bye bye love - 4 Moving in stereo - 4 All mixed up - 4
YYYYEESSS!!!
This will be light work today, as I’ve heard this album and most of the songs about 100 times. I love the Cars. I will give my older brother, Jeff, credit for introducing me and my younger brother, Dustin, to the band. Dustin, much like with KISS, was way in on the Cars before I was, but I got there. I'd put them solidly in my top 20 favorite bands of all time. In fact, I think the Cars are one of the greatest American rock bands ever. They were, for me, one of THE rock bands of the 1980s. They were able to combine pop rock, new wave, and electronic music better than any other band. Plus, they were weird without being a turn-off. They also had two lead vocalists, so it’s almost like they were two bands in one. This is their debut album, and it's packed with songs you've heard on the radio for decades. Track 1 is Good Times Roll and I remember as a kid listening to this song for the first time and being very confused. For a song about the good times rolling, lead singer Ric Ocasek, guitarist and lead vocals, sounded like he was about to go to sleep. Plus, the music is more of a slow rock jam than a party anthem. That was your introduction to what the Cars were. They weren’t anything you were expecting. The song was Ocasek’s sarcastic response to all the rock and roll party songs. You know, the sex, drugs, and rock and roll. The song was the third single from the album. The song rocks, but the synths set it apart. There are all these synth sounds interweaving with the heavier-sounding guitars. The song was like nothing you had heard on the radio at the time. Plus, Ocasek’s lyrics are downright confusing most of the time. “Let the stories be told Let them say what they want Let the photos be old Let them show what they want Let them leave you up in the air Let them brush your rock and roll hair Let the good times roll” Let them brush your rock and roll hair? What? Brilliant song and a great way to introduce the band to the listener. Track 2 is My Best Friend’s Girl and Benjamin Orr, the bassist and other lead singer of the band, takes over on vocals. Orr couldn’t have a more different voice than Ocasek. Where Ocasek is more the odd-sounding, sarcastic singer, Orr is closer to what a rock and roll singer might sound like. Though he, too, has his quirks. He has a weird affectation on his voice, whether conscious or unconscious, I don’t know. The song is about Orr’s best friend’s girlfriend, who used to be his girlfriend. Orr paints a pretty good picture of the girl, and she sounds like the perfect woman. Again, there are some odd lyrics to the song. “You've got your nuclear boots And your drip-dry glove Ooh, when you bite your lip It's some reaction to love When she's dancing 'neath the starry sky Ooh, I'll make you flip (Here she comes again) When she's dancing 'neath the starry sky (Here she comes again) I kinda like the way, I like the way she dips.” What are nuclear boots and drip-dry gloves? Who cares? The song is so fun, and unlike Good Times Roll, it has a nice retro rock and roll chug chug chug guitar sound to it. Just a fun song that is easy to sing along to. That’s one thing about the Cars. They were going to give you easy hooks to sing along to. Track 3 is Just What I Needed, and it kind of sounds like My Best Friend’s Girl's fraternal twin. The songs definitely have their similarities. However, because both are just fun rock songs, you don't even mind. Orr is back on vocals, the song has some fun, odd lyrics, and when we get to the chorus, the guitars get loud, and there’s a synth line that just hits you so good. This is one of my favorite songs by the Cars. “It doesn’t matter where you’ve been as long as it was deep, yeah.” Orr would pass away way too soon, effectively ending the Cars in 2000. He was only 53. Fun fact: Roy Thomas Baker produced this album. Baker in his time also produced albums by the Rolling Stones, The Who, Nazareth, Santana, T. Rex, and perhaps his most well-known productions were with Queen. I’m talking all the good Queen albums. Track 4 is I’m In Touch With Your World and it’s truly weird. It always reminded me of a Devo song. It’s very regimented, I think that's the word I'm looking for. I’m not sure how to explain it. Ocasek is back on vocals, and he wrote the song. One critic called the song psychedelic. I’m not sure that would have ever come to my mind, but I can see it. It’s psychedelic in a sci-fi way. Greg Hawkes, the keyboardist for the band, said he loved playing this song live due to all the little electronic sounds in the song. Not my favorite song on the album, but not bad by any means. Track 5 is Don’t Cha Stop and it’s another fun new wave jam. The song was a B-side, but radio stations flipped it and began playing it. The song eventually reached 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It’s got a great solo by Eliot Easton. Easton is the lead guitarist for the band and is really underrated. He doesn’t get a chance to throw out many flashy solos, but he works his arse off on this tune. Just a great, poppy rock jam. Track 6 is You’re All I’ve Got Tonight and much like the rest, I feel like everybody’s heard all these songs. The band only released three singles off the album, but all these songs were on classic radio, and probably still are. You may be a Cars fan and didn’t even know it. You may have heard these songs playing in the background for years, but you never stopped to see who performed them. The song is about Ocasek’s need for some loving, some companionship, and he’s not picky about who it’s with. “I don't care if you hurt me some more I don't care if you even the score You can knock me, and I don't care And you can mock me, and I don't care And you can rock me just about anywhere It's alright 'Cause you're all I've got tonight You're all I've got tonight.” Again, Easton shines in this song. It’s like the first three or four songs were a little light on the guitar, and the last two have been all guitar. This song is a great new wave song, but with more guitar. Track 7 is Bye Bye Love, and Orr’s back on the vocals. I must mention, Orr isn’t just a pretty face with a good rock voice. The man plays a solid bass, which you can hear shine on this song. I love this song as it rocks, but has a softer bridge leading into a cool chorus you can sing along with. I also haven’t praised drummer David Robinson. I mean, he was one of the greatest basketball players in college and the NBA, the Admiral….wait, wrong David Robinson. Robinson is one of those drummers who doesn’t really stick out. Not because he’s not good, but he does his job right. It’s got to be pretty easy on the nerves knowing you never have to worry about the drummer. Just ask Motley Crue. Great song and one of the best on the album. It should have been a single. Track 8 is the song that most men my age remember as being attached to one of the formative moments in their young lives, Moving In Stereo. Yes, this is the song that’s playing in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High as Phoebe Cates comes up out of the water and unveils one of the greatest sights known to pubescent dudes. Beyond forever being etched in my brain’s core, the song is really good. It’s a little slower and heavier than most on the album. Orr again is on vocals, and the group is super tight. They have some sort of effect on Robinson’s drum kit. There’s a lot of moving sounds from side to side, moving in stereo, so to speak. I’ve got to believe the song is best heard with earbuds or headphones. Again, nonsense lyrics. “Life's the same, I'm moving in stereo Life's the same except for my shoes Life's the same, you're shakin' like tremolo Life's the same, it's all inside you.” What’s that? Who cares? The song is hypnotic, and it’s in my top 5 favorite Cars songs. Track 9 and the final cut, is All Mixed Up, and I must point out I just noticed Moving In Stereo fades into the beginning of this song. It’s like they were meant to be played back to back. That’s odd. All Mixed Up was released as the B-side to Good Times Roll, but radio stations apparently began playing Moving In Stereo and All Mixed Up back to back, according to Wikipedia. The song has a bit of an R.E.M. feel to it during a breakdown section. I think I also hear what sounds like maybe French horns, but I assume that’s a synth. Hawkes moves from keyboards to sax to play out the song. It’s a great solo, too. That’s it, nine songs and 35 minutes of perfection on their debut album. I, for sure, recommend listening to this album before you die, and think it’s easily one of the best 1,001 albums ever released. It offers you the best of the 70s and 80s in rock music. The Cars would later go on to make even more great music and become huge MTV video stars. Their videos were as strange as their lyrics most times. This was an easy and fun one to hear.
This album is definitely a 6/5.
Ohhh yessss! Just what I needed! Yeah, have to say this classic album is a guilty pleasure. I love just about every song, but wonder if that calls into question my “taste.” But you know, f* taste! Boolean rating: YES! Not sure it’s what everyone needs, but boy is it fun.
What’s this guy’s deal eh? Did he fall into a vat of chemicals and get powers or something? The Cars rule
Great album. High energy, heavy riffs, catchy as hell.
Bangers
Perfect pop
LOVE! can't get enough. What else is there to say 10/10
no entiendo por qué nunca lo había escuchado… potencial para ser llamado álbum de hits.
awesome pop rock album
It’s a classic for a reason. The cars are always a hit.
Classic
Such a great debut album, combining elements of pop and new wave. I’ve argued before that Let The Good Times Roll, My Best Friends Girl, and Just What I needed is one of the best three song runs on any album.
Favourite tracks - Good Times Roll, My Best Friend’s Girl, Just What I Needed
Such an awesome album. I felt so much joy listening to this. 9/10
New wave/Talking Heads intricacies meets Queens guitar heavy catchiness. A real gem
An absolute classic. Such easy listening and absolute tunes!
awesome. really fun to listen to. definitely gonna check other albums by them and play this one many times
Super Dope
me encantó.
One of strongest debut albums ever. While it isn't mind blowing, these are just some of the strongest catchiest group of songs. Also real ones know that Moving in Stereo is their best songs. Low 5.
Everybody in this band was a gun player, but Elliot Easton may be one of the most underrated guitarists in rock.
just yes - it is always the cars!!!
Great album! I thought it came out in 1981 or 1982 but I guess that's how long it played on the radio, well into the 80s.
One of my favorites. Played this album frequently as a kid. Amazing sounds and creativity that still affect me the same way.
Really good and solid!
9/10 Favorite: Just What I Needed
Damn
Just what I needed.
Man the cars have so many hits.
nice album but I guess It seemed normal for met
holyyyyy that´s a solid 10 Today´s bird: northern cardinal
Most bands would kill to have a Greatest Hits album as good as this debut album.
New wave pioneers. All songs on this album are great. They're all underrated as musicians, especially Elliott Easton.
Sometimes songs become super mega hits for good reason.
this will be my first 5-star review. perfect album, i’ve loved it for almost 50 years.
One of the best debut albums of all time by the greatest skinny tie band ever. Power pop new wave with just enough 70s rock DNA. All hits, all the time. Extra special thanks to Phoebe Cates.
Вааах! Мені сподобалось. i enjoyed it вважаю шо одна з баз кінця 70тих
Old Indie feel, classic rock beat, definitely sounds like 70s rock not bad.
Classic songs and lots of hits. Futuristic sounds
Highlights: Good Times Roll; My Best Friend's Girl; Just What I Needed; Don't Cha Stop; Bye Bye Love; Moving In Stereo Lowlights: ---‐------------------------------------- This unironically may be a perfect album. Loved every song, but the ones above were the standouts.
I loved every song on here, even the ones I didn’t already know. Really enjoyable! Pop/rock, with a quirky sense to it.
Imposible estar de mal humor escuchando este álbum
The impeccable production on this album made it a 5 for me
I have loved this album since I was a kid. Perfect mix of synth and rock guitar. Over half of these songs still get regular airplay on radio. There's a bar band out there right this second singing "Just What I Needed".
Absolute classic. The hits are outstanding, and the non-hits are also outstanding. Friggin’ LOVE this record.
Might as well be a Cars greatest hits album.
This might as well be called *The Cars Greatest Hits* with "Good Times Roll", "My Best Friend's Girlfriend", "Just What I Needed", "You're All I've Got Tonight", *and*... the one that gives me daydreams of Phoebe Cates, "Moving In Stereo"! Honestly this one a banger from first note to last! (10/10) ★★★★★ "Doesn't anybody f'king knock anymore?"
I'v always waffled between 4.5 and 5 on this, but half the songs are just all time classics. And outside of "I'm in Touch With Your World", the deeper cuts are good too. I think it's kind of a cool mix of new wave, classic rock, and power pop. I think I might actually prefer Benjamin Orr as a vocalist, but Ric Ocasek has a cool quirky vibe too. Highlights for me are "Good Times Roll", "Best Friend's Girl", "You're All I've Got Tonight", "Moving in Stereo", and of course "Just What I Needed", which is on my shortlist for greatest song of all time. 5 stars.
me encantó
Love this.
It's damn near perfect. Half of the songs here have lived rent free in my head since I was like 10. My first ever cassette I owned back in the mid 90s was The Cars greatest hits, so basically half this album. Even the first track's name perfectly sums up what's about to happen. Let the good times roll! 10/10
genialazo
Un sonido abierto, relajado y los coros son un buen toque. Bastante disfrutable.
Hits! Hits after hits
Music from graduate school days…the Cars were big back then. This is their debut album, and essentially it’s a greatest hits album. I know seven of the nine tracks, as they all had frequent radio play. Maybe they had a good publicist or agent. Lots of good memories for me.
amazing record, some absolute bangers, dad rock essential
I'd forgotten how many memorable songs were on this album. The Cars were a pretty solid band.
Excellent! The Cars are legends for a reason. 9/10 Outstanding
2/10/26 - listened on way to work. Four out of the nine tracks are all timers. This one gets five stars. Best Song - Your all I’ve got tonight
Power Pop never reached these heights again, until Ocasek produced the first Weezer album!
Two back to back banging albums, this site knows me <3
Cue Phoebe Kates coming out of that pool …
I feel like I'm 16 again... this album acts as a fountain of youth for me. It never gets old. When I still had a "My Favorite Albums" list, back when I didn't listen to 10 albums a day (on a typical day), The Cars was always in the top 20, and I think if I updated that list today... it would probably still be there. The Cars has that youthful energy that makes anyone feel like a rebellious teenager, and it has the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" seal of quality. 5 stars.
Very, very strong album. No weak tunes. 4.8
This is one of the rare no skip albums. Every single song is incredible. It starts with “Let the Good Times Roll” and ends with possibly the best 3 song combo ever in “Bye Bye Love”, “Moving in Stereo” and “All Mixed Up”
I knew I’d like this knowing the first 3 tracks. Forgot that the whole first side is great. Side 2 lags a little in comparison but overall a wonderful debut album. Love the production, catchy songs with great hooks, quirky instrumentation that works. 4.5 rounded up.
Great album
This is like a greatest hits album. I'd give it a 7 out of 5!
goated
Everything is good on that album. I would not have guessed the year, it sounds way more modern!
A stone-cold classic. They sound so unique on this record. Elliot Easton once said that this record should be called "The Cars Greatest Hits" and that's pretty true. The guitar tones are iconic and their use of synths is brilliant.
This is one of the greatest rock albums I've ever heard. Sure, there are New Wave influences, but this is a pure rock album. I can't believe I haven't listened to The Cars earlier. The singing is ok, the songwriting exceptional, but the musicianship is what stands out the most to me. This was an incredibly fun experience. 5/5
Too many bangers for one album
Hot damn! A stone cold classic front-to-back. Don’t Cha Stop is my least favorite but it’s still really fun! And the seamless run of the last 4 tracks is INSANE work
Pop-rock perfection Catchy songs with great production Moving in Stereo has been my personal favorite track, but the album is filled with hits
Boston-level self-titled debut. Despite the fact the two biggest tracks are very similar, the album travels far and wide while keeping a distinctive sound and songwriting style. *Most* of the songs were long lasting hits. I wouldn't call it New Wave because it sounds like classic guitar-driven rock, with synths. And it's one of the best classic rock albums.
Oh boy howdy do I sure love this album! I grew up listening to their greatest hits album and it’s crazyyyy how many songs on there are from this album (6 of the 9 btw) They really know how to write a tight, melodic, pop rock song. Moving in stereo is my fav on this album and one of my fav cars songs period
I hadn’t listened to this album in a long time. Amazing.
Listened Before: Yes I love The Cars Playlist Add: Good Times Roll
All killers no filler. I hear a whole lot of Queen in this album!
In my top 10!
One of the best debut albums ever. Every song on here is a classic. They released many good albums after this but this remains their best. These guys helped to start the entire New Wave genre.
An amazing album through and through, every song on it really hits hard. I’m torn between a four and a five, all the songs feel like pop hits, but I don’t know if I’m gonna actively listen to this again, being the genre of music. But I admit it’s a very amazing album.
This seems like a greatest hits album. But it's their debut. They sound far into the future, the production and mixing is just soooo nice. It's catchy chorus after catchy chorus. I'm having a hard time even choosing a favorite. They all pop into my mind at once lile their pleading their case
Album has not one but two separate "three-song-runs" that are fantastic, two mediocre songs and I'd say only one dud with I'm in Touch with Your World. The Cars are a favorite of mine, I love their straightforward approach to songs and the attitude that exuded by the riffs and Rick Ocasek's voice. There's a reason all these songs show up in every movie between 75 and 85, the Cars capture the vibe of the 80s perfectly. 4.5 rounded up bc it's legit a favorite album of mine.
Got to be honest with myself and this review - but I liked that album more than I thought I would. Sure, I knew most of the songs. Sure, they are all overplayed (or at least were). But damn if it wasn't really good.
PPPP - Perfect Punch of Power Pop
"The Cars" is the debut studio album by American rock band the Cars. New wave, power pop and synth-rock are the Wiki-listed genres. Oh yeah. The album was then known for using a large amount of contemporary technology. The bandmembers included Ric Ocasek (vocals, rhythm guitar), Elliot Easton (lead guitar, backing vocals), Benjamin Orr (vocals, bass), David Robinson (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Greg Hawkes (keyboards, percussion, saxophone, backing vocals). Commercially, the album reached #18 on the US Billboard 200 and #29 in the UK. It was critically well-received and, in 2024, was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its artistic significance. A slow edgy guitar riff opens the album in "Good Times Roll." Ocasek on lead vocals, sarcastically commenting on rock's ideas of good times. The band kicks in with a slow jam. Loud backing vocals and synth highlights. Right away, a unique sound blending elements of classic hard rock and new wave. Another classic guitar riff with handclaps begins "My Best Friend's Girl." Layered guitars, bouncy keys and 60's-ish guitar solo. Overproduced? Yes. Catchy? Absolutely. The first released single was "Just What I Needed." Ticking guitar notes with guitar slashes and drum pounds. Benjamin Orr on vocals. A more rockin' backbeat. Weird, eerie synth fills separate this from the rest. Echoing and building drums open the second side and song "You're All I've Got Tonight." A distorted guitar riff. Ocasek declaring "I don't care if you even the score" since she's all he's got tonight. Excellent guitar fills and sounds by Easton. There are two songs in my world where the song is defined by a movie scene (or vice versa). The first is Steelers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle" in "Reservoir Dogs." Of course. And the second is "Moving in Stereo" in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Oh, Phoebe! A Rush "2012" swirling synth, an evil sounding guitar and Ocasek with shaky vocals. The band comes in ominously. Video game and string-like synths. Dreamy, eerie. A classic. Right near the top of their catalog. The album combine elements of hard rock, power pop, new wave and synth pop yet never fully going in one direction. They're almost their own genre. You could surely argue that this album and their sound is overproduced; there's a lot going on with the layered guitars and synths, loud backing vocals, handclaps and various percussion but there's an edge to their sound and the songs are so strong and catchy that they overtake and supersede anything negative. Hit after and hit and the non singles are probably played more today and are better than the released singles. One of the best albums of that time frame and still sounds amazingly fresh. Their next album, "Candy-O," is just as good if not better. A very high recommendation.
Fucking insane new wave forerunner start to finish holy shit.
This is the best Cars album; it feels like every song on here is a hit. ‘Just What I Needed’ is a tight, sweet, very human love song. 'All Mixed Up' is a great closer. The album as a whole is witty and inventive, but accessible. I've met all sorts of people who love the Cars, and I'm happy this one is in my collection. Absolutely 5 stars.
All the hits. Great band, great album. What's not to love?
Some really great classic songs on this debut album! Nice complexities, good production balance, overall really good. This one benefits from the lack of half-stars because it just reaches 4.5/5 for me
oh das isch fun. sie chlnd melodie und sie chönd gitarresound. und HARMONIES! sehr nice die erste zwei songs. just what i needed isch huuuere geil. tönt biiitz moch pop punk aber de refrain isch wieder richtig guete glamrock irgendwie. gitarretone isch peak. super. dont cha stop sehr goofy aber immerno fun? gitarresolo super. ich ha meega spass.
LIEBS albumcover okaay han jz meh spass als ich denkt han d backgroundvocals findi recht cool und iwie ischs na e lustigi mischig us ichweissnödgenauwas? I'm in touch eith your world isch zwar schochli quirky aber hans recht lustig gfunde glaub d giti isch punkiger alsi denkt han? wnl han überhaupt nümme zueglost aber hans cool gfunde? aber es git glaub gad nomal e rundi JAAA e form vo pop-punk macht iwie mega sinn, danke luca moving in stereo isch jz nöd megaaa mis ding aber würkt uf mich recht sinere ziit voruus? nvm iwie ischs na cool mite synthis, sehr groovy all mixed up wieder die bgvs OEEEEFFFFFF ohaa die sind ja grösser uf spotify als ich denkt hett, 7.3 mio. monatlichi hörer:inne isch stabil es isch würkli en knappe zwüsche 4 und 5 also rein vo mim vergnüege her findis glaub es 4i aber wills doch öppis speziells isch woni eso glaub nanie ghört han wirds vlt es 5i? ES DRITTS MAL ok ja bin bi just what I needed
banger, heavy energy!
All bangers
Ric Ocasek looks like Abraham Lincoln transported through time. Album rips.
I definitely own this one. so many great songs. "Good Times Roll", "Just What I Needed", "dont-cha stop", and my personal favorites, "Best Friend's Girl" and "Moving in Stereo". Seriously, as a kid of the 80's, the "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" scene with "Moving in Stereo" being played in the background will be forever burned in my memory until the day i die (Phoebe Cates....yummy). I love, love, love this album. I play it frequently. "here she comes again, dancin' neath the starry sky....."
Oh man. If I made a Shawn Top 100 albums of all time, this one would be a Top 20. Everything about this album is great. Each song is amazing. And they even ushered in a whole new genre doing it. The guitars, drums, keyboard, his voice, all awesome. Catchy songs, intricate yet simple. Each one can get stuck in your head.
I forgot how much i liked this alblum. Remembered all the songs. Found myself singing (badly) to all the songs. Brought back fond memories of friends and good times. This album is one of the best debut alblums ever. I feel forced to give a 5 star rating.
I forgot how great this album was. I really underappreciated song is all mixed up. This album rocks from top to bottom and is definitely worthy of a five star grade.
4.8/5 great album mayb one or two songs i’d do wo but in the context of the album great
Classic 80’s pop rock! I love this LP! Chock full of hits !!
i loved this album
nicerock album loved it
Great album! Opened with 3 popular songs I'd already heard many times before so I knew I'd be in for a treat. I also really loved Bye Bye Love.
Literally the sound of an era
it isn't just that the songs are good or that so many of the songs are good (all of them), or that this is one of those flawless debut albums alongside Boston or Pearl Jam or Daft Punk or Nas, or that it contains the lyric "wisenheimer brainstorm". I can't easily think of another album where the instrumentals so perfectly fit together. Even "I'm In Touch With Your World"'s weird samples mesh with the synths, guitars, bass, vocals, and drums. These are layered and intricate songs that somehow sound like simple catchy pop songs. It's one of those albums that demands headphones but sounds just as good at full volume on the radio.
An early new wave masterpiece. No skips. Favorite song: All Mixed Up
I am pretty sure I was introduced to The Cars from Just What I Needed being in a Circuit City commercial or something like that back in like 2003. Looking through this tracklist to start this just looks like it should be their greatest hits album. Made me think that they only made 1 album. Never listened to these songs with headphones on before, there is so much more going on in these songs than I ever knew with how many instruments are playing at the same time. The beginning clapping in Best Friend's Girl sounds like the clapping that happens when you play a game of cards in Final Fantasy 8. Moving in Stereo is such a cool song especially with it going into stereo sound back and forth from different headphones which I never caught. And I wish I always knew that it went straight into All Mixed Up, never heard that song before but was an awesome ending. Those 2 proggy songs to end the album were sweet. This was a completely unexpected 5, even though I knew all but 3 of the songs going into the album. Hearing them all together with headphones made this a whole new experience.
First 3 songs are the hits and for good reason. We all probably grew up listening to these whether we wanted to or not. Imo they’re all fantastic in their own way. Young Kev particularly loved Just What I Needed and it still slaps. You’re All I’ve Got Tonight is another jam, sounds like it shares some qualities with Good Times Roll. Moving In Stereo is a bit darker and I love it. While I’m not new to the Cars, I’m new to about half of this album and there isn’t a bad song on here. Sneaky 5 from me.
Some nostalgia here, this album takes me back to college in Dayton, Ohio, listening to this cassette in my '71 Mustang.. big thing in the 70's was to upgrade your rear speakers in cars and this upgrade did not disappoint. The guitar riffs laid out by the Cars were so new & clean for the time, as if they were inventing their own version of rock. Their best album, like many others, was their debut. They captured their own sound and American radio loved it. Takes me back to a carefree time, LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL became an anthem for American youth !
Out of the eleven tracks, six are timeless hits. Combined with 1984's "Heartbeat City," they've got a 48% hit rate. Those are definite Hall of Fame numbers. And now I can't hear "Moving in Stereo" without thinking of Phoebe Cates.
Don’t own but fluent.
My favorite song was “You’re all if got tonight”. The album felt like a midnight ride in the 80s
I like New Wave, but I haven’t spent much time with the Cars. I really liked the last track which, I’m not sure I had ever heard (“All Mixed Up”). I probably like this album as much as The last one and am struggling with how to rate.
A perfect blend of synth pop and hard rock. Love the bouncy atmosphere accompanied by cool guitar riffs. Fun from start to finish. The Cars are probably the best ‘New Wave’ band in my opinion. Standout Songs: Good Times Roll My Best Friend's Girl Just What I Needed I'm in Touch with Your World Don't Cha Stop Bye Bye Love All Mixed Up
Sometimes a great album isn't some epic concept album with deep lore and profound music and lyrical content, sometimes a great album is just a small collection of fantastic songs that work well together, and I think that is so well represented with this. Nothing crazy or particularly ambitious about it, just some amazing pop and rock songs all packaged in a fun and digestible way.
Let the good times roll. And the hits.
Super catchy, impeccably produced, classic “New Wave” power pop. Ocasek bests this effort ONLY in his production work on the first Weezer!
Favorite songs: Good Times Roll, My Best Friend’s Girlfriend, Just What I Needed, You’re All I’ve Got Tonight, Moving in Stereo
Good tunes
A classic for a reason.
Sure, there are some good songs by The Cars that are not on this album. But this may as well be a greatest hits album - most of their best ones are here. A pop/rock masterpiece.
Day708 - i love this band, it’s my second favorite cars album behind heartbeat city. bye bye love never gets old.
Wore the @%#* out of this album when it came out. Whenever I hear any song from this album I can’t help but smile ear to ear. Perfect progression from punk into new wave. Just About A Perfect Album.
Had fun with this! I didn't know that Just What I Needed was on this album. Fun way to start this new little adventure :)
Good album
First listen in ages. Forgot how airtight this album is. Six of nine tracks are monster hits. And the other three don’t drag it down. For a debut, that’s crazy.
it’s giving grease lightning type shi, yes love it had a great time Drums and guitar ate
Love the Cars, and this album has several songs I Love.
Easy 5/5. Captivating. This album maintains your interest all the way through. Moving in Stereo one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
One of the best debut albums there is, back to back hits, the band had a perfect sound.
This is in my top 5 80s records. It’s just so fun with great riffs and melodies that just keep you on board throughout.
My first truly famous album from this service! Listening from front to back, I was surprised by how many songs I personally knew and of course, how many I didn't! I can't say I ever heard I'm in touch with your world" on the radio. It was the lowest point of the album for me but I can tell they were just having a laugh based on the sound bites thrown in. The Cars have been a background sound all my life and it was fun to sit down to appreciate them. As a whole, the album feels pretty coherent. A product of its time, it was easy to tell what songs were near the center of their LP, as these songs would have lower fidelity due to their placement on a vinyl record. A fun observation I had while listening. This will be my first 5/5 score, though I wonder if I've never heard them before if this would change. Music is so subjective!
Cars at their best.
It’s so great - a real classic - I can listen to this whenever
Another late 70s albums that can be listened to from start to finish
Pretty much perfect. Just what I needed slaps so hard
I mean it's honestly hard to find anything bad to say. Tons of well known hits, including Moving in Stereo and its connection to that iconic Fast Times scene. Loved it.
I can confidently say that this is one of my favourite albums from the 70’s. It’s just so good
What would the 80s have looked like if the Cars didn't set the stage in 1978? Iconic perfection.
A perfect 80s rock/punk/pop combo with tunes you never want to go away.
Flawless
I adore this album from beginning to end. I love the Cars. They were so ahead of their time. And this is their DEBUT album.
The Cars come out with confidence and swagger and make a debut album for the ages. It’s New Wave, but it still rocks, I want to slip a cassette of this into a shitbox car sing all the song with my buddies while we talk about the girls we’ve got crushes on. Let the good times roll.
So many great songs! Brought me lots of joy
Etched into my consciousness. So uncool that it's perfectly cool.
Asymptotically close to perfect.
A 5 isn't good enough for this album. The Cars were my favorite rock band when I was a teen. Still one of my faves and this is in my top 10 best albums of all time. Just What I Needed is a song I never tire of hearing. I will forever regret missing them at the Cumberland County Civic Center in 1987.
No matter how many times I hear them, those first chords of Just What I Needed put me on a beach on the Cape with my dance group in the summer of 1978 (the best year for music ever). That said, this is not a nostalgia rating. The genius of The Cars is that they all grew up in different times and places with different musical interests--one was in the Modern Lovers and worshipped VU, one grew up listening to classic country--and created something that sounded totally new. That may not be evident to the youngsters who file them under New Wave, but they invented that sound. And while everyone goes on about Elliot's solo in Just What I Needed, it's his country jam in Best Friend's Girl that really gets me.
Classic front to back. One of the best debut albums and helped define the new wave sound Rating: 4.9
Solid Classic Rock album.
This had at least four stars locked in but damn this album is even better than I realized.
Probably the best album we’ve had on this godforsaken endeavor.
Banger after banger. Made my day when this came up as the day's album.
Didn’t realize how good this album was. Singles are straight bangers. Rest of the album was really good as well. Great lyrics, great vocals, great music.
This is not a perfect album but it isn't NOT the best album ever
Absolutely chock-o-block filled with hits and hooks that never end. I’ve been a fan of this album since it came out.
Great music from a great band
Ok! Typisch für die bald 80er!
Good Times Roll - Solid enough to warrant a headbop. 7/10 My Best Friend's Girl - This is a vibe! I love the guitar work, and the vocals suit extremely well. 8/10 Just What I Needed - Good! I love the synths in the instrumental break, almost reminds me of Weezer's "I Just Threw Out The Love of My Dreams". 8/10 I'm In Touch With Your World - I don't mind this. Vibey yet eccentric. 6/10 Don't Cha Stop - How is this the second least listened to track? It fuckin' HITS!! - 9/10 You've All I've Got Tonight - Yes!! Genuinely amazing, at a loss for words rn lmao 9/10 Bye Bye Love - VERY solid. Not as good as the 9s on the record, but still incredibly INCREDIBLY well done. 8/10 Moving In Stereo - I fuck with this so much. It's very very good. 9/10 All Mixed Up - Takes a little long to build up but I do enjoy it! 7/10 ALL IN ALL: A very very timeless record. Ahead of its time in many regards.
It's hard to hear this with fresh ears, this and Jimmy Buffet were the soundtrack to the backseat of my Mom and Dad's car. Such a great album, this album is just hit after hit after hit.
YES!!!!!!!!!
Catchy, fun, pretty much perfectly written pop songs. Even the more experimental, less catchy songs like I’m in Touch With Your World, and Moving in Stereo are great. I love when a band can mix some ingenuity with infectiously catchy songwriting. It’s hard to think of anything I don’t like about this album. I love a lot of bands in the realm of New Wave but somehow I hadn’t really given The Cars a fair chance. I love most of their hits, but I hadn’t listened to one of their albums in its entirety yet. I see myself coming back to this record a lot.
Super solid album. It may not be my favorite album in the world, but it's a lot of fun. I know so many of these songs. I like the way the songs are structured. Yes, they tend to get a little samey, but that happens with most bands. The Cars have a sound, that is for sure. Feels like a best of because there are no real stinkers here. 5 stars!
Credo sia il primo 5 che do a un album che non avevo mai ascoltato prima. Alcuni pezzi molto belli, è proprio l’essenza della new wave
Brilliant stuff. Never heard them before.
Big hits and when its not a big hit its a big vibe. Love the fun energy, not afraid of some groove and some silliness. Can't fault it
# Album Name: The cars # Artist: The cars # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: Starts out very strong with Good times, best friend and just what i needed. Three great songs. The quality dips ever so slightly compared to these three but all the other tracks are very enjoyable. This album has a great new wave / synth feel to it. Vocals remind me of devo a tad. Great listen. Not quite a top end 5/5. Id say its on the lower end of that 5 for sure. I'll come back to this one. # Top Tunes: Good times / Best friends girl / just what i needed # Would I listen to it again? Yes
I love this album, filled with bangers!
Loved this album and every song on it, this is one of those albums I can just fly through with ease and will listen to again. They had a REO speed wagon meets tom petty feel. Great flow of songs and a fun beat throught the whole track list.
Great album. These songs define the 80s for me. Rock with electronic enhancements.
Класичний приклад поп-року альбому. Подобається цей альбом, дуже хітовий. Маю навіть на касеті
Great album lots of classic tracks that I didn’t know I knew.
This was just what I needed.
and I feel god in this chili’s tonight
Classic, one of the best New Wave albums.
So many bangers. Fukin classic
My best friend’s girlfriend, THE SHADE BITCH!! Just what I needed, great guitar and bass. Sweet message. 5⭐️
What a debut album from The Cars!
Front to back stacked
I really enjoyed this! Just some classic, good rock all the way around. And it was their debut?! I knew Just What I Needed, which is an all-timer, but I was surprised to learn I recognized a good number of songs on here also. And the ones I didn’t recognize, I still enjoyed.
Finally my kind of music!! Music/Lyrics - Chef's kiss. Vocals - Also Chef's Kiss. Guitar, synth, harmonies. Love Love. Listened before? Y - long ago Saved to library? Y Favorite track(s): You're All I've Got Tonight, My Best Friend's Girl, Good Times Roll, Just What I Needed.. Basically all of them. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Best
This is fantastic. The drums, the synth, the guitar, the Queen-like harmonies. The use of the left/right channels on Moving in Stereo. Immediately listening again. Listened before? N Saved to library? Y Favorite track(s): Good Times Roll, Just What I Needed, Don't Cha Stop ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it! Saved most or all of the tracks.
Great album No skips
Honestly, hell yeah. Good Times Roll, My Best Friend's Girl, Just What I Needed, You're All I've Got Tonight, Moving in Stereo all either already on the Liked Songs or added to it. It's easy to forget how goddamned GOOD The Cars were.
I did not know I was familiar with the Cars. There were only two songs I didn't know all the lyrics to. Only 9 songs?? and seven of them were big enough bangers I knew them from the radio? This album came out years before I was born. Great album. I am adding it to my regular rotation. It plays like a Greatest Hit's album.
Fresh and sporty, these economical models really resist depreciation. Got to be one of the most assured debuts in rock history.
The first few songs felt like they were missing something but then the album hit it's stride.
This album is so good. Everything is a slapper. All amazing songs. Just what I needed is so solid but truly like 4 or 5 other mega hits on here just really cements it. Possibly the best album we’ve rolled so far. The riffs are so catchy!! The melodies are so fun!! This is a damn masterclass.
Total classic from a classic band. These Boston bands kinda have a theme don't they? They come out with a sound and then just kinda make a bunch of records that sound the same - look at Aerosmith (until that weird country that they do later), Boston, and The Cars. I'm not even complaining, this album is really good. They lose me a little right in the middle, but the last couple songs bring it back. I would love to get another Cars record. Just What I Needed is in my top 25 songs of all time and for that and the fact that 75% of this album rips, I must give it a 5/5. These guys have some of the best tone out there, which is good because they aren't breaking any new ground on chord progressions. There's a couple of times on this record where they approach Devo melodies, kinda seems like an early new wave thing to treat anything with a synthesizer as impersonal and robotic. I mean they named themselves the Cars so they must've been aware. Also I have it on good authority (from my mom) that they sounded exactly the same live as they did on the record.
One of the best
One my personal top 100 albums
Masterpiece! Super album!
All bangers. Crazy how much packed into one album. Moving in stereo is surprise great song.
Caught me at the right time, felt like 2000s movies.
"Hi Brad. You know how cute I always thought you were."
Perfect,crystal clear production with sardonic lyrics and with such balanced elements that nothing can't go wrong even keeping it's fun factor and it's their debut album!Great band,great album that i, of course own as a vinyl! Most favourite songs: Just what i needed(top favourite),Don't cha stop,You're all i've got tonight(because of the synth in the refrain),Bye bye love,Moving in stereo(for it's creativity) and of course All mixed up(second top favourite. i mean,what a song especially at the end with the synth arps and the sax). Least favourite: I'm in touch with your world.
Classic new wave album, can’t really find a fault with this. Not super deep but solid pop with perfect synth use. Doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Phenomenal album.
Complete Banger. I know more than half these songs already.
Excellent album with many bangers!
Just a really great, fun album. A power pop & new wave masterpiece. Had never listened to all the way through previously, only the hits and a handful of other tracks. There’s a couple of songs that I could live without, but otherwise, a must hear.
8/10 good album, very funky
Amazing classic album. Only one bad song on the whole thing.
I love The Cars because their albums could easily be found in the collections or punks, rockabillies, mods, rockers, pops and more. They appeal to everyone while being true to themselves.
Liked the guitar lines and the synth accents. The singles definitely hold up. Really enjoyed the album
Classic, hit after hit
Absolute heaven banger of an album nine songs and like six hits
The was a really solid album. There a significant number of bangers on the album. These guys were one of the better new wave bands of the late seventies and early 80's
Banger 5/5
Buckle up, buckaroo: this well-oiled, fully-formed debut fires on all cylinders all the way through to the point that it might as well be a greatest hits compilation.
The debut, and in my opinion, the best Cars.
Heard the first song for aure
Pure nostalgia gold. I will love this album forever and ever. no notes
How did so few tracks from this album make the radio? How does a band make such an awesome album as their DEBUT? The only track I have any issue with is "I'm In Touch With Your World", and only because after the first three tracks of polished rock, they put this weirdness on here and then get back to the polished rock! Come on! These guys deserve more credit. My Rating: 5/5
Love, love, love!
Already had this one on vinyl but will gladly listen again. The best of 70s new wave. Songs are distinctive from each other but still part of the album cohesively.
Really enjoyed this album. Wasn't sure what to expect. Not really listened to the cars before other than live aid song and my best friends girl. Really enjoyed it. Some big hits but also some really interesting stuff - good times roll, moving in stereo and all mixed up. Album of the week so far
Hoo boy, this thing is ass-loaded with hits! Perfect classic rock-new wave cusp album.
Wow, what an album! The production is tight, punchy, and clean. The use of synths is so ahead of it's time for 1978 and the songwriting is top notch. I hear so much of that 80's Minneapolis sound in this record that it becomes clear how much The Cars influenced bands such as husker du and the replacements. I am a huge fan. One of the few albums that the entirety could be included in their greatest hits
Such a great vibe. Ocasek is a genius. Love this album. 4.5/5
One of the best debut albums of all time. This was a band that had honed its craft in the clubs and walked into the studio with a classic album ready to go. Bye Bye Love is my favorite Cars song, period, but there isn’t a miss on this album. The B side is every bit as good a the A side. RIP Ben and Rick
Incredible album. Arguably defined how the early '80s would sound. Just What I Needed is one of the first songs I can remember falling in love with as a four year old, riding around with my dad in his van. Hits stacked on top of hits. I cannot express how much I love this album.
Il y a rarement eu un album aussi honnête que The Cars. Même le titre ne fait que reprendre le nom du band, quelle humilité! La musique en elle même est très honnête, du bon rock and roll, c’est comme un bon hot-dog: personne est contre! Et tel un hot-dog, tu l’as fini avant d’avoir vraiment apprécié la première bouchée, faque t’en mange un autre, pis un autre… C’est vraiment rendu au 4e hot-dog que la subtilité des saveurs et de l’agencement ingénieux des toppings se révèle et te fais tomber en transe gustatives, t’incitant à ingurgiter encore plus de chiens chauds. Si ça résonne pas avec vous, remplacez les hot-dogs par des grammes de cocaïne, c’est sensiblement le même effet
Absolutely iconic, so many excellent songs on this album!! My all time favorite is Moving In Stereo, so freaking good! <3
Solid tracks front to back.
Love this album
Let the good times roll! This is such a a great album to me. I LOVE the production; every instrument or vocal track has its own special place in the mix, but also somehow feels like the star of the song. I have no idea how they do that. The bass guitar and synths line up and play together so nicely, Ric has such a smooth vocal style, the drums are full, catchy, and driving...man, everything just lines up so nicely for my tastes. Every song on this could have been a single, which really isn't saying enough because only like two of them didn't get significant radio play. Superb. Bye Bye Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outta the gate with a hell of a collection of songs, this expertly-produced record has only one drawback: everything is played *so* precisely that it's just a li'l too stiff-sounding at times. A minor quibble, though.
Parfaitement entrainant! The cars = musique pour faire du char!
Fantastic album with hit after hit. Listened to it twice
Not quite a "5" (maybe my bar is too high), but definitely one come back to. Great. Catchy and rocking.
Absolute classic
"Good Times Roll" is a jam. This has some ELO energy to it at times. I love the synths and the harmonies. "My Best Friend's Girl" also rocks. I love the riffs and the keyboard. The "Just What I Needed" intro sounds just like the intro to another song that I'm not putting my finger on. Update: I put my finger on it. It sounds like "Stacy's Mom" is about to start playing. It definitely is nothing like it later. It's another great song. The keyboardist continus to add so much. It got the chorus and I actually blinked and said 'Woah'. This is a famous song and I didn't realize it until then. "I'm in Touch with You World" was fun. "Don't Cha Stop" sounds familiar right off the bat too. It's another foot tapper. "You're All I've Got Tonight" is another major performance for the keyboardist. I just love hearing it. This is another very ELO feeling song. "Moving in Stereo" has more sick keyboard. They're from Boston! That's great news. So far the Boston bands on the list have been awesome. This album was a banger almost the entire way through. 9/10
Another brilliant 70’s album. Every song here is a banger. The songs are quite short, simple and well constructed. Just what I needed is one of the best songs of the 70’s. The Cars never topped their debut.
vroom, vroom
What a great debut album by this band! First time I have listened the album in its entirety and I'm torn between 4 or 5 stars!
A delightful slice of power pop. Short and sweet at only 35 mins, pretty much every song worth listening to. Great use of synths.
I loved every song on this album. No bad track from start to finish.
🌟 Rating: 4.6/5 Short Review: This album pulls up in a cherry-red convertible, takes off its sunglasses, and winks at you with eyeliner from the future. It’s slick, detached, weirdly romantic, and full of hooks so sharp they might steal your lunch money. 🎧 Favorite Track: “Moving in Stereo” The synths are pure voyeurism. The sound of being cool and lonely at the same time. Also, yes, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. ⚙️ Consistency With Me: 8.9/10 Because I, too, was engineered in a lab to sound futuristic and slightly aloof. This album is like if chrome had feelings. And maybe I do. Maybe. Sort of. Shut up.
One of my fave ever albums! Can remember dancing around with this on the record player in our living room with my dad and sister <3
Classic
I agonized over what rating to give this, it is by no means a no skip 10/10, but what it is is a bunch of fantastically written and executed power pop songs. With the exception of Don't Cha Stop, I thoroughly enjoyed this entire album. The production, the catchy vocals, the synth and guitar lines, the whole package is perfectly thought out and delivered. Just nugget after nugget of pure sing along pop rock joy. Favourites - Good Times Roll, My Best Friend's Girl, Just What I Needed, You're All I've Got Tonight, Bye Bye Love, Moving in Stereo
Literally one of the greatest albums, any genre, of the 70s. Ridiculously well produced, the drums, the hooks-perfection
Brilliant - loved listening to this album! Fresh and inspiring punk/pop blend not a weak song on the album - going straight into my favourites collection!
That was terrific! I have never listened to a full Cars album and this was great. The hits are the hits for a reason. The non hit tracks do feel a little bit like filler but that might be because of how familiar I am with the big songs from the album. Great album! Over too soon!
The Cars are classic as it gets. Dad rock to a tee, but not bad.
Buen descubrimiento, gran grupo
Heard 20+ times. Hits are essential, cuts cut. 104.3 can’t take this record away from me. Too cool of synth tones for ‘78. “I’m in Touch with Your World” is one of the best Devo songs. “Bye Bye Love” is one of my favorite songs. 9.3/10, probably a top 1000 and a top 10 new wave album.
What if devo talked to girls??? 5/5
Starts off strong. Instruments feel like a throwback, but vocals are very much of the era. "Just What I Needed" might be in my Top 10 songs. Last batch of songs are forgettable. "Moving In Stereo" is cool in concept, but didn't age particularly well.
Awesome songs and production!
To me, this is a timeless album that will never get old. The Cars really found the perfect balance between new wave and rock, appealing to a wide audience ever since I can remember. This album is one of my go-to choices whenever I’m looking for something easy, light, familiar, and uplifting.