The Cars debut released

The Cars The Cars

Released: June 6, 1978 Peak: 18 US, 29 UK, 50 CN, 35 AU Sales (in millions): 6.0 US, 0.06 UK, 6.28 world (includes US and UK) Genre: classic rock/new wave

Tracks: Song Title (Writers) [time] (date of single release, chart peaks) Click for codes to singles charts. Good Times Roll [3:44] (3/17/79, 41 US, 60 CB, 70 HR, 2 CL, 7 CO, 74 CN) My Best Friend’s Girl [3:44] (10/21/78, 35 US, 44 CB, 39 HR, 2 CL, 4 CO, 3 UK, 55 CN, 67 AU) Just What I Needed [3:44] (6/17/78, 27 US, 24 CB, 28 HR, 1 CL, 2 CO, 17 UK, 38 CN, 96 AU) I’m in Touch with Your World [3:31] Don’t Cha Stop [3:01] You’re All I’ve Got Tonight [4:13] (5 CL, 26 CO) Bye Bye Love [4:14] (4 CL, 12 CO) Moving in Stereo (Hawkes/ Ocasek) [5:15] (5 CL, 6 CO) All Mixed Up [4:14] (10 CL, 33 CO) Songs written by Ric Ocasek unless noted otherwise. Total Running Time: 35:11 The Players: Ric Ocasek (vocals, rhythm guitar) Benjamin Orr (bass, vocals) Elliot Easton (guitar, backing vocals) Greg Hawkes (keyboards, percussion, backing vocals, saxophone on “All Mixed Up”) David Robinson (drums, percussion, backing vocals)

Rating: 4.176 out of 5.00 (average of 24 ratings) Quotable: “An album that appealed to new wavers, rockers, and Top 40 fans.” – Greg Prato, All Music Guide Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

About the Album: “The Cars’ 1978 self-titled debut…is a genuine rock masterpiece.” GP “American art-rock was often stilted and lacking in humor until the New Wave arrived. Liberated by the influence of the Velvet Underground, Roxy Music and punk-era fellow travelers like Blondie and Suicide, the Cars methodically linked hookiness (enough to produce three hit singles and several other FM favorites from this debut album) and at least one raised eyebrow.” RW “Whereas most bands of the late ‘70s embraced either punk/new wave or hard rock, the Cars were one of the first bands to do the unthinkable – merge the two styles together. Add to it bandleader/songwriter Ric Ocasek’s supreme pop sensibilities, and you had an album that appealed to new wavers, rockers, and Top 40 fans.” GP “If charm wasn't their aim, the fact is, it’s undeniable.” RW “One of the most popular new wave songs ever, Just What I Needed, is an obvious highlight, as are such familiar hits as Good Times Roll, My Best Friend's Girl, and You're All I’ve Got Tonight. But like most consummate rock albums, the lesser-known compositions are just as exhilarating – Don't Cha Stop, Bye Bye Love, All Mixed Up, and Moving in Stereo, the latter featured as an instrumental during a steamy scene in the popular movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” GP “The band jokingly referred to the album as their ‘true greatest-hits album,’ but it's no exaggeration – all nine tracks are new wave/rock classics, still in rotation on rock radio.” GP “The result still plays as a rock & roll classic.” RW “With flawless performances, songwriting, and production (courtesy of Queen alumni Roy Thomas Baker), the Cars’ debut remains one of rock’s all-time classics.” GP Notes: A 1999 reiusse added a disc of demos.

Resources and Related Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for The Cars GP Greg Prato, All Music Guide RW Rickey Wright, Amazon.com WK Wikipedia Other Related DMDB Pages: First posted 2/26/2008; last updated 8/28/2021.