The Cars'1978 self-titled debut,
issued on the Elektra label, is a genuine rock masterpiece.
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 to this day. 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 band leader/songwriter Ric Ocasek's
supreme pop sensibilities, and you had an album that appealed to new wavers, rockers,
and Top 40 fans. 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. With flawless performances,
songwriting and production (courtesy of Queen alumni Roy Thomas Baker, the Cars' debut
remains one of rock's all-time classics. |