The #75 Album of All-Time in the Rock Era--"The Cars" by the Cars

Hard to believe we have already featured 25 albums.


The Cars was the self-titled debut album by the band from Boston. 

Nearly all the tracks on the album have received considerable airplay--it's a gem.  "Just What I Needed", "Good Times Roll" and "My Best Friend's Girl" were the singles.  None reached the top ten, which is more a reflection of poor chart methodology than anything, for album sales hit the roof as a result.  The album reached platinum status by 
the end of the year.



  

This album only peaked at #18 but did have 139 weeks on the chart (or nearly three years).  It's strength is its longevity.  The album's sales have actually gotten stronger over the years instead of weaker.  The Cars has now reached six million and it has an outstanding Track Record* of 9.11.  Huge airplay that has also gotten stronger over the years has helped the album.  Whereas at the time it got airplay from Top 40 and AOR stations, the album now also gets huge airplay from Classic Rock stations, and not just the singles but a number of tracks on the album.  "Just What I Needed", "Good Times Roll" and "My Best Friend's Girl" are staples on any station that calls itself a rock station.  But so are "Bye Bye Love", "Dont Cha Stop" and "You're All I've Got Tonight".  Those six tracks are largely responsible for the high Track Record; the other three are OK but not great.


The Cars were nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards for their work on the debut album.

The Cars:
Side One

1. "Good Times Roll" – 3:44
2. "My Best Friend's Girl" – 3:44
3. "Just What I Needed – 3:44
4. "I'm in Touch with Your World" – 3:31
5. "Don't Cha Stop" – 3:01

Side Two

1. "You're All I've Got Tonight" – 4:13
2. "Bye Bye Love" – 4:14
3. "Moving in Stereo" (Greg Hawkes, Ocasek) – 4:41
4. "All Mixed Up" – 4:14

The Cars are:  Ric Ocasek on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Benjamin Orr on bass and lead vocals, Elliot Easton on lead guitar and backing vocals and Greg Hawkes, playing keyboards, saxophone and percussion and singing backing vocals.  David Robinson plays drums and percussion on the album as well.

Geoff Workman recorded and engineered the project at AIR Studios in London in February of 1978.  Roy Thomas Baker was the producer, the album was arranged By the Cars and mastered by George Marino.  It was released June 6, 1978 on Elektra Records.

The Cars come in at #75--