Those first two albums are brilliant! Greatest Hits albums all on their own. Candy-O has long been my favorite, probably because it's one I grew up with a and had as a kid.
I've been looking forward to this ranking for a long time. The Cars are one of my all time favorite bands. I love all the albums, but the first three are very special. Candy-O is my personal favorite, with the debut a close second, and "Panorama" third, "Shake It Up" fourth, "Heartbeat City" firth, "Door To Door" sixth, and "Move Like This" seventh. BTW 2007s "The New Cars" is worth a listen.
This is my ranking the The Cars' albums 1. Panorama 2. The Cars 3. Shake It Up 4. Heartbeat City 4a. Candy-O 5. Door To Door 6. Move Like This Comments... "Panorama" is one of those records I can't put into words as to why it's my Number 1. Every track on it pulls me completely into the world that album creates. I'm not in the listening room when that entire record is being played. It's mystic from the first track to the last. I own over a thousand CD's and that one is my Number 1 favorite album of all time. "Move Like This" is surprisingly good but Benjamin Orr is clearly missing, hence at times, it's a bit too bitter sweet. Hence, it's one of those records that I have to be in the right most of to play it through, but I will say that The Cars did a very good job with "Move Like This" despite the loss of Benjamin Orr. The Cars probably should have made that album in the mid-to-late '90's when Orr was alive and healthy. The Cars without Orr is like the Eagles without Glenn Frey but I digress... "Door To Door" isn't their best record but it's not a failure either. I like all but one song from that album. In some ways it kinda reminds me of the "Panorama" album. "Heartbeat City" was an album I got on cassette back in '84 and it was the very first album I could ever listen to every track at that time, so it's a sentimental favorite of mine as well as a very good record, though "You Might Think" & "Magic" has been played past death to the point that they are now zombie songs that I tend to avoid. The rest of that album is fantastic. As for "Candy-O" it has always struck me as an album of legalized chaos which is why it's ranked 4a...it's too good to be ranked 5th but not quite there as a number 3 on my list but it is still a very, very good record... so 4a it is! As for 2 and 3 they speak for themselves on their own immense merit however, I have zero issues with the amount of synth regarding a few songs on the "Shake It Up" album as it's Greg Hawkes having his fun in a Car-ish way because he's Greg Hawkes...which for me is quite fantastic in an 80's kind of way, but that's just me. This was a very good video, it's nice to see The Cars being the focus. Probably my all-time favorite band.
The Cars were a huge part of my high school ('78-'82) and college soundtrack. Their last album, "Move Like This", is really good and fits right in with their earlier stuff.
Those were my college years too! They absolutely ruled the airwaves and they seemed like the coolest band looking at the albums. Such a different world back then, eh ?
Finally you are doing the Cars, my favorite band, believe it or not, my 100 million fictions friends! , they really aren't as appreciated as they should be but what a great listen. Thank you guys!
And my ranking and Panorama is an underrated masterpiece! 1. Panorama 2. The Cars 3. Candy-O 4. Panorama 5. Shake it Up 6. Move Like This 7. Heartbeat City 8. Door to Door
Love the Cars. Their music was a big part of my youth in between the hard rock and metal music. Thanks for doing this episode! Love Pete’s dogs photo bombs!
the first album from the cars is one of those i can perfectly remember when i bought it in 1980 in paris and i was just 13 years old ....and still love it
I bought the first four on vinyl as they came out. My ranking: 1. Candy-O 2. The Cars 3. Panorama 4. Shake It Up 5. Heartbeat City 6. Door to Door I've never heard Move Like This...
The Cars are legendary when it comes to new wave and Ric Ocasek and Ben Orr will be missed. Here would be my ranking for the Cars: 7. Door to Door 6. Move Like This 5. Heartbeat City 4. Panorama 3. Shake It Up 2. Candy-O 1. Self-titled
Skipped the Cars as a teen as well, living in Boston they were constantly on the radio and I felt bombarded by them (Like Pete mentioned) I got into them later on though and now I know the albums inside out.
Great timing on this video, as I just recently became a fan of The Cars. You guys did an awesome job as always but I was sad that you didn't like the song "Heartbeat City" because it's easily my favorite from them.
Does anyone else hear an influence of The Cars in a lot of The Killers' songs? Both great power pop - just about enough guitar, plenty of keyboard textures and catchy as hell choruses. So how about a bit of love for The Killers on SoT? Always loved The Cars since back in the late Seventies with Just What I Needed and My Best Friend's Girl. And Drive was one of 'our' songs for myself and my partner Rachel in our early days together, and always brought a tear to my eye after it was played at Live Aid.
I had all their albums back then. Loved some more than others but they are all great. The first time I heard them was in a record shop when the first album hit. I couldn't believe what I was hearing sounded so original. It was like hearing music from another planet. You really had to be there to grasp their originality back then.
My personal favorite now is Panorama. What an incredible album, I can't stop listening to it, especially the deluxe with the extra tracks. Shooting for You totally surprised me.
In the summer of 1978, I was between my junior and senior years of high school. There was a hole-in-the-wall bar that was basically the hang out for seniors at my high school (mostly guys). That summer was when my class could start going to the bar. Of course most of us were not yet 18, but it didn't matter, it was now our bar (it was definitely a different time back then). The bar had a juke box and there was just a handful of songs that would play and all of us would sing along as loud as we could. One of those songs was Just What I Needed and because of that, the song is my favorite song by The Cars. Of course, the debut album is my favorite album of The Cars and easily in my top 20 albums of all time.
My ranking of Cars albums from best (#1) to fair (#6): 1. Panorama 2. The Cars & Candy-O (Tie!) 3. Shake It Up 4. Move Like This (Back to The Cars sound) 5. Heartbeat City (Good but leaning toward arena rock) 6. Door To Door (I can take it or leave it)
I rode my bike to the Kmart at 14, went in and took some leaf raking money and picked up the Candy-O album. Took it to the check out. The lady looked at it, and said "Son, you are not old enough to buy this album." What? It's all over the radio!! Let's Go, there is nothing "adult" about that. No she said, look at the cover!!! I couldn't believe it. Got it at a record dealer a couple weeks later.. Loved the Cars, so much fun, saw this twice in the early 80's. I think Elliot Easton is a very underrated guitarist.
I may be one of the only people who ranks Door to Door as my favorite Cars album. Next in line is Heartbeat City followed by the first album. As I recall, I had tickets to see the Cars in support of their Door to Door album, but the show was cancelled, supposedly due to lack of ticket sales. I was surprised because Heartbeat City was enough of a success that I figured it would help carry the Door to Door tour.
I was glad to see you guys do this ranking. I’m in the same age group as you guys and I always preferred heavier music but you’re right, The Cars we’re always there, you couldn’t avoid them. I bought all of their albums back in the day and they were one of those bands that didn’t really fit into my usual tastes but I love them.My ranking is 7. Move Like This 6. Heartbeat City 5. Door to Door 4. Panorama 3. Shake it Up 2. Candy-O 1. The Cars.
Change No Change in 1985, weird mix of styles. I don't think the songs are that great. On the other hand there are some bonus tracks from another Easton project called Band of Angels (they never officially released anything) & those aren't bad - more bluesy in style & features more of his guitar
On the deluxe vinyl edition of Candy-O inside the gatefold it has the original photo sessions of the album cover with a real model lying on the hood of a car before they went with the much better drawing that now appears on the cover, take a look when you get a chance very interesting.
The Cars is a band that is like a hit and miss for me. I really like my top 2. So here is my ranking. #7-Panorama #6-Door to Door #5- Shake it Up #4- Move Like This #3- Heartbeat City #2- Candy-O #1- The Cars I really like the Candy-O album but since my favorite cars song is on first album I had to go for it for #1 spot. Moving In Stereo is my fav song and a very special thank you to Phoebe Cates for being so damn hot and showing the goods during this song in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. That is forever etched in my brain. Whenever I hear that song come on she is the first thing I think of. Good show guys
A good ranking . I have always liked the contributions that Greg Hawkes brings to their music with his keyboards . Always inventive . And , of course , Elliott Easton's guitar work is stellar . Here's my list in order of preference : Heartbeat City ( (t's Not the Night is my favourite Cars track ) The Cars Candy - O Shake it Up Move Like This Panorama Door to Door . Cheers !
I bought Panorama in the fall of 1980 soon after it was released. I listened to it once and put it away. Later as the 80's wore on I had this song stuck in my head, It was a Cars song , yet I couldn't remember what album was it from. It was "You Wear Those Eyes" from Panorama. So I dragged out the LP and listened to it and fell in love with it. Panorama demands more from the listener than any of the other Cars albums. It is that good. Looking for Top 40? Move on. It's not here.
"Great Topic" always love The Cars, I still have the "Candy O" album and bought the album back in 79 when I was a young 18 year old getting ready to graduate from high school. "Candy O" will always be my favorite album, and I agree with you Pete, the late great Benjamin Orr, to me was "The Cars"
1. THE CARS (1978) 2. CANDY-O (1979) 3. SHAKE IT UP (1981) 4. PANORAMA (1980) 5. HEARTBEAT CITY (1984) 6. DOOR TO DOOR (1987) Never heard the comeback record, save for the one single. It seemed pretty loud and slightly contrived, so I just didn't get it. Anyway, I sure DID buy THE CARS albums when I was young, and to this day, I tout Elliott Easton as one of the best lead players of all time. So at 12 years old in 1978, (already way into rock 'n roll), I bought the great debut LP at Two Guy's Record Dept. and very obviously loved it straight away. This record is one of the truly great albums of the late 70s without a weak moment in tow! I genuinely love "every song" Bought the also fantastic "CANDY-O" in 1979, and loved that just as much or even more on certain days (chock full of ultra catchy brilliance!) And the triple shot of Double Life/Shoo-Be-Do/Candy-O is one of the great recorded moments of the Cars' career And then that awesome triumvirate is followed by the catchy, badass "Nightspots" featuring a deadly combo of Hawkes and Easton driving the power of this song in unison! 1979's CANDY-O is a killer! Best jacket too. PANORAMA was a slight let down in 1980, but still included great tracks like "Gimmie Some Slack," "Touch and Go," "Down Boys" and the quirky but epic Title Track. Overall, (and again, at the time), I accepted it just fine as a darker, slightly quirkier new wave leaning effort. Different, and not nearly as good as the first two, but I still have a mild soft spot for it. And again, 4 quite strong tracks that draw you in, and a few other middling decents. SHAKE IT UP (1981) seemed like a bit of a step up and quasi-return to form. From the highly enjoyable Title Track, to the excellent "Since You're Gone," "I'm Not The One," "Victim of Love" and "Cruiser" (literally the whole of Side One) you've got a very good listen on your hands. Side Two is good, but decidedly weaker. Still a solid Cars record for sure, with a cool cover and an excellent side one. After this, The Cars became too much of an "MTV darling" for my taste. Mutt Lange is sometimes a bad choice too (unless you're into the balls and original essence of a band getting ripped out for the sake of pleasing the masses and raking in extra cashe.) Now, I know HEARTBREAK CITY is a "popular album," but I didn't really go for the hits (especially "You Might Stink," with it's stupid bee video, and then the annoying & pretty childish "Magic" and "Hello Again") This stuff doesn't measure up with the brilliance of the first 2 albums. No way. I ranked HC at #5, because I recognize it as a well done album, it's just not my thing and ridiculously overrated. And Pete was being kind about "DOOR TO DOOR" Other than 'Strap Me In' (which isn't all "that" great to begin with), there isn't much to recommend . The single "You Are The Girl" is nice, but overall it is indeed a BLAND, kinda non-Cars album. If you like this one best, it means you're just more into middling to lame, later 80s pop...not "THE CARS" Can't really blame it though. By 1987, rock n roll was about as watered down as it gets. (i.e. I really don't like G'nR at all, but they were needed in '87, because most of "rock" was just lame and ballsless.) Door To Door is a good example of how overt mid 80s lameless had filtered into groups like The Cars as well. * Btw, LOVE your dogs, Pete! Still sad thing about Mya, but great to hear the more often "vocals" in the background now! 🐶 *Oh, and you'll never get "Kiss hate" here, so long as it's 1973-1983. After that, yeah, screw that fluff stuff. But 70s KISS? Please...Iconic, legendary, awesome!!
Maybe it’s for sentimental reasons, Heartbeat City will always be my favorite, but it’s neck and neck with the debut. I even loved Door To Door. Once Ben passed, I never paid attention to the last 2.
I was in grade 8 in 1979 and the Cars ruled the radio and even at school. I have fallen in love with them seeing thier older live videos from the first 5 albums.
Here in the UK The Cars were never as big as they were in the US despite My Best Friend's Girl, Just What I Needed, and Drive being hits the albums were just a modest success! Ric alluded to the bands relative lack of success in the UK to not touring there and he may have a point! Panorama is an album that divides fans but I love it's darker tone and despite a couple of fillers, Getting Through and Up And down it is a record I adore and never tire of. I probably play Panorama more than the debut but you can't deny the first albums overall quality and iconic status. A few years back The Cars albums were issued on CD with bonus songs, just a year or two after the boxset Pete mentioned, and some of those songs would've improved some of the albums. 1. The Cars 2. Panorama 3. Candy O 4. Heartbeat City 5. Shake It Up 6. Move Like This 7. Door To Door
Agree with you here in UK. Drive was used movingly as the back track to the CBC film of the tragic Ethiopian Famine shown on the Live Aid transmission. I forever afterwards associated it with that. Three great singles but Drive is something special.
All Mixed Up my favourite track as well…..I remember 1978 as a 17 yr old when Cars 1 came out ….it was a fresh new sound , awesome collection of tunes !…indeed….agreed, one of the best debuts of all time…
I thought You Are the Girl was a bit cheesy back in '87 as a first single, but I love it today. Strap Me In is among my favorite Cars songs ever. Double Trouble and title track are killer. Leave or Stay, Ta Ta Wayo Wayo, and Coming Up You - all old songs in '87 but properly recorded here for the first time, and they're great, too. Outside of Heartbeat City's hits, I really think Door to Door is the better album. I love the direction they were headed in. Ric finally started to allow David to play some live drums in the studio again. And Elliot is finally ripping guitar solos on multiple songs like the old days.
@@miaajaniss Back in '89 as a 15 year old, Door to Door WAS my favorite Cars album. It's since slipped to #4, but will never fall lower. I believe I'll always like it more than both Heartbeat City and Shake It Up. In my opinion, Move Like This is a Ric solo record, and I don't really count it. Had The Cars reformed in 1993 (and they almost did), THAT would've been something! Ben failed to show up to a band rehearsal, and I guess that was that.
I think it's their 'best of the worst' & since they only had 7 studio albums that would make it my #5. Then again I might be talked into a three-way tie with Shake It Up & Heartbeat City which I guess technically would put it 'in the middle of the pack'. Panorama & Move Like This sit at the bottom for me...
I agree with the comment that Elliot Easton was the star attraction for the Cars. He's one of the most underrated lead guitarists of the 1980s, in my opinion. Overshadowed by extended soloists like Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson, and Stevie Ray Vaughan (to name just a few), Elliot excelled at the 'micro solo' - those 30 seconds-or-less solos that are overflowing with originality and tastefulness. Listen to the solo on 'Shake It Up', or 'Tonight She Comes', for God's sake. But every now and then he would do a long solo, one lasting 45 seconds or more and you really get an appreciation of his virtuosity. Need proof? Listen to his solo on 'Touch and Go'. Utter perfection. It's Elliot's lead break that takes it from being a good song to a great song.
My least to favourite list: *7)* Door to Door *6)* Move To This *5)* Heartbreak City *4)* Paromana *3)* Candy-O *2)* Shake It Up *1)* The Cars *Unhornorable mention:* *6)* The New Cars - Alive! (Would rank this album #6 on my list) Why *Door to Door* failed?? People was expecting *Heartbreak City II* instead of *Candy-O meets Paromana.*
The Cars is one of my top 10 bands of all time, so here's my list: 1. The Cars 2. Heartbeat City 3. Door to Door 4. How's the Weather (by Milkwood, the band where Ric Ocasek and Ben Orr were before The Cars, this album is a masterpiece) 5. Shake It Up 6. Candy-O 7. Panorama 8. Move Like This (the only album, that I don't really love)
Been wondering when this one was going to come up! Heartbeat City has a special place in my heart because that was the first one I bought of their catalog when I was like 10. Here is my ranking. Cheers boys! 1. The Cars (Debut) 2. Heartbeat City 3. Candy-o 4. Shake It Up 5. Panorama 6. Door to Door 7. Move Like This
I have been a looong time CARS fan, since late 1978. Saw them on the Panorama & on the Heartbeat City Tours. My Ranking is as Follows: 7. Door to Door | 6. Panorama | 5. Move Like This | 4. Shake It up | 3. Heartbeat City | 2. Candy -O | 1. Cars (their debut)
New subscriber here, I found you after watching a Wishbone Ash reaction and your video where you rated their studio albums came up. Loved it, so now I'm seeing this video. The Cars are my second favorite band of all time, right behind The Beatles. With that being said, I've done a lot of research on them. You were questioning why Ric started singing lead on more of their songs...here's the truth of what happened: When they first started out, Ric and Ben were best friends and started the group Milkwood, which had one album. Then they tried as a duo called Ocasek and Orr, something along the lines of Simon and Garfunkel. Next, they started another band called Richard and the Rabbits. Then changed the name to Cap'n Swing, then drummer David Robinson came up with The Cars. When MTV hit the airwaves, they wanted Ric to be the face of The Cars because they felt that his quirky looks and voice were more suited for the "New Wave" explosion which was happening. Ric then started putting Ben in the background, and even more so when Mutt Lange came along and said that Ric should sing the majority of the songs since he wrote them. The Heartbeat City album was when the cracks in Ben and Ric's friendship started to appear. Ben is my favorite vocalist of all time. Don't get me wrong, some of their earlier songs that Ric sings that I love are Take What You Want and Dangerous Type, but I've always preferred their songs with Ben as lead vocalist. The Cars broke up because Ric and Ben weren't getting along at all by 1987. But, it must be said that in 2000, the band reunited and did an interview which you can see here on yt, it was a few months before Ben died from pancreatic cancer. Ben and Ric hugged and made up, which brings a tear to my eyes just thinking about it. Now they are hopefully jamming together again in Rock and Roll Heaven. Sorry for the long winded post, just wanted to let yall know the history of the band. There's a book called "Let's Go", written by Joe Milliken about Ben and The Cars which I recommend for any fan of The Cars. Also, Ric wrote a song as a tribute to Ben in 2005 called "Silver." RIP Ben and Ric. 😥
Elliot Easton has always been one of my favorites. The solo to "Shake It Up" is so tasty and nasty. One of my all time favorites. Not including Move Like This ... 6) Door to Door 5) Panorama 4) Heartbeat City 3) Shake It Up 2) Candy O 1) Debut
I agree with Pete with “Strap me In” from Door to Door, just a great song. I was a late bloomer to it as I didn’t pay any attention at all to the album when it came out, I don’t think the band did either. “Tonight She Comes” off the greatest hits after Heartbeat City is also a great song. Elliot Easton, just a great guitarist with nothing but tasteful solos that went along with the song. He was the hidden gem of the band.
I appreciate The Cars, definitely a unique sound at the time. They could play, they could write, and they offered something different that was between hard rock and pop.
I am a Huge CARS fan since the first album...Ric wrote all the songs. He said they would both sing them and would decide if Ben would or he would sing a song himself...But he did admit "I knew if it needed a really good voice, it would go to Ben,"....and my ranking is very different from both of yours...goes like this....1. being my favorite.....1. The CARS (totally agree with you on "All mixed up") 2. Panorama (check out "the 3 song run on side 2 "Down boys, You wear those eyes, running to you"... 3. Move Like This (all killer, no filler...check out "I'm free" 4. Candy-O 5. Shake it up 6 Door to door 7. Heartbeat City
Great band. Candy O is my favourite album by the band but only just from the debut album. Both fantastic albums but the track "I'm in touch with your world" let's down the debut album a little 🏁🏁🏁🏁
I'm a big fan of Door to Door, it's probably between that and the debut, followed by Panorama, I think these albums are great showcase for Ben Orr's vocals,.hugely underrated as a singer I feel, I wish Ric gave him more to sing on each album, love Ric too
This is interesting .... I have a contrary to most people rankings .... #7. Move Like This (2011) #6. Door To Door (1987) #5. Panorama (1980) #4. Shake It Up (1981) #3. The Cars (1978) #2. Heartbeat City (1984) #1. Candy-O (1979)
Cars is one of the all time great. Candy O is my favorite but the first album is the best for sure. I got the vinyl version of that box. But sprung for the MFSL version of the big albums.
I've always loved the debut album, to the point to where it became my favorite album, but I only know the hits past that. Since Christmas, I've went back and listened to it, and candy O multiple times, daily, really soaking it all in. Im excited to get into the later stuff, and see what I love, and what I really just don't like. I too, find myself gravitating towards the Benjamin Orr stuff, after having a hard time telling them apart myself (sometimes I still do, but I generally know what I'm looking for now.) With all that being said, I think candy o may be my favorite album, but the debut will be the one I'll always love, with all mixed up being my favorite cars song.....when it's not dangerous type
THE CARS FOREVER.... I WAS LUCKY TO SEE THEM TWICE BACK IN THE EARLY 80's @ THE US FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 1982 FOR THE SHAKE IT UP TOUR AND IN 1984 FOR THE HEARTBEAT CITY TOUR @ THE LA FORUM.
The first two albums are unbeatable. Panorama and the final album are also faves. Move Like This I really liked, despite no Ben. It’s missing Elliot’s guitar solos though.
I’m a huge Cars fan born in 96’, that being said my favorite albums are: Self titled debut: that album is great, save maybe All Mixed Up (which isn’t awful but yeah) Candy-O: great record Heartbeat City: more poppy but still undeniable tracks Shake it Up: title track is all I will say
Top 5 for me 1. Candy O 2. Heartbeat City 3. Panorama (criminally underrated) 4. Debut 5. Shake It Up. Candy O is their darkest if The Cars could be dark. Best part is Benjamin got a lot of lead duty. Title track with Shee Doo Bee lead in is so damn groovy. Love it.
Here in Germany the cars were a big number as well. What i really love are these very melodic little but fine guitar solo parts. Mit top three are: 1. The Cars - The Cars 2. Heartbeat City 3. Door To Door (Great mix and sound). If you like the cars you should listen to The Elevators- Frontline (1980) was a band that released 1 album only. But it´s worth a listen.
🌠 the 1st Cars Album is Also my favorite..bye bye/ moving in stereo tied 4 favorite song..Candy -o 2nd FAV album..in 2005 they did The New Cars with Elliot & Greg from the Cars & Todd Rundren , Kasim, Parrie Prince from (Todd 's band)🚗🚙🚓 good review..
I have that one, pretty new wave-ish. Wish it had more guitars. "Stay The Night" was the big hit. Pretty good songs, I like "In Circles", "When You're Gone", "Hold On" & "Skyline", "That's The Way" is the rocker
I thought Orr and Ocasek should've sang more songs together..Such as Since I Held You and Hotel Queenie...Sometimes 2 lead vocalists sound great together such as Waters + Gilmour,Mcvie + Buckingham, Olzon+ Hitela...
Excellent band. Short, tight discography. They sorta went a bit too 'pop' towards the end of their 80s run, but still notches above most 'pop'; but that early more rock oriented stuff is timeless.
My Rankings: 7: Panorama 6: Move Like This 5: Door to Door (The weakness on this album is the ballads on side two) 4: Heartbeat City 3: Shake it Up 2: Candy-O 1: The Cars I was laughing hard when Jack was mentioning Candy-O songs when meaning to talk about Panorama. "It's All I Can Do? Panorama? Hahahahaaaa!!!" 🤣
My ranking is below. I agree with you , Pete. Ben Orr was such the rock star. Great voice, magnetic stage presence. I've always thought the shifting to majority Ric vocals hurt them in the long run. At the time, I was also surprised 1987's "Door to Door" even got made as Ocasek and Orr both had had succesful solo albums the year before. 1. Candy-O 2. Cars "s/t" 3. Heartbeat City 4. Shake It Up 5. Move Like This 6.Panorama 7.Door To Door Any thoughts on the footnote that is the lone release from The New Cars in 2006? A weird melding of Utopia and the Cars with Todd Rundgren seemingly doing a Ric impression.
That’s a great box set, but doesn’t include one of their biggest hits, ‘Tonight She Comes’ from the Greatest Hits. Heartbeat City is my favorite; great album!
@@garyjoyce2160 up early doing house chores and prepping the living room for a few of Dante’s friends retro video game console party at noon. I will retreat to another room to watch the 49ers vs. Eagles game at noon pst lol. Regards, Sal.
@@garyjoyce2160 rooting for the 49ers as well. I feel it will be a close game ... my gut says the Eagles will win... may the best team today win. Will support the Eagles if they advance ... not a fan of KC or Cincy.
I don't consider the one w/o Orr a true Cars album..Orr is one of my 4 all time favorite singers along with Patty Smyth,Myles Goodwyn and Anette Olzon.
Great show guys. Can’t argue with any of your comments or rankings. The cars were a great band. I agree with Pete as it pertains to Ben Orr’s vocals. I never understood the shift to Ocasek as the dominant vocalist. It was the MTV era after all. and he was the guy dating the models and with the profile. Bye Bye Love, Candy-O, and Dangerous Type are my favorite songs.
Ben sings Candy-O, not Ric. I'll assume Pete just mispoke. I never thought the two vocalists sounded similar and never had any trouble telling them apart. Strange that you guys both said that a few times. My ranking would probably be in reverse chroniclogical order, with the debut being #1 by far. By the way, two of my all-time favorite guitar solos are Shake It Up and Bye Bye Love. Elliot rips it up.
I think that Moving in Stereo sliding seamlessly into All Mixed Up was a great combo and my favorites by the Cars.
I love how they recreated that on candy-o, with shoo be doo and the title track
@@matthewurban7031 not a fan of Shoo Be Doo. Too techno for my taste. But interesting mix from Double Life to Candy O.
Any Cars fan needs to check out Benjamin Orr's only solo album "The Lace". Such a great album, a real lost treasure.
...I have it on LP. It's '80s Pop, enjoyable.
Got it on LP and Cd, great voice, cool tunes
I love Orrs songs the best in the Cars
@@tracycampbell3060 "running to you" from Panorama is one of my faves, but they are all good.
I wouldn't call it great, not close. It has Stay the Night, the opening track and Hold On, but the rest are so so.
That debut will always be one of my favorite albums ever made!
You're All I've Got Tonight is such a beautiful song!
Hard for many to appreciate just how fresh the band sounded when they hit. Unique sound, specific lyrics musicianship …
They sure did. I remember it like yesterday. The Cars and Blondie Heart of Glass seemed to dominate our airwaves up here in Canada
Those first two albums are brilliant! Greatest Hits albums all on their own. Candy-O has long been my favorite, probably because it's one I grew up with a and had as a kid.
I absolutely love The Cars…there are no bad albums - even ‘Move Like This’ gets a lot of repeat spins by me.
I like "Move Like This" better than "Heartbeat City" or "Door To Door".
Elliott Easton is an excellent guitarist, really dug the first two growing up
Agreed Eric, Elliot's playing certainly elevates this band and all of the songs.
A band that really doesn’t have a bad album. One of my favorite bands of all time. Thanks for the ranking gents.
I've been looking forward to this ranking for a long time. The Cars are one of my all time favorite bands. I love all the albums, but the first three are very special. Candy-O is my personal favorite, with the debut a close second, and "Panorama" third, "Shake It Up" fourth, "Heartbeat City" firth, "Door To Door" sixth, and "Move Like This" seventh. BTW 2007s "The New Cars" is worth a listen.
This is my ranking the The Cars' albums
1. Panorama
2. The Cars
3. Shake It Up
4. Heartbeat City
4a. Candy-O
5. Door To Door
6. Move Like This
Comments...
"Panorama" is one of those records I can't put into words as to why it's my Number 1. Every track on it pulls me completely into the world that album creates. I'm not in the listening room when that entire record is being played. It's mystic from the first track to the last. I own over a thousand CD's and that one is my Number 1 favorite album of all time.
"Move Like This" is surprisingly good but Benjamin Orr is clearly missing, hence at times, it's a bit too bitter sweet. Hence, it's one of those records that I have to be in the right most of to play it through, but I will say that The Cars did a very good job with "Move Like This" despite the loss of Benjamin Orr. The Cars probably should have made that album in the mid-to-late '90's when Orr was alive and healthy. The Cars without Orr is like the Eagles without Glenn Frey but I digress...
"Door To Door" isn't their best record but it's not a failure either. I like all but one song from that album. In some ways it kinda reminds me of the
"Panorama" album.
"Heartbeat City" was an album I got on cassette back in '84 and it was the very first album I could ever listen to every track at that time, so it's a sentimental favorite of mine as well as a very good record, though "You Might Think" & "Magic" has been played past death to the point that they are now zombie songs that I tend to avoid. The rest of that album is fantastic.
As for "Candy-O" it has always struck me as an album of legalized chaos which is why it's ranked 4a...it's too good to be ranked 5th but not quite there as a number 3 on my list but it is still a very, very good record... so 4a it is!
As for 2 and 3 they speak for themselves on their own immense merit however, I have zero issues with the amount of synth regarding a few songs on the "Shake It Up" album as it's Greg Hawkes having his fun in a Car-ish way because he's Greg Hawkes...which for me is quite fantastic in an 80's kind of way, but that's just me.
This was a very good video, it's nice to see The Cars being the focus. Probably my all-time favorite band.
The Cars were a huge part of my high school ('78-'82) and college soundtrack. Their last album, "Move Like This", is really good and fits right in with their earlier stuff.
Those were my college years too! They absolutely ruled the airwaves and they seemed like the coolest band looking at the albums. Such a different world back then, eh ?
"It's All I Can Do" is such a killer song. So underrated.
I could listen to "It's All I Can Do" and "Since You're Gone" on repeat for the rest of my life and I'd never get tired of either of them.
Finally you are doing the Cars, my favorite band, believe it or not, my 100 million fictions friends! , they really aren't as appreciated as they should be but what a great listen. Thank you guys!
And my ranking and Panorama is an underrated masterpiece!
1. Panorama
2. The Cars
3. Candy-O
4. Panorama
5. Shake it Up
6. Move Like This
7. Heartbeat City
8. Door to Door
Love the Cars. Their music was a big part of my youth in between the hard rock and metal music. Thanks for doing this episode! Love Pete’s dogs photo bombs!
the first album from the cars is one of those i can perfectly remember when i bought it in 1980 in paris and i was just 13 years old ....and still love it
My personal favourite is Bye Bye Love too. Seeing them do thier college tour in England at this time was a revelation
I bought the first four on vinyl as they came out. My ranking:
1. Candy-O
2. The Cars
3. Panorama
4. Shake It Up
5. Heartbeat City
6. Door to Door
I've never heard Move Like This...
7. Move Like This
6. Door to Door
5. Shake It Up
4. Heartbeat City
3. Panorama
2. The Cars
1. Candy-O
Hope you guys have ventured into the Ric Ocasek solo albums... There is some amazing, amazing stuff through the years...
Every time I hear Moving In Stereo, I think of that great scene in Fast Times At Ridgemont High 😃
The Cars are legendary when it comes to new wave and Ric Ocasek and Ben Orr will be missed. Here would be my ranking for the Cars:
7. Door to Door
6. Move Like This
5. Heartbeat City
4. Panorama
3. Shake It Up
2. Candy-O
1. Self-titled
Skipped the Cars as a teen as well, living in Boston they were constantly on the radio and I felt bombarded by them (Like Pete mentioned) I got into them later on though and now I know the albums inside out.
Great timing on this video, as I just recently became a fan of The Cars. You guys did an awesome job as always but I was sad that you didn't like the song "Heartbeat City" because it's easily my favorite from them.
Ditto on this. Love Heartbeat City, for me one of The Cars finest moments.
Does anyone else hear an influence of The Cars in a lot of The Killers' songs? Both great power pop - just about enough guitar, plenty of keyboard textures and catchy as hell choruses. So how about a bit of love for The Killers on SoT? Always loved The Cars since back in the late Seventies with Just What I Needed and My Best Friend's Girl. And Drive was one of 'our' songs for myself and my partner Rachel in our early days together, and always brought a tear to my eye after it was played at Live Aid.
I had all their albums back then. Loved some more than others but they are all great. The first time I heard them was in a record shop when the first album hit. I couldn't believe what I was hearing sounded so original. It was like hearing music from another planet. You really had to be there to grasp their originality back then.
Thank you Pete and Jack for the ranking of the Cars. Had the first two vinyl albums and passed them along to my son Dante. My favorite Cars song is Living in Stereo. RIP Mr. Ocasek. ... imho this is one of their poppy prog songs. It has been stated that the Cars musical influences included Roxy Music, Kraftwerk, David Bowie and Todd Rundgren. imho I hear of blend of these musical influences in this timeless song.
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
It's so easy to blow up your problems
It's so easy to play up your breakdown
It's so easy to fly through a window
It's so easy to fool with the sound
It's so tough to get up
It's so tough
It's so tough to live up
It's so tough on you
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
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
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Ric Ocasek / Gregory A. Hawkes
Moving in Stereo lyrics © Lido Music, Inc., Oversnare Music, Inc.
Tremendous song. Love it. Nice 👍 SAL w/ the lyrics 👍💯
My personal favorite now is Panorama. What an incredible album, I can't stop listening to it, especially the deluxe with the extra tracks. Shooting for You totally surprised me.
1) Heartbeat City
2) The Cars
3) Candy-O
4) Panorama
5) Shake It Up
6) Move Like This
7) Door to Door
In the summer of 1978, I was between my junior and senior years of high school. There was a hole-in-the-wall bar that was basically the hang out for seniors at my high school (mostly guys). That summer was when my class could start going to the bar. Of course most of us were not yet 18, but it didn't matter, it was now our bar (it was definitely a different time back then). The bar had a juke box and there was just a handful of songs that would play and all of us would sing along as loud as we could. One of those songs was Just What I Needed and because of that, the song is my favorite song by The Cars. Of course, the debut album is my favorite album of The Cars and easily in my top 20 albums of all time.
My ranking of Cars albums from best (#1) to fair (#6):
1. Panorama
2. The Cars & Candy-O (Tie!)
3. Shake It Up
4. Move Like This (Back to The Cars sound)
5. Heartbeat City (Good but leaning toward arena rock)
6. Door To Door (I can take it or leave it)
I rode my bike to the Kmart at 14, went in and took some leaf raking money and picked up the Candy-O album. Took it to the check out. The lady looked at it, and said "Son, you are not old enough to buy this album." What? It's all over the radio!! Let's Go, there is nothing "adult" about that. No she said, look at the cover!!! I couldn't believe it. Got it at a record dealer a couple weeks later.. Loved the Cars, so much fun, saw this twice in the early 80's. I think Elliot Easton is a very underrated guitarist.
Great to finally see a ranking from this great band.
1. Candy O
2. S/ T
3. Panorama
4.Heartbeat City
5. Move Like This
6. Shake It Up
7. Door to Door
I may be one of the only people who ranks Door to Door as my favorite Cars album. Next in line is Heartbeat City followed by the first album. As I recall, I had tickets to see the Cars in support of their Door to Door album, but the show was cancelled, supposedly due to lack of ticket sales. I was surprised because Heartbeat City was enough of a success that I figured it would help carry the Door to Door tour.
I was glad to see you guys do this ranking. I’m in the same age group as you guys and I always preferred heavier music but you’re right, The Cars we’re always there, you couldn’t avoid them. I bought all of their albums back in the day and they were one of those bands that didn’t really fit into my usual tastes but I love them.My ranking is 7. Move Like This 6. Heartbeat City 5. Door to Door 4. Panorama 3. Shake it Up 2. Candy-O 1. The Cars.
same
Elliot Easton has a great solo album that came out around 1986 as well
Change No Change in 1985, weird mix of styles. I don't think the songs are that great. On the other hand there are some bonus tracks from another Easton project called Band of Angels (they never officially released anything) & those aren't bad - more bluesy in style & features more of his guitar
On the deluxe vinyl edition of Candy-O inside the gatefold it has the original photo sessions of the album cover with a real model lying on the hood of a car before they went with the much better drawing that now appears on the cover, take a look when you get a chance very interesting.
Elliot Easton - an underrated and tasty guitarist.
The Cars is a band that is like a hit and miss for me. I really like my top 2. So here is my ranking.
#7-Panorama
#6-Door to Door
#5- Shake it Up
#4- Move Like This
#3- Heartbeat City
#2- Candy-O
#1- The Cars
I really like the Candy-O album but since my favorite cars song is on first album I had to go for it for #1 spot. Moving In Stereo is my fav song and a very special thank you to Phoebe Cates for being so damn hot and showing the goods during this song in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. That is forever etched in my brain. Whenever I hear that song come on she is the first thing I think of. Good show guys
A good ranking .
I have always liked the contributions that Greg Hawkes brings to their music with his keyboards .
Always inventive . And , of course , Elliott Easton's guitar work is stellar .
Here's my list in order of preference :
Heartbeat City ( (t's Not the Night is my favourite Cars track )
The Cars
Candy - O
Shake it Up
Move Like This
Panorama
Door to Door .
Cheers !
Also got the 2 CD set "Anthology" from RHINO/Elektra which has a few unreleased B sides including the song "That's It" (flip 45 song "Let's Go").
I bought Panorama in the fall of 1980 soon after it was released. I listened to it once and put it away. Later as the 80's wore on I had this song stuck in my head, It was a Cars song , yet I couldn't remember what album was it from. It was "You Wear Those Eyes" from Panorama. So I dragged out the LP and listened to it and fell in love with it. Panorama demands more from the listener than any of the other Cars albums. It is that good. Looking for Top 40? Move on. It's not here.
"Great Topic" always love The Cars, I still have the "Candy O" album and bought the album back in 79 when I was a young 18 year old getting ready to graduate from high school. "Candy O" will always be my favorite album, and I agree with you Pete, the late great Benjamin Orr, to me was "The Cars"
1. THE CARS (1978)
2. CANDY-O (1979)
3. SHAKE IT UP (1981)
4. PANORAMA (1980)
5. HEARTBEAT CITY (1984)
6. DOOR TO DOOR (1987)
Never heard the comeback record, save for the one single. It seemed pretty loud and slightly contrived, so I just didn't get it.
Anyway, I sure DID buy THE CARS albums when I was young, and to this day, I tout Elliott Easton as one of the best lead players of all time.
So at 12 years old in 1978, (already way into rock 'n roll), I bought the great debut LP at Two Guy's Record Dept. and very obviously loved it straight away. This record is one of the truly great albums of the late 70s without a weak moment in tow! I genuinely love "every song"
Bought the also fantastic "CANDY-O" in 1979, and loved that just as much or even more on certain days (chock full of ultra catchy brilliance!) And the triple shot of Double Life/Shoo-Be-Do/Candy-O is one of the great recorded moments of the Cars' career And then that awesome triumvirate is followed by the catchy, badass "Nightspots" featuring a deadly combo of Hawkes and Easton driving the power of this song in unison!
1979's CANDY-O is a killer! Best jacket too.
PANORAMA was a slight let down in 1980, but still included great tracks like "Gimmie Some Slack," "Touch and Go," "Down Boys" and the quirky but epic Title Track. Overall, (and again, at the time), I accepted it just fine as a darker, slightly quirkier new wave leaning effort. Different, and not nearly as good as the first two, but I still have a mild soft spot for it. And again, 4 quite strong tracks that draw you in, and a few other middling decents.
SHAKE IT UP (1981) seemed like a bit of a step up and quasi-return to form. From the highly enjoyable Title Track, to the excellent "Since You're Gone," "I'm Not The One," "Victim of Love" and "Cruiser" (literally the whole of Side One) you've got a very good listen on your hands. Side Two is good, but decidedly weaker. Still a solid Cars record for sure, with a cool cover and an excellent side one.
After this, The Cars became too much of an "MTV darling" for my taste. Mutt Lange is sometimes a bad choice too (unless you're into the balls and original essence of a band getting ripped out for the sake of pleasing the masses and raking in extra cashe.) Now, I know HEARTBREAK CITY is a "popular album," but I didn't really go for the hits (especially "You Might Stink," with it's stupid bee video, and then the annoying & pretty childish "Magic" and "Hello Again") This stuff doesn't measure up with the brilliance of the first 2 albums. No way.
I ranked HC at #5, because I recognize it as a well done album, it's just not my thing and ridiculously overrated.
And Pete was being kind about "DOOR TO DOOR" Other than 'Strap Me In' (which isn't all "that" great to begin with), there isn't much to recommend . The single "You Are The Girl" is nice, but overall it is indeed a BLAND, kinda non-Cars album. If you like this one best, it means you're just more into middling to lame, later 80s pop...not "THE CARS" Can't really blame it though. By 1987, rock n roll was about as watered down as it gets. (i.e. I really don't like G'nR at all, but they were needed in '87, because most of "rock" was just lame and ballsless.) Door To Door is a good example of how overt mid 80s lameless had filtered into groups like The Cars as well.
* Btw, LOVE your dogs, Pete! Still sad thing about Mya, but great to hear the more often "vocals" in the background now! 🐶
*Oh, and you'll never get "Kiss hate" here, so long as it's 1973-1983. After that, yeah, screw that fluff stuff. But 70s KISS? Please...Iconic, legendary, awesome!!
Maybe it’s for sentimental reasons, Heartbeat City will always be my favorite, but it’s neck and neck with the debut. I even loved Door To Door. Once Ben passed, I never paid attention to the last 2.
And I absolutely love the song “Drive”.
I was in grade 8 in 1979 and the Cars ruled the radio and even at school. I have fallen in love with them seeing thier older live videos from the first 5 albums.
Here in the UK The Cars were never as big as they were in the US despite My Best Friend's Girl, Just What I Needed, and Drive being hits the albums were just a modest success! Ric alluded to the bands relative lack of success in the UK to not touring there and he may have a point! Panorama is an album that divides fans but I love it's darker tone and despite a couple of fillers, Getting Through and Up And down it is a record I adore and never tire of. I probably play Panorama more than the debut but you can't deny the first albums overall quality and iconic status. A few years back The Cars albums were issued on CD with bonus songs, just a year or two after the boxset Pete mentioned, and some of those songs would've improved some of the albums.
1. The Cars
2. Panorama
3. Candy O
4. Heartbeat City
5. Shake It Up
6. Move Like This
7. Door To Door
Agree with you here in UK. Drive was used movingly as the back track to the CBC film of the tragic Ethiopian Famine shown on the Live Aid transmission. I forever afterwards associated it with that. Three great singles but Drive is something special.
All Mixed Up my favourite track as well…..I remember 1978 as a 17 yr old when Cars 1 came out ….it was a fresh new sound , awesome collection of tunes !…indeed….agreed, one of the best debuts of all time…
Door To Door Is criminally underrated. Not their worst album in my opinion. I’d rank it middle of the pack
I thought You Are the Girl was a bit cheesy back in '87 as a first single, but I love it today. Strap Me In is among my favorite Cars songs ever. Double Trouble and title track are killer. Leave or Stay, Ta Ta Wayo Wayo, and Coming Up You - all old songs in '87 but properly recorded here for the first time, and they're great, too. Outside of Heartbeat City's hits, I really think Door to Door is the better album. I love the direction they were headed in. Ric finally started to allow David to play some live drums in the studio again. And Elliot is finally ripping guitar solos on multiple songs like the old days.
@@1992Magnascopics I honestly think it’s better than almost of them but most people tend to listen with their eyes and not their ears
@@miaajaniss Back in '89 as a 15 year old, Door to Door WAS my favorite Cars album. It's since slipped to #4, but will never fall lower. I believe I'll always like it more than both Heartbeat City and Shake It Up. In my opinion, Move Like This is a Ric solo record, and I don't really count it. Had The Cars reformed in 1993 (and they almost did), THAT would've been something! Ben failed to show up to a band rehearsal, and I guess that was that.
I think it's their 'best of the worst' & since they only had 7 studio albums that would make it my #5. Then again I might be talked into a three-way tie with Shake It Up & Heartbeat City which I guess technically would put it 'in the middle of the pack'. Panorama & Move Like This sit at the bottom for me...
It’s their worst. The production sucks, You Are the Girl is way too cheesy, and I’d say Go Away is the only song worth checking out.
I agree with the comment that Elliot Easton was the star attraction for the Cars. He's one of the most underrated lead guitarists of the 1980s, in my opinion. Overshadowed by extended soloists like Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson, and Stevie Ray Vaughan (to name just a few), Elliot excelled at the 'micro solo' - those 30 seconds-or-less solos that are overflowing with originality and tastefulness. Listen to the solo on 'Shake It Up', or 'Tonight She Comes', for God's sake. But every now and then he would do a long solo, one lasting 45 seconds or more and you really get an appreciation of his virtuosity. Need proof? Listen to his solo on 'Touch and Go'. Utter perfection. It's Elliot's lead break that takes it from being a good song to a great song.
Yeah his style was 'sparse but good'
My least to favourite list:
*7)* Door to Door
*6)* Move To This
*5)* Heartbreak City
*4)* Paromana
*3)* Candy-O
*2)* Shake It Up
*1)* The Cars
*Unhornorable mention:*
*6)* The New Cars - Alive!
(Would rank this album #6 on my list)
Why *Door to Door* failed?? People was expecting *Heartbreak City II* instead of *Candy-O meets Paromana.*
The Cars is one of my top 10 bands of all time, so here's my list:
1. The Cars
2. Heartbeat City
3. Door to Door
4. How's the Weather (by Milkwood, the band where Ric Ocasek and Ben Orr were before The Cars, this album is a masterpiece)
5. Shake It Up
6. Candy-O
7. Panorama
8. Move Like This (the only album, that I don't really love)
The segue between songs is what I liked most about the cars. Moving in stereo to all mixed up, or Shaboo to candyo.
Been wondering when this one was going to come up! Heartbeat City has a special place in my heart because that was the first one I bought of their catalog when I was like 10. Here is my ranking. Cheers boys!
1. The Cars (Debut)
2. Heartbeat City
3. Candy-o
4. Shake It Up
5. Panorama
6. Door to Door
7. Move Like This
I have been a looong time CARS fan, since late 1978. Saw them on the Panorama & on the Heartbeat City Tours. My Ranking is as Follows: 7. Door to Door | 6. Panorama | 5. Move Like This | 4. Shake It up | 3. Heartbeat City | 2. Candy -O | 1. Cars (their debut)
New subscriber here, I found you after watching a Wishbone Ash reaction and your video where you rated their studio albums came up. Loved it, so now I'm seeing this video. The Cars are my second favorite band of all time, right behind The Beatles. With that being said, I've done a lot of research on them. You were questioning why Ric started singing lead on more of their songs...here's the truth of what happened: When they first started out, Ric and Ben were best friends and started the group Milkwood, which had one album. Then they tried as a duo called Ocasek and Orr, something along the lines of Simon and Garfunkel. Next, they started another band called Richard and the Rabbits. Then changed the name to Cap'n Swing, then drummer David Robinson came up with The Cars. When MTV hit the airwaves, they wanted Ric to be the face of The Cars because they felt that his quirky looks and voice were more suited for the "New Wave" explosion which was happening. Ric then started putting Ben in the background, and even more so when Mutt Lange came along and said that Ric should sing the majority of the songs since he wrote them. The Heartbeat City album was when the cracks in Ben and Ric's friendship started to appear. Ben is my favorite vocalist of all time. Don't get me wrong, some of their earlier songs that Ric sings that I love are Take What You Want and Dangerous Type, but I've always preferred their songs with Ben as lead vocalist. The Cars broke up because Ric and Ben weren't getting along at all by 1987. But, it must be said that in 2000, the band reunited and did an interview which you can see here on yt, it was a few months before Ben died from pancreatic cancer. Ben and Ric hugged and made up, which brings a tear to my eyes just thinking about it. Now they are hopefully jamming together again in Rock and Roll Heaven. Sorry for the long winded post, just wanted to let yall know the history of the band. There's a book called "Let's Go", written by Joe Milliken about Ben and The Cars which I recommend for any fan of The Cars. Also, Ric wrote a song as a tribute to Ben in 2005 called "Silver." RIP Ben and Ric. 😥
I haven't heard from this band for years, this is one of those LP's that I did not replace to cd , so will have to make up for that
Elliot Easton has always been one of my favorites. The solo to "Shake It Up" is so tasty and nasty. One of my all time favorites.
Not including Move Like This ...
6) Door to Door
5) Panorama
4) Heartbeat City
3) Shake It Up
2) Candy O
1) Debut
I agree with Pete with “Strap me In” from Door to Door, just a great song. I was a late bloomer to it as I didn’t pay any attention at all to the album when it came out, I don’t think the band did either. “Tonight She Comes” off the greatest hits after Heartbeat City is also a great song. Elliot Easton, just a great guitarist with nothing but tasteful solos that went along with the song. He was the hidden gem of the band.
I appreciate The Cars, definitely a unique sound at the time. They could play, they could write, and they offered something different that was between hard rock and pop.
All Mixed Up my favourite song by The Cars too.
Great timing, I have been on a Cars kick these days.
1: The Cars
2: Heartbeat City (very close second)
3: Door to door
4: Shake it up
5: Move like this
6: Candy-O
7: Panorama
I am a Huge CARS fan since the first album...Ric wrote all the songs. He said they would both sing them and would decide if Ben would or he would sing a song himself...But he did admit "I knew if it needed a really good voice, it would go to Ben,"....and my ranking is very different from both of yours...goes like this....1. being my favorite.....1. The CARS (totally agree with you on "All mixed up")
2. Panorama (check out "the 3 song run on side 2 "Down boys, You wear those eyes, running to you"...
3. Move Like This (all killer, no filler...check out "I'm free"
4. Candy-O 5. Shake it up 6 Door to door
7. Heartbeat City
Good band...great songs and musicians.
Great band. Candy O is my favourite album by the band but only just from the debut album. Both fantastic albums but the track "I'm in touch with your world" let's down the debut album a little 🏁🏁🏁🏁
7. Heartbeat City
6. Door to Door
5. Move Like This
4. Panorama
3. Shake It Up
2. Candy-O
1. The Cars
One of my favorite bands of all-time!
I'm a big fan of Door to Door, it's probably between that and the debut, followed by Panorama, I think these albums are great showcase for Ben Orr's vocals,.hugely underrated as a singer I feel, I wish Ric gave him more to sing on each album, love Ric too
This is interesting .... I have a contrary to most people rankings ....
#7. Move Like This (2011)
#6. Door To Door (1987)
#5. Panorama (1980)
#4. Shake It Up (1981)
#3. The Cars (1978)
#2. Heartbeat City (1984)
#1. Candy-O (1979)
I was about to say "Isn't It's All I Can Do from Candy-O?"
Yeah, I screwed up there, sorry for the confusion.
1. Heartbeat City
2. The Cars
3. Candy-O
4. Shake It Up
5. Door To Door
6. Panorama
7. Move Like This
Petes right ,..All mixed up is their masterpiece,..very majestic and regal,...Love Cruiser,..Benn Orr ,so cool on that
Cars is one of the all time great. Candy O is my favorite but the first album is the best for sure. I got the vinyl version of that box. But sprung for the MFSL version of the big albums.
This band is a stamp in the 80's! Great music they have! But their debut was legendary!
I've always loved the debut album, to the point to where it became my favorite album, but I only know the hits past that. Since Christmas, I've went back and listened to it, and candy O multiple times, daily, really soaking it all in. Im excited to get into the later stuff, and see what I love, and what I really just don't like. I too, find myself gravitating towards the Benjamin Orr stuff, after having a hard time telling them apart myself (sometimes I still do, but I generally know what I'm looking for now.) With all that being said, I think candy o may be my favorite album, but the debut will be the one I'll always love, with all mixed up being my favorite cars song.....when it's not dangerous type
THE CARS FOREVER.... I WAS LUCKY TO SEE THEM TWICE BACK IN THE EARLY 80's @ THE US FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 1982 FOR THE SHAKE IT UP TOUR AND IN 1984 FOR THE HEARTBEAT CITY TOUR @ THE LA FORUM.
Aimee Mann's cover of "Drive" will bring tears to your eyes.
The first two albums are unbeatable. Panorama and the final album are also faves. Move Like This I really liked, despite no Ben. It’s missing Elliot’s guitar solos though.
By the way, The Cars' debut squeaked past Van Halen's, to be my #1 of 1978!
I’m a huge Cars fan born in 96’, that being said my favorite albums are:
Self titled debut: that album is great, save maybe All Mixed Up (which isn’t awful but yeah)
Candy-O: great record
Heartbeat City: more poppy but still undeniable tracks
Shake it Up: title track is all I will say
The debut and Candy-O are all that need from The Cars. Top 5 songs: Candy-O, Moving in Stereo, Night Spots, All Mixed Up and Got A Lot on My Head.
7. Door to Door, 6. Move Like This, 5.Panorama, 4.Shake It Up, 3.Heartbeat City, 2.Candy-O, 1.The Cars
great ranking Pete! it's funny -that first album is like a greatest album right out of the gate.
i meant "greatest hits" album
Top 5 for me
1. Candy O
2. Heartbeat City
3. Panorama (criminally underrated)
4. Debut
5. Shake It Up.
Candy O is their darkest if The Cars could be dark. Best part is Benjamin got a lot of lead duty. Title track with Shee Doo Bee lead in is so damn groovy. Love it.
1) The Cars, 2) Heartbeat City, 3) Candy-O, 4) Door To Door, 5) Shake It Up, 6) Panorama, 7) Move Like This
Here in Germany the cars were a big number as well. What i really love are these very melodic little but fine guitar solo parts. Mit top three are:
1. The Cars - The Cars
2. Heartbeat City
3. Door To Door (Great mix and sound).
If you like the cars you should listen to The Elevators- Frontline (1980) was a band that released 1 album only. But it´s worth a listen.
In France nobody knows The Cars.
🌠 the 1st Cars Album is Also my favorite..bye bye/ moving in stereo tied 4 favorite song..Candy -o 2nd FAV album..in 2005 they did The New Cars with Elliot & Greg from the Cars & Todd Rundren , Kasim, Parrie Prince from (Todd 's band)🚗🚙🚓 good review..
Pete, if You like Ben singing so much, pls take a listen of his only solo album "The Lace", it's really terriffic!
I have that one, pretty new wave-ish. Wish it had more guitars. "Stay The Night" was the big hit. Pretty good songs, I like "In Circles", "When You're Gone", "Hold On" & "Skyline", "That's The Way" is the rocker
I thought Orr and Ocasek should've sang more songs together..Such as Since I Held You and Hotel Queenie...Sometimes 2 lead vocalists sound great together such as Waters + Gilmour,Mcvie + Buckingham, Olzon+ Hitela...
They also sang together on "It's Not the Night."
Excellent band. Short, tight discography. They sorta went a bit too 'pop' towards the end of their 80s run, but still notches above most 'pop'; but that early more rock oriented stuff is timeless.
Pete, your buddy just likes the synth-pop Cars. Anyone that can rank Candy-O any where other than #1 or #2 needs their heads examined. Lol
My Rankings:
7: Panorama
6: Move Like This
5: Door to Door (The weakness on this album is the ballads on side two)
4: Heartbeat City
3: Shake it Up
2: Candy-O
1: The Cars
I was laughing hard when Jack was mentioning Candy-O songs when meaning to talk about Panorama. "It's All I Can Do? Panorama? Hahahahaaaa!!!" 🤣
My ranking is below. I agree with you , Pete. Ben Orr was such the rock star. Great voice, magnetic stage presence. I've always thought the shifting to majority Ric vocals hurt them in the long run. At the time, I was also surprised 1987's "Door to Door" even got made as Ocasek and Orr both had had succesful solo albums the year before.
1. Candy-O
2. Cars "s/t"
3. Heartbeat City
4. Shake It Up
5. Move Like This
6.Panorama
7.Door To Door
Any thoughts on the footnote that is the lone release from The New Cars in 2006? A weird melding of Utopia and the Cars with Todd Rundgren seemingly doing a Ric impression.
Was there an Orr clone in that band ?? I couldn't imagine anyone even attempting that.
That’s a great box set, but doesn’t include one of their biggest hits, ‘Tonight She Comes’ from the Greatest Hits. Heartbeat City is my favorite; great album!
your right on the money with All Mixed Up pete , stunning song it,''s The Cars A Day in The Life , brilliant
1. The Cars
2. Panorama
3. Shake It Up
4. Heartbeat City
5. Candy O
6. Door to Door
🚗 🚗 🚗 🚗
✌🏼😎
The Benjamin Orr solo album is really good if you can find it
It's not bad, some good songs. Just wish it had more guitars
SUBSTITUTION- MASS CONFUSION -CLOUDS INSIDE YOUR HEAD
Definitely an ALL CAPS vocal inflection/treatment to those timeless Cars lyrics Gary!
@@sdrandazzo / tremendous story about giving those albums to Dante. Love it. 458/ am in Cali. Your awesome. 👍💯
@@garyjoyce2160 up early doing house chores and prepping the living room for a few of Dante’s friends retro video game console party at noon. I will retreat to another room to watch the 49ers vs. Eagles game at noon pst lol. Regards, Sal.
@@sdrandazzo /. Very nice. I’m 💯- 49ERS fan. Enjoy 👍💯
@@garyjoyce2160 rooting for the 49ers as well. I feel it will be a close game ... my gut says the Eagles will win... may the best team today win. Will support the Eagles if they advance ... not a fan of KC or Cincy.
I don't consider the one w/o Orr a true Cars album..Orr is one of my 4 all time favorite singers along with Patty Smyth,Myles Goodwyn and Anette Olzon.
Great show guys. Can’t argue with any of your comments or rankings. The cars were a great band. I agree with Pete as it pertains to Ben Orr’s vocals. I never understood the shift to Ocasek as the dominant vocalist. It was the MTV era after all. and he was the guy dating the models and with the profile. Bye Bye Love, Candy-O, and Dangerous Type are my favorite songs.
Ben sings Candy-O, not Ric. I'll assume Pete just mispoke. I never thought the two vocalists sounded similar and never had any trouble telling them apart. Strange that you guys both said that a few times. My ranking would probably be in reverse chroniclogical order, with the debut being #1 by far. By the way, two of my all-time favorite guitar solos are Shake It Up and Bye Bye Love. Elliot rips it up.
Yes, once you get to know their music better, you certainly can. Early on though before I paid this band any attention I thought it was one guy.