I wish Orr had been allowed to sing more of Ocasek's songs. All my favorite Cars tunes are sung by him. Ocasek is a genius, but his voice wasn't on Orr's level. Pete Townsend, on the other hand, knew that Roger was the superior voice for 90% of what he wrote for The Who. What if...
@@carlodave9 Truly. I love almost every Cars song. But I think many would have been even better if Benjamin had sung on them instead of Ric. "Why Can't I Have You", "Magic", "Since You're Gone" and several more would have kicked up a notch with Benjamin on lead vocal.
80's sounding music is still made. In fact I would argue more 70's/80's style music is made now than ever. See, the thing is, Rock music was once on the top but when new genres were created, the children of those who loved rock flocked to those new sounds. Its just the evolution of music. But rock never died. No genre just disappears. it was only pushed to the background where only the real rock nerds have had their fill for decades while the casual fans complain rock is dead in YT comment sections lol. When rock was popular you had Radio/TV shoving it in your face and you didn't really have to work at all to find new rock music. But Rock is not on the top anymore so its not being spoon fed to you. YOU HAVE TO WORK AND FIND NEW ROCK MUSIC! Do some research on smaller labels who deal with the rock genres you enjoy. Most of them have gone to bandcamp which has become the go to for Rock/Metal labels to showcase/sell their bands.
He said something like... if it's a good song he (Ric) sings it, if it's a great song, Ben sings it. In the context of this song, he was bigging himself up a bit. It may have been thought Drive would be a moderate hit, but it's unlikely Ric or anyone else thought it would be such a success at the time it was released. It was the third single from Heartbeat City, so if they thought this would be their most popular song, that's a strange thing to do. Also, The Cars were known for quirky pop songs and New Wave stuff, not ballads. There wasn't a great deal of publicity and build up for it in comparison to the first two singles and the international success they weren't expecting either. They certainly couldn't have predicted Live Aid and again there was very little international promotion and no touring. All in all Drive was probably a surprise hit for the Cars.
@@PrintNewsFogey If Bdubbin got the wording right, Ocasek was not "bigging himself up a bit", nor was it any reflection on whether or not it was a "great song" or would be a big hit. It was the simple truth. Some songs call for great voices. Imagine Boston's definitive recording of "More Than a Feeling" without Brad Delpy.
@@serendipityshopnyc It's partly right. Ocasek clearly thought carefully about selecting the appropriate voice for his songs. Great/ emotive song = Ben sings it. But he also had a penchant for twisting his wording, i.e. exaggerating to make himself look good. In this case, to make out he knowingly saved his best song for Ben to sing. He'd do that quite a lot.
Rick was right to let Ben have this song. His voice was perfect for it. I'm glad he had the insight & humility to do that. The Cars were a perfect power-pop band. I was really saddened when they broke-up.
I agree and can't imagine this song with a different voice. Embarrassingly, I always thought that Ric Ocasek was the sole voice of The Cars! I was dumbfounded when I learned that Benjamin Orr sang so many of my favorite Cars songs-after watching a different Professor of Rock video, of course. Having been born in 1968, I know a lot about all the songs explored on this channel, but I know nothing compared to Professor of Rock. I always learn so much here and am grateful.
Benjamin Orr had the only voice that could do this song justice. Rik's voice was quirky and interesting but Benjamin's was the heart and soul. His voice was stunning. I would also question the caption of this video saying the "frontman" let the "second vocalist" sing it. They were co-lead vocalists and I dare say as far as frontmen go, nobody could take their eyes off Benjamin Orr. He was absolutely gorgeous and had more charisma and stage presence by far.
Dude I swear you're one of the, if not THE best storytellers of our generation. Watching your videos not only reminds me of what it meant to us growing up in the 80's, but it reminds me of what it feels like to be human again. We are the last generation that lived in a time where society largely still agreed on the meaning of life, and we were free to experience what life has to offer without the worries of today. The "end" of the world was still an idea meant for the big screen, and to us it seemed like a different timeline - one that we are now living.
I love and wholeheartedly _love_ what you wrote, BrokePrepper! I love your name too, as I am myself a "broke prepper". I live off-grid (17 years of no electric bills! I love solar/wind power!!) on a mountain on a meager income, then my car broke down 4 months ago and I have to save up enough cash to get it fixed. Being a prepper meant I had food for me and my disabled son for those 4 months, but I finally accepted help from a nice lady who didn't even know me. She's giving me a ride to town again on Monday! Funny thing is, I know we disagree politically and we are both aware of that, so we never mention politics. We are old, and both were raised by parents who taught us that it's rude to force our opinions about religion and politics on others. I just discuss those things online with like-minded individuals whom I don't know. That's where I vent my frustration! 😉
I still say I would love to see you on the #KellyClarksonShow. She "in my opinion" has referenced things you have said so she has to be a fan too. And just to see you get your due on a bigger platform would be awesome. Love ya dude and all your stories especially the ones about your dad. Plz never stop. Much love from a nutty fan ♥️@@ProfessorofRock
I think I know what you mean, but the HUGE success of the single, 'Drive,' in America and abroad; the "Heartbeat City" tour; Live Aid; having a hit with his own song and video, 'Stay The Night', and being (posthumously 🥺) inducted into the RRHOF, are *Not* things that happen to an underrated musician. Underrated is more like being talented and deserving of success, and not having success. People who could help the person succeed, don't think s/he rates their attention. Benjamin Orr got further and further pushed out, until he became obscure. He is more under-acknowledged, under-recognized, under appreciated, and the like.
I was fortunate enough to see The Cars in '79, '84, '87 and 2011(without Ben). I even had tickets for The New Cars, but Elliott broke his arm, a week before. Sometime in the late 80's, I recorded Drive, on cassette in Niagara Falls. My youngest daughter heard me singing the song on it one day, while I was at work. When I walked in the door, she stood there looking at me, with teary eyes, ran towards me and hugged me, telling me everything was going to be okay. She felt so sad for me for singing the song. My baby girl is now 34, with 2 kids. Time flies. That's my memory.
Hats off to Ocasek for letting Orr take lead vocals on "Drive". It feels like we're hearing a mystery person's autobiography, and we're never meant to know who it is.
Drive is a great song, and Ben was meant to sing it. I love the song. But I can't take away from Rik's contribution either. He was so fun. "You might Think" was a favorite of mine as well. Basically, I can't really think of a BAD card song. 80s at its best. Much love to the band and the great times had by me as a child. ❤
July of 83 my hi school sweetheart broke up with me, sitting on hood of my car, while Drive was playing on radio. She was off to college several states away in a few weeks and wanted "options." Broke my heart but knew she was right. 25 years later a group of us classmates got together at a bar for our own reunion of sorts. She and I reconnected there and I had Drive played on the karaoke/jukebox. She instantly "apologized" for "that night" and I told her she had no reason to. That was 16 years ago..we've been together ever since. Drive broke us up, Drive brought us back together, and Drive was our wedding dance song. Anytime we're on the road, it gets played. Drive is definitely our song...
Me too. I'm near Dallas Texas and there's a couple of djs who have been on air for decades, Beau and Jim. Jim once said that he liked the music from The Cars but that all they did on stage was stand there and sing, no visual entertainment. That bothered me and still I would have loved to see them. Benjamin Orr had such a beautiful voice. Sad that he and Rick Ocasik are both gone.
The breakup on The Cars is really the only one that registered with me and when Ben passed, that is when the sadness of the end of The Cars was absolutely finalized.
@@ProfessorofRock I have an ongoing late night musical conversation this cool, maybe late 20s younger guy who's always behind the counter at the 7-eleven down the street when i pop in and no one else ever comes in while i'm there. The other night i told him that you can watch a movie, you can play a video, but only music has such a really mysterious, singular and primal power. Probably in some way owing to its relation to the human heartbeat. And when you hear the song, its effect can so emotionally powerful that it can actually take you right back to the event, no matter how long ago how distant or how deep within your recesses, and for one little fleeting moment you can step back into YOUR OWN EYES and actually feel the experience again.
I had a boyfriend who played the Cars debut album for me. I bought it the next day. Been a fan for so long. I’m almost 60 and still think they are one of the best bands ever. So lucky to have seen them live back in the day.
I lost the love of my life to a drug overdose. This song always reminds me of the frustration I felt, trying to get him to join me in sobriety. His "friends" wouldn't allow him to choose life.
@@markglabinski526 I'm so sorry. Watching the man I had loved for 9 years destroy himself is a heartbreak I wish no one had to endure. There's nothing you can say or do when the addiction is that strong, only they can choose to change. We were both addicted to crack cocaine in the 1980s. I had a terrifying OD, and was sure I was dying but I recovered. It scared me into getting help. I moved in with my brother because I knew if I was around the stuff I'd keep using until my final OD. Bert had a wonderful boss who paid for him to go to treatment for 30 days as an inpatient at a rehab hospital. I was so happy! Then he was released, and went straight to his dealer before he even went home. I knew he was lost, but I still pleaded with his mother to convince him to go back to the hospital. She assured me, "Oh, he has a handle on it now, he's fine!" He died 9 months later, he had a lethal dose of heroin so his disease had progressed. Tragically, he died on Mother's Day. I was celebrating with my mom when I got the call. That was 1989, and I'm still not "over" it. Just hearing the first notes of this song got me crying. I sincerely hope that your loved one realizes that they can change before it's too late. I never used drugs again, I didn't even drink for 13 years. I'll have a beer maybe 4 times a year now, but two is my limit. It's been a year since I've even done that. BTW, I do not recommend AA. IMO it's a cult and I experienced some very bad things during the 3 years I went to those meetings. They are wrong about so many things, and abusive to boot. There are better self-help groups based on actual science, but it all comes down to learning to be responsible for one's own actions. I would have missed so much had I stayed addicted. As a favorite singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier sang: "I love life and life itself could use some Mercy now."🥲
@@markglabinski526this is not a fight we were meant to win, but one we MUST persevere. Do you believe in God? If so, the best thing you can do is pray the one you're fighting for does also. Never stop praying for them. Faith is the only thing that can overcome this battle, ESPECIALLY when you think you've lost. I'm so sorry y'all have had to go through this. I've lost too many friends in my 41 years. I've lost count. I can't even remember everybody anymore. Not merely acquaintances, but true relationships. I'm one of the luckiest people alive to have had the opportunity to love so many people, I wish they were still here but I have faith. They were GOOD people, and they believed in God. The fight isn't over yet, I'm still praying for them.
Remember hearing "Your All I've Got Tonight" for the first time. The Cars sounded completely different than anyone else at the time but they still rocked! One of the best debut albums ever!
My favorite live performance of Orr's is All Mixed Up (1978). You can find it on UA-cam. He hits some difficult notes and it's almost like he's relieved when he does, like he doesn't want to disappoint Ric. You also see an angelic energy of joy in his eyes. Just beautiful.
Every now and then a Rock and Roll passing is met with surprisingly little fanfare. Benjamin Orr along with Rick Wright (Pink Floyd) and Carl Wilson (The Beach Boys) deserved a lot more mention when they passed.
The Cars were cool........to everyone. New Wavers, Punks, Metal fans, Pop fans....... EVERYONE loved/loves The Cars. That in and of itself speaks volumes.
Just like Van Halen, Cheap Trick and other rock acts that became popular in the late 70's during the age when Disco ruled the airwaves they were a breath of fresh air for us "Death before Disco" kind of music fans.
Your ending comments on this one struck a chord with this old hippie that "music is the closest thing to a time machine we have" is spot on. Certain tunes can create (or recreate) lasting impressions of beginning eras (Beatles) or ending times (Disco). This song 'Drive' definitely dedicated the end of the '80s with a funeralistic dirge of memories of what was and where do we go musically from here going forward. Keep the soul in harmony by keeping the needle sharp on the vinyl... Peace ✌️ ❤
Of all the untimely rock star deaths that have occurred over the years, Benjamin Orr's passing devastated me as much as any of them. An absolutely impeccable voice. This song and video is a performance for the ages.
I was at Live Aide in Philly. The Cars sound was excellent in spite of the huge crowd. I was dead center about 50 feet from stage. A real treat by real talent!
'Drive" definitely captured the depth of depression that only teenagers feel over someone they love and are crushed over not being in a relationship with.....or the isolation a teenager feels in this universe that is overwhelming to them!! The band had a deep love and respect for Benjamin as demonstrated in their induction into the rock n roll hall of fame.
This song is absolutely incredible! I remember watching the video on MTV and having such empathetic feelings for the girl in the video. She did such a great job!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980@gracewolf16 - In a way, you're both right. Paulina Porizkova later became Ric Ocasek's third wife. At the time of the 'Drive' video, tbh, Ric was still married to his second wife.
Drive is one of my favorite songs of all time. One of the best songs Ric Ocasek ever wrote, it's beautifully sung by Benjamin Orr, and meticulously produced by Mutt Lange. Greg Hawkes deserves so much credit, too, for some amazing keyboards and synthesizer work on the record.
Can’t put it better than your closing words Professor; “music is the closest thing we have to a time machine…”. This song puts me right back at that place and time…
Ben really was one of the great rock voices ever and I'm a little sad he doesn't seem to get the recognition for it. Perhaps it's because Ric sang a slight majority of their songs. But people are often surprised to find out how many of their biggest hits were sung by Ben.
Ric only sang more in the later years, and keep the best songs to himself at that point. In the first 2 Albums songs and potential hits were split fairly equally. He had to give Ben this song because it took a real voice to sing it. Wouldn’t have worked with Ric’s quirky singing style.
For a song with no peaks & valleys, it was definitely a banger! This is my favorite song by the Cars, although "Why Can't I Have You" is right up there. It's sad that you don't hear that song on the radio.
How is the Cars underrated ?? They were all over the Radio & MTV. Bands that are truly underrated would be : Trapeze UFO Nazareth Robin Trower Fastway I get tired of people always claiming bands that have been showered with Fame & Money as others that in many cases, blows other bands out of the water, get hardly any. Not talking Cars, love the band.
They were never underrated. I always find it amusing when people talk about such a great band or musician that everyone knows and says they were underrated. Like they have some secret knowledge and are an expert. Or maybe you were from a very small town that only played country? Cause most of the rest of America thought they were always great.
There’ll never be another Ben Orr! He was truly special…. A lesser know tune from Heartbreak City, “It’s Not The Night” showcases his vocal range & passion…💙🎶
In some interview with his sound engineer I read that "Mutt" Lange was so exhausted after producing "Heartbeat city" by The Cars, and so many iconic albums since the AC/DC albums ("Highway to hell", "Back in black "...), Foreigner ("4"), and Def Leppard ("High and dry" and "Pyromania") who decided to take a break... which is why at the beginning he declined to work on what would later become "Hysteria"
❤🎉 THE CARS!! I might be in the minority that preferred Benjamin Orr's voice to Ric Ocasek's. But the Cars were great. Drive is very haunting. But Mutt Lange did a wonderful job producing this song. Thanks Professor! Have a great weekend eating your Flintstones cereal. 😂
I read Benjamin's biography and my esteem for Ben increased immensely. The Cars were my favorite group during the 80's and I listen to Candy-O still. (may be Ben's best work on any album). You are correct that it was almost criminal how little fanfare or attention both their deaths received. RIP Ben ad Rick
Ric had a great voice, but Ben's vocals are perfect for this song. Can't believe they're both gone now. The Cars are one of my favorite bands of all time.
Paulina & Ric were together until 2019 when R.I.P Ric passed and left us only his legacy! Glad for this channel. And Glad someone is out there making an archive of lasting memories from the 60's, 70's, 80's and even some of todays music. Thank you for your hard work Adam!
I agree, when I was 13 I had a brain aneurysm (still here) and the only thing that I could remember were words to songs! Love music full stop. Thanks professor for bringing back all the memories.
My absolute favorite Boston band. Ocasek had no problem saying Benjamin was the band's natural lead singer -- looks; sex appeal; great voice. Just What I Needed; Let's Go; Bye Bye Love; Moving in Stereo as stellar examples.
I met Ric Ocasek in NYC near Union Sq. and Irving Place. I walked by him on the street...."Hi Ric!" That was all. He never said a word but waved and smiled at me. That's how celebrities liked it New York City.
My "Drive" story: In the fall of '85 I attended a technical school in the Phoenix area. I was in the Broadcasting program , with the intent of getting into the radio biz. One of the segments of our education was TV camera work; learning how to operate the camera, write and deliver a newscast, etc. Final project for that block was to conceive, write and produce a music video. The Cars were easily one of my top 10 bands at the time. Drive is just such a great song and seemed really easy to use to tell a story. My vision for a video had nothing to do with the official video (I was never a big MTV viewer and provably had only seen it a couple times) I cast myself as "the hero", the pretty girl in my class (whom I totally had the hots for in real life but she had a boyfriend, or so she claimed) as my coworker who is in an abusive relationship, and a scraggly "punchable faced" guy as the abusive boyfriend. I recruited another girl to be cameraman when all three of us had to be in the same shot, and also a token appearance as the girl's bestie. I'm sure you can figure out how this played out. Scenes of her getting verbally and even mildly physically abused by the jerk, scenes of her dreaming of a better life, calling her friend for consolation, and showing up at work obviously distraught. I'm the kind soul at work that listens to her, smiles at her, does little nice things for her. Closeups of me show me genuinely kind, desirous but not creepy, sad for her abuse and frustrated she can't see that I love her. "Who's gonna pick you up, when you shake" for example, shows me just putting my hand on hers when she's crying at work but my "dream bubble" has me holding her in my arms. You get the idea. In the end, after an especially nasty argument with scraggly boyfriend, you see her begin to call her bestie, but hangs up and instead calls me. I show up and bitch slap the guy and take off, me and my girl, into the sunset. Her head is on my shoulder and as she wipes away tears we see for the first time a smile and even a little laughter. The last line, "Who's gonna take you hoooooooome, toniiiiiiiiight" is sung as we pull into my driveway as she momentarily has a quizzical look, then an impish grin of realization, then she closes in for a kiss....FADE TO BLACK. It is really unfortunate that we ran out time and weren't able to shoot all the raw footage; only got about half the video edited, but still passed.
What i really liked about the Cars was Easton's guitar playing. After that everything just grooved together. Never had any albums of them. Later in years i bought their greatest hits, and was floored by overall jams. My loss at the time.✌️
I lost my brother to mental illness. I think of my brother every time I hear "drive" we had the coolest friends 🧡 and the cars followed us everywhere. Trend setting and mega talented. Thank you, Benjamin, Rick , Elliot, Greg, and David for your rock n roll service 🙌 you will be missed
The Cars are one of my favorite bands. Their music was so catchy,how could not like it! I hate that we didn't get more music from them but they will always be rembered.
It broke my heart when the Cars broke up. They were easily my favorite band of the era. I learned how to play guitar from copying Elliot Easton. And I just absolutely loved their music. Also, they were the soundtrack to my college years. Still, I bought all the solo albums of Rick and Ben and Eliot.
Kudos to Ric for recognizing the power that Ben could bring to the song. Professor, I always appreciate the education that you give us by your research and the way you lay it out. Keep it up, sir.
The Cars was the first concert I ever went to. I saw them on the tour for this album. I can still remember when the lights went down and Ben sang Drive. It was very mesmerizing. He had such a great voice. My favorite song is Just What I Needed. Everyone should listen to it 3 times pan all the way left, pan all the way right, and then in the middle. Love the way they mixed it
These guys were one of the biggest groups when I was in HS. I think they were one of the groups took electronic sound, and pop and fused them together, not resting on technology instead of talent. Rush did that too (Remember "It's just a question of your honesty".) and created a totally new and unique sound. I graduated in 1981 and that was when they were wall to wall on the radio. I was in the Navy when this album was released, and when I got back they had broken up 🤧 already.
Totally agree. I know I always had to listen closely when I was first trying to figure out who was doing the vocals on each song, and I didn't always get it right.
To me their voices were always different and distinctive. Well at least different enough that I could tell the difference and liked hearing them sing their own respective material.
Me too! In fact, when I was a kid, I wasn't even aware the Cars had 2 vocalists - I thought Ric Ocasek sang all of their songs. Which is funny to think about now, because they definitely have different voices. (Interestingly, I do think that Dave Gahan and Martin Gore of Depeche Mode have very similar singing voices, as well as Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith of Tears For Fears). Anyway, I loved The Cars growing up! "Heartbeat City" was my 3rd official real cassette tape album (the first being Styx: Kilroy Was Here and the second being Michael Jackson: Thriller). I played that tape all the time in 1984. Not long after that, my very cool big brother got me the rest of The Cars albums on cassette, so I was up to speed! 🙂 When their last album, "Door to Door" came out in 1987, I have memories of my brother picking me up from school, and that cassette always playing in the car! It was sad that was their last album (before "Move Like This", of course), because I really liked that one and thought they were really getting good. I still think the music video to "You Are the Girl" is a hoot! 😂
The Cars have always been my favorite! The perfection of the Mutt Lange produced songs are awesome, but the early Rawness in the Roy Thomas Baker produced songs are my favorite! Awesome episode Professor!👍
I have to ask. With radio as we knew it, will there be any classics ever again? I’m 51 right now and I feel like the 90’s were the last era ever. I am saddened by the thought of where we are today. The 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s were amazing and I believe a lot of people felt that way. But the 2000’s have been dookie. I love what you’re doing please keep it up.
Sepaking of driving, I was driving through Beverly Hills many years ago, and saw Ric Ocasek walking down Rodeo Dr. Unmistakable look. Couldn't miss him. RIP RIC.
@@ProfessorofRock it depends on the day of the week. Lol. I could make an argument for Zeppelin, Boston, Van Halen, The Clash or Boston. That’s why I love music so much!
Oh my what an amazing song. As a published poet. It helped me fall into the mood of love/lust/devotion of hanging on to something or someone you can’t keep. I met Ric in NYC what a cool guy. He stuck out like a sore thumb. I just said you’re just so cool. He pulled down he’s shades and smiled.
I never took the "who's going to drive you home tonight" as a reference to drinking. I took it as a guy getting a bit jealous of the guy his unrequited love interest has a rendezvous with. humph. one thing about this channel is how different age. eras, and perspectives are viewed differently
I remember walking more than two miles to buy Heartbeat City when I was in high school. You Might Think had just hit the radio and I loved the song. I bought the cassette and played it over and over until it just wore out a few years later. The song Drive brings back so many memories.
When The Cars were in rotation, everyone pronounced Rick's name "oh-KAY-sik", even MTV and radio stations. I had gone 30+ years under the impression that was how it was pronounced, and only in the last 10 or so years that I've heard it as "oh-KAH-sik", and I find I still find myself pronouncing it the "old" way.
The Cars are the 80's. Drive. School dance. Made out with a girl named Chris the entire song. One of my fav memories. Before she passed I told her that every time I hear that song I think of her and that night. And she was like omg I think of you too. Miss you Chris.
I started Jr high when they first came out. At that time I really started listening to rock and roll. I also discovered girls. So, this band struck a chord with me. They were my favorite. By the time I got into high school, I veered off in another direction. [PUNK]. I wasn't really into that song, Drive. As I grew up, I looked back and realized how beautiful that song really is. The Cars will always be high on my list of favorite bands. Elliot Easton gets honorable mention.
There was an interview with band shortly before Bens death, where Ric said if he felt a song he wrote needed a better voice, he would have Ben sing it, this went back to the days in Milkwood and Ocasek and Orr
I'm a Ben Orr fan. I loved his solo album the Lace. Great vocals that set the bar of the 80s. Its funny but the way the you reflect about this band and their music architecture is spot on. I think i wore out the vinal of Beatitude played that so many times i recorded a cover of "Take a Walk" off Rics album. Its a standard of music that inspires ones mind to open time and place in space! Baker, Mut Lang and Shipley. Just brilliant 👏
A masterpiece that was beautifully performed by Ben. I had always wished this song would have hit #1 on the album charts. One of my all time favorite Cars tunes that remains timeless.
I graduated high school in '84. I remember listening to that song that summer. The melancholia it evoked seemed to perfectly embody how I was feeling anticipating the uncertainty of the future ahead of me.
Same here. I remember hearing Magic on the beach on the first day of summer. Still really love it because of that memory. Great year to be 18 and free.
Am I wrong to say Paulina deserved better? I can’t imagine spending that long with someone and getting cut out of the will like that (it’s not the assets but the principal).
Late teens, early 20's when The Cars hit their stride. Loved the music. I wasn't upset when the band split, however I cried when I found out Ben passed away. Again when Ric passed on. Both Ric and Ben have some awesome solo work. I miss them both.
The Cars were a great band. I liked them in the 70’s and 80’s, but truly didn’t fully appreciate them until a few years ago. They had their own unique sound and look and when I think of the 80s, The Cars are one of the first bands that I think of. RIP Ben and Ric, we miss you!!! ❤😢
Poll: What BAND BREAKUP Devastated you the most? Go to the link of our sponsor. Aura.com/professorofrock, to get a 14 day free trial.
The Fab Four
REM
Beach Boys for me. Sad about it to this day.
David Lee Roth, leaving Van Halen.
Menudo!
Benjamin Orr had an amazing voice.
One of my favorites ever. So expressive.
He was so tragically underrated .😢
@@jllucci Amen!
I wish Orr had been allowed to sing more of Ocasek's songs. All my favorite Cars tunes are sung by him.
Ocasek is a genius, but his voice wasn't on Orr's level.
Pete Townsend, on the other hand, knew that Roger was the superior voice for 90% of what he wrote for The Who. What if...
@@carlodave9 Truly. I love almost every Cars song. But I think many would have been even better if Benjamin had sung on them instead of Ric. "Why Can't I Have You", "Magic", "Since You're Gone" and several more would have kicked up a notch with Benjamin on lead vocal.
I'm with you. If only we could go back to the '80s. Not only was life simpler but the music was 100 times better.
Amen!
Yes indeed! Let’s go back!
Haha, so great that they had to run commercials to remind parents they had children. Out there. Somewhere. 😆
80's sounding music is still made. In fact I would argue more 70's/80's style music is made now than ever. See, the thing is, Rock music was once on the top but when new genres were created, the children of those who loved rock flocked to those new sounds. Its just the evolution of music. But rock never died. No genre just disappears. it was only pushed to the background where only the real rock nerds have had their fill for decades while the casual fans complain rock is dead in YT comment sections lol. When rock was popular you had Radio/TV shoving it in your face and you didn't really have to work at all to find new rock music. But Rock is not on the top anymore so its not being spoon fed to you. YOU HAVE TO WORK AND FIND NEW ROCK MUSIC! Do some research on smaller labels who deal with the rock genres you enjoy. Most of them have gone to bandcamp which has become the go to for Rock/Metal labels to showcase/sell their bands.
@angelbear_og, and now they run commercials to tell them don't leave kids in their cars!!
RIP Bejamin Orr and Rik Ocasek Thankyoufor the music!!
Amen!
Amen... ❤💔
* Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek said it best...when a song needed a great voice, Ben sang it. Both guys were great frontmen for The Cars.
He said something like... if it's a good song he (Ric) sings it, if it's a great song, Ben sings it. In the context of this song, he was bigging himself up a bit. It may have been thought Drive would be a moderate hit, but it's unlikely Ric or anyone else thought it would be such a success at the time it was released. It was the third single from Heartbeat City, so if they thought this would be their most popular song, that's a strange thing to do. Also, The Cars were known for quirky pop songs and New Wave stuff, not ballads. There wasn't a great deal of publicity and build up for it in comparison to the first two singles and the international success they weren't expecting either. They certainly couldn't have predicted Live Aid and again there was very little international promotion and no touring. All in all Drive was probably a surprise hit for the Cars.
@@PrintNewsFogey If Bdubbin got the wording right, Ocasek was not "bigging himself up a bit", nor was it any reflection on whether or not it was a "great song" or would be a big hit. It was the simple truth. Some songs call for great voices. Imagine Boston's definitive recording of "More Than a Feeling" without Brad Delpy.
@@serendipityshopnyc It's partly right. Ocasek clearly thought carefully about selecting the appropriate voice for his songs. Great/ emotive song = Ben sings it. But he also had a penchant for twisting his wording, i.e. exaggerating to make himself look good. In this case, to make out he knowingly saved his best song for Ben to sing. He'd do that quite a lot.
@@PrintNewsFogey I don't grudge it to him. RIP to both of these great musicians.
@@PrintNewsFogeyno I don’t agree, he did not big himself up he was just a nice guy, people like that do exists
Rick was right to let Ben have this song. His voice was perfect for it. I'm glad he had the insight & humility to do that. The Cars were a perfect power-pop band. I was really saddened when they broke-up.
It was really sad because, when Benjamin Orr passed, we knew it would NEVER be the same.
I agree. Ric's voice wasn't suited for this kind of song. It wouldn't have been tehe same.
His voice was the punch this song needed..
I agree and can't imagine this song with a different voice. Embarrassingly, I always thought that Ric Ocasek was the sole voice of The Cars! I was dumbfounded when I learned that Benjamin Orr sang so many of my favorite Cars songs-after watching a different Professor of Rock video, of course. Having been born in 1968, I know a lot about all the songs explored on this channel, but I know nothing compared to Professor of Rock. I always learn so much here and am grateful.
Benjamin Orr had the only voice that could do this song justice. Rik's voice was quirky and interesting but Benjamin's was the heart and soul. His voice was stunning. I would also question the caption of this video saying the "frontman" let the "second vocalist" sing it. They were co-lead vocalists and I dare say as far as frontmen go, nobody could take their eyes off Benjamin Orr. He was absolutely gorgeous and had more charisma and stage presence by far.
"Drive" is great but "It's All I Can Do" from the Candy-O album is the ultimate Benjamin Orr ballad for me.
I agree! One of my favorite songs ever
One of their best. ❤ The whole band shines on that one.
Ben hated singing that song, which is why they never played it live.
I'm not a fan of "Drive." Candy-0 though... wow! 10/10
Dude I swear you're one of the, if not THE best storytellers of our generation.
Watching your videos not only reminds me of what it meant to us growing up in the 80's, but it reminds me of what it feels like to be human again.
We are the last generation that lived in a time where society largely still agreed on the meaning of life, and we were free to experience what life has to offer without the worries of today.
The "end" of the world was still an idea meant for the big screen, and to us it seemed like a different timeline - one that we are now living.
Wow. I will cherish this comment for the long haul. Thank you!
It's only the end of the world if we allow it! Keep fighting!
I love and wholeheartedly _love_ what you wrote, BrokePrepper!
I love your name too, as I am myself a "broke prepper". I live off-grid (17 years of no electric bills! I love solar/wind power!!) on a mountain on a meager income, then my car broke down 4 months ago and I have to save up enough cash to get it fixed.
Being a prepper meant I had food for me and my disabled son for those 4 months, but I finally accepted help from a nice lady who didn't even know me. She's giving me a ride to town again on Monday!
Funny thing is, I know we disagree politically and we are both aware of that, so we never mention politics. We are old, and both were raised by parents who taught us that it's rude to force our opinions about religion and politics on others. I just discuss those things online with like-minded individuals whom I don't know. That's where I vent my frustration! 😉
I still say I would love to see you on the #KellyClarksonShow. She "in my opinion" has referenced things you have said so she has to be a fan too. And just to see you get your due on a bigger platform would be awesome. Love ya dude and all your stories especially the ones about your dad. Plz never stop. Much love from a nutty fan ♥️@@ProfessorofRock
Pay phones
Benjamin Orr was definitely an underrated vocalist and both “Drive” and his solo song “Stay The Night” are proof of that.
Amen!
He can really sing.
Geez, I didn’t make that connection until your comment! Sweet!
Rik's voice had about as much warmth as a buzz from an alarm clock. Orr was far better vocally.
I think I know what you mean, but the HUGE success of the single, 'Drive,' in America and abroad; the "Heartbeat City" tour; Live Aid; having a hit with his own song and video, 'Stay The Night', and being (posthumously 🥺) inducted into the RRHOF, are *Not* things that happen to an underrated musician. Underrated is more like being talented and deserving of success, and not having success. People who could help the person succeed, don't think s/he rates their attention.
Benjamin Orr got further and further pushed out, until he became obscure. He is more under-acknowledged, under-recognized, under appreciated, and the like.
I was fortunate enough to see The Cars in '79, '84, '87 and 2011(without Ben). I even had tickets for The New Cars, but Elliott broke his arm, a week before. Sometime in the late 80's, I recorded Drive, on cassette in Niagara Falls. My youngest daughter heard me singing the song on it one day, while I was at work. When I walked in the door, she stood there looking at me, with teary eyes, ran towards me and hugged me, telling me everything was going to be okay. She felt so sad for me for singing the song. My baby girl is now 34, with 2 kids. Time flies.
That's my memory.
Hats off to Ocasek for letting Orr take lead vocals on "Drive". It feels like we're hearing a mystery person's autobiography, and we're never meant to know who it is.
Great way of putting it. Who's your favorite of the two singers?
@@ProfessorofRock Oof, hard question to answer, each voice brings something so different. I like each equally.
@@christineml1476 yeah, feels you need both to have things complete.
I gather Rick never said anything about its meaning or basis?
Great way of putting it Christine.
Elliot - top tier guitarist
He never gets named in the greatest conversation, but he should.
He was originally a right hand player, but he wanted to learn how to play left because he could. One of the greatest players EVER!
He was a master of the 10 second solo! Gave the songs just what they needed without self promotion. Just got in and got out!
Can't imagine anyone but Benjamin Orr singing this song. His voice and intonation are perfect for it.
Drive is a great song, and Ben was meant to sing it. I love the song. But I can't take away from Rik's contribution either. He was so fun. "You might Think" was a favorite of mine as well. Basically, I can't really think of a BAD card song. 80s at its best. Much love to the band and the great times had by me as a child. ❤
July of 83 my hi school sweetheart broke up with me, sitting on hood of my car, while Drive was playing on radio. She was off to college several states away in a few weeks and wanted "options." Broke my heart but knew she was right. 25 years later a group of us classmates got together at a bar for our own reunion of sorts. She and I reconnected there and I had Drive played on the karaoke/jukebox. She instantly "apologized" for "that night" and I told her she had no reason to. That was 16 years ago..we've been together ever since. Drive broke us up, Drive brought us back together, and Drive was our wedding dance song. Anytime we're on the road, it gets played. Drive is definitely our song...
Your story makes me smile. How great is it that things worked out?
That's beautiful
What an awesome happy story. Need more like it.
That is an Awesome story..
So glad u were re-united.
That’s a WONDERFUL happy ending. I’m so happy for you both.
I will always be sad I never got to see The Cars in concert.
Same here.
Me too. I'm near Dallas Texas and there's a couple of djs who have been on air for decades, Beau and Jim. Jim once said that he liked the music from The Cars but that all they did on stage was stand there and sing, no visual entertainment. That bothered me and still I would have loved to see them. Benjamin Orr had such a beautiful voice. Sad that he and Rick Ocasik are both gone.
I had tickets when they broke up
@lynnestamey7272 I saw the Cars in the early 80s and you are absolutely correct. Awesome music, no stage performance.
@@garynorred4643 I'm good with that. I don't need dancers or theatrics.
The breakup on The Cars is really the only one that registered with me and when Ben passed, that is when the sadness of the end of The Cars was absolutely finalized.
"Music is the closest thing we have to a time machine"... Thats so true & 1 of the best quotes ever!
Thanks!
@@ProfessorofRock I have an ongoing late night musical conversation this cool, maybe late 20s younger guy who's always behind the counter at the 7-eleven down the street when i pop in and no one else ever comes in while i'm there. The other night i told him that you can watch a movie, you can play a video, but only music has such a really mysterious, singular and primal power. Probably in some way owing to its relation to the human heartbeat. And when you hear the song, its effect can so emotionally powerful that it can actually take you right back to the event, no matter how long ago how distant or how deep within your recesses, and for one little fleeting moment you can step back into YOUR OWN EYES and actually feel the experience again.
I had a boyfriend who played the Cars debut album for me. I bought it the next day. Been a fan for so long. I’m almost 60 and still think they are one of the best bands ever. So lucky to have seen them live back in the day.
Benjamin Orr's voice is absolute perfection
I lost the love of my life to a drug overdose. This song always reminds me of the frustration I felt, trying to get him to join me in sobriety. His "friends" wouldn't allow him to choose life.
So sorry. I’m in the middle of this right now with my partner. Sometimes I just want to give up fighting.
And sometimes that's all you can do is separate and get yourself to a place of steadiness
@@markglabinski526 I'm so sorry. Watching the man I had loved for 9 years destroy himself is a heartbreak I wish no one had to endure. There's nothing you can say or do when the addiction is that strong, only they can choose to change.
We were both addicted to crack cocaine in the 1980s. I had a terrifying OD, and was sure I was dying but I recovered. It scared me into getting help. I moved in with my brother because I knew if I was around the stuff I'd keep using until my final OD.
Bert had a wonderful boss who paid for him to go to treatment for 30 days as an inpatient at a rehab hospital. I was so happy! Then he was released, and went straight to his dealer before he even went home. I knew he was lost, but I still pleaded with his mother to convince him to go back to the hospital. She assured me, "Oh, he has a handle on it now, he's fine!"
He died 9 months later, he had a lethal dose of heroin so his disease had progressed.
Tragically, he died on Mother's Day. I was celebrating with my mom when I got the call.
That was 1989, and I'm still not "over" it. Just hearing the first notes of this song got me crying.
I sincerely hope that your loved one realizes that they can change before it's too late. I never used drugs again, I didn't even drink for 13 years. I'll have a beer maybe 4 times a year now, but two is my limit. It's been a year since I've even done that.
BTW, I do not recommend AA. IMO it's a cult and I experienced some very bad things during the 3 years I went to those meetings. They are wrong about so many things, and abusive to boot. There are better self-help groups based on actual science, but it all comes down to learning to be responsible for one's own actions. I would have missed so much had I stayed addicted.
As a favorite singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier sang:
"I love life and life itself could use some Mercy now."🥲
@@markglabinski526this is not a fight we were meant to win, but one we MUST persevere.
Do you believe in God? If so, the best thing you can do is pray the one you're fighting for does also. Never stop praying for them.
Faith is the only thing that can overcome this battle, ESPECIALLY when you think you've lost.
I'm so sorry y'all have had to go through this. I've lost too many friends in my 41 years. I've lost count. I can't even remember everybody anymore. Not merely acquaintances, but true relationships. I'm one of the luckiest people alive to have had the opportunity to love so many people, I wish they were still here but I have faith. They were GOOD people, and they believed in God.
The fight isn't over yet, I'm still praying for them.
So sorry. Peace to you.
Remember hearing "Your All I've Got Tonight" for the first time. The Cars sounded completely different than anyone else at the time but they still rocked!
One of the best debut albums ever!
My favorite live performance of Orr's is All Mixed Up (1978). You can find it on UA-cam. He hits some difficult notes and it's almost like he's relieved when he does, like he doesn't want to disappoint Ric. You also see an angelic energy of joy in his eyes. Just beautiful.
Awesome!
Wow. I can’t wait to watch it.
I've watched that one many times over. Benjamin was truly a gifted singer.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Let us know what you think!
All Mixed Up is their best song, don't understand why it was never realesed as a single?
Every now and then a Rock and Roll passing is met with surprisingly little fanfare.
Benjamin Orr along with Rick Wright (Pink Floyd) and Carl Wilson (The Beach Boys) deserved a lot more mention when they passed.
Bennie Elevenletters has been gone a long time now.
Like Dan Fogelberg.
The older I get the more I love this band. They are now my favorite band of all time.
These guys were certainly one of the groups who ruled the 80s! Loved them, especially “Drive”.
Such a great song. Perfect really.
The Cars were cool........to everyone. New Wavers, Punks, Metal fans, Pop fans....... EVERYONE loved/loves The Cars. That in and of itself speaks volumes.
I can't think of anyone who disliked The Cars.
great band, with so many great songs. like the who. had a huge influence on so many. like an "american beatles".
Sooooo TRUE!👍🏻
Just like Van Halen, Cheap Trick and other rock acts that became popular in the late 70's during the age when Disco ruled the airwaves they were a breath of fresh air for us "Death before Disco" kind of music fans.
I do! And I was raised on EWF.
Your ending comments on this one struck a chord with this old hippie that "music is the closest thing to a time machine we have" is spot on. Certain tunes can create (or recreate) lasting impressions of beginning eras (Beatles) or ending times (Disco). This song 'Drive' definitely dedicated the end of the '80s with a funeralistic dirge of memories of what was and where do we go musically from here going forward.
Keep the soul in harmony by keeping the needle sharp on the vinyl... Peace ✌️ ❤
Thanks!
Yes indeed! Music is so powerful.
Of all the untimely rock star deaths that have occurred over the years, Benjamin Orr's passing devastated me as much as any of them. An absolutely impeccable voice. This song and video is a performance for the ages.
I was at Live Aide in Philly. The Cars sound was excellent in spite of the huge crowd. I was dead center about 50 feet from stage. A real treat by real talent!
'Drive" definitely captured the depth of depression that only teenagers feel over someone they love and are crushed over not being in a relationship with.....or the isolation a teenager feels in this universe that is overwhelming to them!! The band had a deep love and respect for Benjamin as demonstrated in their induction into the rock n roll hall of fame.
Lol not just teenagers...
This song is absolutely incredible!
I remember watching the video on MTV and having such empathetic feelings for the girl in the video.
She did such a great job!
It’s Ric’s girlfriend.
Wife
The video was directed by Timothy Hutton.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980@gracewolf16 - In a way, you're both right. Paulina Porizkova later became Ric Ocasek's third wife. At the time of the 'Drive' video, tbh, Ric was still married to his second wife.
Former wife, they divorced years later.
Drive is one of my favorite songs of all time. One of the best songs Ric Ocasek ever wrote, it's beautifully sung by Benjamin Orr, and meticulously produced by Mutt Lange. Greg Hawkes deserves so much credit, too, for some amazing keyboards and synthesizer work on the record.
I was able to see The Cars twice. Those were the days.
Where at and when> What year?
@@ProfessorofRock Philadelphia Spectrum - 1979
Can’t put it better than your closing words Professor; “music is the closest thing we have to a time machine…”. This song puts me right back at that place and time…
Ben really was one of the great rock voices ever and I'm a little sad he doesn't seem to get the recognition for it. Perhaps it's because Ric sang a slight majority of their songs. But people are often surprised to find out how many of their biggest hits were sung by Ben.
Ric only sang more in the later years, and keep the best songs to himself at that point. In the first 2 Albums songs and potential hits were split fairly equally. He had to give Ben this song because it took a real voice to sing it. Wouldn’t have worked with Ric’s quirky singing style.
For a song with no peaks & valleys, it was definitely a banger! This is my favorite song by the Cars, although "Why Can't I Have You" is right up there. It's sad that you don't hear that song on the radio.
That's exactly right. It stays where it's at. Thanks Bill!
Both songs are gems.
The cars are one of those bands that were awesome, people knew they were awesome, but were somehow still underrated.
I know! They are one of the best bands of the era, no question.
Good way of putting it!
How is the Cars underrated ?? They were all over the Radio & MTV. Bands that are truly underrated would be :
Trapeze
UFO
Nazareth
Robin Trower
Fastway
I get tired of people always claiming bands that have been showered with Fame & Money as others that in many cases, blows other bands out of the water, get hardly any. Not talking Cars, love the band.
They were never underrated. I always find it amusing when people talk about such a great band or musician that everyone knows and says they were underrated. Like they have some secret knowledge and are an expert. Or maybe you were from a very small town that only played country? Cause most of the rest of America thought they were always great.
You can't be underrated if you're in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (although many overrated acts are).
There’ll never be another Ben Orr! He was truly special…. A lesser know tune from Heartbreak City, “It’s Not The Night” showcases his vocal range & passion…💙🎶
Yes, totally agree! It's hard to believe that song didn't become a hit as well. There's a great live performance of it on UA-cam. Ben kills it.
That live version is my favorite…. Should’ve been a hit, definitely!
@@chrisbodi6470 I read somewhere that it actually charted on its own without even being released as a single.
Stranger Eyes
In some interview with his sound engineer I read that "Mutt" Lange was so exhausted after producing "Heartbeat city" by The Cars, and so many iconic albums since the AC/DC albums ("Highway to hell", "Back in black "...), Foreigner ("4"), and Def Leppard ("High and dry" and "Pyromania") who decided to take a break... which is why at the beginning he declined to work on what would later become "Hysteria"
That's right. You know your history!
Interesting!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980How nice to see you post. You are a wonderful person.
@@thebarbecutioner6977 Why, thanks!
❤🎉
THE CARS!!
I might be in the minority that preferred Benjamin Orr's voice to Ric Ocasek's. But the Cars were great.
Drive is very haunting. But Mutt Lange did a wonderful job producing this song.
Thanks Professor!
Have a great weekend eating your Flintstones cereal. 😂
You are not in the minority, at least not in my book.
I'm with you there and in fact almost all of Heartbeat city was pretty damn good
I think the Cars had the best debut album n in Rock history.
@@RDGardea 💯
Ben Orr's voice for me IS The Cars voice.
I read Benjamin's biography and my esteem for Ben increased immensely. The Cars were my favorite group during the 80's and I listen to Candy-O still. (may be Ben's best work on any album). You are correct that it was almost criminal how little fanfare or attention both their deaths received. RIP Ben ad Rick
Ric had a great voice, but Ben's vocals are perfect for this song. Can't believe they're both gone now. The Cars are one of my favorite bands of all time.
Paulina & Ric were together until 2019 when R.I.P Ric passed and left us only his legacy! Glad for this channel. And Glad someone is out there making an archive of lasting memories from the 60's, 70's, 80's and even some of todays music. Thank you for your hard work Adam!
Benjamin Orr not only had a beautiful voice to listen to, his gorgeous looks were quite easy on many ladies eyes, lol
"songs are the closest thing we have to a time machine" 👍 🤘
So true. DOn't you think>
Of course! Rock on 🤘
I agree, when I was 13 I had a brain aneurysm (still here) and the only thing that I could remember were words to songs! Love music full stop. Thanks professor for bringing back all the memories.
Old cars can give a feeling of time travel, pun not intended
My absolute favorite Boston band. Ocasek had no problem saying Benjamin was the band's natural lead singer -- looks; sex appeal; great voice. Just What I Needed; Let's Go; Bye Bye Love; Moving in Stereo as stellar examples.
Thanks for sharing.
I forgot they were from Boston lol
Bye Bye Love is my absolute favorite. Ben is an icon.
I met Ric Ocasek in NYC near Union Sq. and Irving Place. I walked by him on the street...."Hi Ric!" That was all. He never said a word but waved and smiled at me. That's how celebrities liked it New York City.
The exact same happened to me in Boston.
My "Drive" story:
In the fall of '85 I attended a technical school in the Phoenix area. I was in the Broadcasting program , with the intent of getting into the radio biz. One of the segments of our education was TV camera work; learning how to operate the camera, write and deliver a newscast, etc. Final project for that block was to conceive, write and produce a music video. The Cars were easily one of my top 10 bands at the time. Drive is just such a great song and seemed really easy to use to tell a story. My vision for a video had nothing to do with the official video (I was never a big MTV viewer and provably had only seen it a couple times)
I cast myself as "the hero", the pretty girl in my class (whom I totally had the hots for in real life but she had a boyfriend, or so she claimed) as my coworker who is in an abusive relationship, and a scraggly "punchable faced" guy as the abusive boyfriend. I recruited another girl to be cameraman when all three of us had to be in the same shot, and also a token appearance as the girl's bestie.
I'm sure you can figure out how this played out. Scenes of her getting verbally and even mildly physically abused by the jerk, scenes of her dreaming of a better life, calling her friend for consolation, and showing up at work obviously distraught. I'm the kind soul at work that listens to her, smiles at her, does little nice things for her. Closeups of me show me genuinely kind, desirous but not creepy, sad for her abuse and frustrated she can't see that I love her.
"Who's gonna pick you up, when you shake" for example, shows me just putting my hand on hers when she's crying at work but my "dream bubble" has me holding her in my arms. You get the idea.
In the end, after an especially nasty argument with scraggly boyfriend, you see her begin to call her bestie, but hangs up and instead calls me. I show up and bitch slap the guy and take off, me and my girl, into the sunset. Her head is on my shoulder and as she wipes away tears we see for the first time a smile and even a little laughter.
The last line, "Who's gonna take you hoooooooome, toniiiiiiiiight" is sung as we pull into my driveway as she momentarily has a quizzical look, then an impish grin of realization, then she closes in for a kiss....FADE TO BLACK.
It is really unfortunate that we ran out time and weren't able to shoot all the raw footage; only got about half the video edited, but still passed.
What i really liked about the Cars was Easton's guitar playing. After that everything just grooved together. Never had any albums of them. Later in years i bought their greatest hits, and was floored by overall jams. My loss at the time.✌️
I agree!
He’s a great guitarist.
He would “follow the chords” as opposed to staying within a scale. Very underrated!!!
Easton always played just what (each song) needed! Always tasty, always on point.
I lost my brother to mental illness. I think of my brother every time I hear "drive" we had the coolest friends 🧡 and the cars followed us everywhere. Trend setting and mega talented. Thank you, Benjamin, Rick , Elliot, Greg, and David for your rock n roll service 🙌 you will be missed
The Cars are one of my favorite bands.
Their music was so catchy,how could not like it!
I hate that we didn't get more music from them but they will always be rembered.
I agree about Benjamin Orr. He had such a beautiful voice and such stage presence not to mention a dreamy look. We lost him way too soon.
It broke my heart when the Cars broke up. They were easily my favorite band of the era. I learned how to play guitar from copying Elliot Easton. And I just absolutely loved their music. Also, they were the soundtrack to my college years. Still, I bought all the solo albums of Rick and Ben and Eliot.
Agree 100% with you Professor, Benjamin Orr was perfect for this song, this is one of my favorite Cars songs.
💔 still an emotional song 40 years later!
How this song and many other songs by The Cars didn't hit number 1 is beyond me
The Cars have become sadly underrated. Drive is really fun.
????? They're from a long time ago.... like sand through the hourglass 😅 🎶
They are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
@@kensmith2839 The Cars got inducted into the HoF before Mungo Jerry?
That's encouraging.
Not to people who truly know music.
I don't know that I would call Drive "fun," but it IS an amazing song
The Cars debut album is the best debut album in the history of rock and roll.
Right there with Boston and the Smiths...
Top 3 for sure.
@@ProfessorofRockDon’t forget Van Halen.
"Do you know where you are?"
Cars 1st album is a greatest album. Wore out 2 cassette tapes in high-school lol.
Kudos to Ric for recognizing the power that Ben could bring to the song. Professor, I always appreciate the education that you give us by your research and the way you lay it out. Keep it up, sir.
Absolutely agree!!! POR is my favorite channel!
The Cars was the first concert I ever went to. I saw them on the tour for this album. I can still remember when the lights went down and Ben sang Drive. It was very mesmerizing. He had such a great voice. My favorite song is Just What I Needed. Everyone should listen to it 3 times pan all the way left, pan all the way right, and then in the middle. Love the way they mixed it
These guys were one of the biggest groups when I was in HS.
I think they were one of the groups took electronic sound, and pop and fused them together, not resting on technology instead of talent.
Rush did that too (Remember "It's just a question of your honesty".) and created a totally new and unique sound.
I graduated in 1981 and that was when they were wall to wall on the radio.
I was in the Navy when this album was released, and when I got back they had broken up 🤧 already.
Easily one of my favorite songs of all time. Any time it comes on the radio I crank it. Never gets old. Can't say that for many other songs.
I always thought Ric and Ben's voices sounded similar... except on this song. Ben's voice really stood out on this classic.
Totally agree. I know I always had to listen closely when I was first trying to figure out who was doing the vocals on each song, and I didn't always get it right.
@@t.o.408 I used to think Ric sang them all until I saw them live on MTV as a kid. I was scratching my head lol
To me their voices were always different and distinctive. Well at least different enough that I could tell the difference and liked hearing them sing their own respective material.
I agree. His voice was so emotive.
Me too! In fact, when I was a kid, I wasn't even aware the Cars had 2 vocalists - I thought Ric Ocasek sang all of their songs. Which is funny to think about now, because they definitely have different voices. (Interestingly, I do think that Dave Gahan and Martin Gore of Depeche Mode have very similar singing voices, as well as Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith of Tears For Fears). Anyway, I loved The Cars growing up! "Heartbeat City" was my 3rd official real cassette tape album (the first being Styx: Kilroy Was Here and the second being Michael Jackson: Thriller). I played that tape all the time in 1984. Not long after that, my very cool big brother got me the rest of The Cars albums on cassette, so I was up to speed! 🙂 When their last album, "Door to Door" came out in 1987, I have memories of my brother picking me up from school, and that cassette always playing in the car! It was sad that was their last album (before "Move Like This", of course), because I really liked that one and thought they were really getting good. I still think the music video to "You Are the Girl" is a hoot! 😂
Beautiful tribute to a achingly beautiful song. Well done.
Thanks for listening
The Cars have always been my favorite! The perfection of the Mutt Lange produced songs are awesome, but the early Rawness in the Roy Thomas Baker produced songs are my favorite! Awesome episode Professor!👍
When you mentioned the album Door To Door, it has one of my favorite Cars songs "Double Trouble". I love Benjamin Orr's vocal on that song.
YES!
Great song.
I have to ask. With radio as we knew it, will there be any classics ever again? I’m 51 right now and I feel like the 90’s were the last era ever. I am saddened by the thought of where we are today. The 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s were amazing and I believe a lot of people felt that way. But the 2000’s have been dookie. I love what you’re doing please keep it up.
Let the Good Times Roll!! I remember my dad cranking up the volume when it came on.
Great memory!
Great episode, PoR, about a great song. So true about Ben Orr's lack of publicity when he died. RIP to both Ben and Ric.
Thanks for sharing.
Sepaking of driving, I was driving through Beverly Hills many years ago, and saw Ric Ocasek walking down Rodeo Dr. Unmistakable look. Couldn't miss him. RIP RIC.
I saw The Cars in 1982.
The Kinks opened for them.🎸🎸🎶🎼🎵
AWESOME!
Their debut album is still one of my favorites.
IT's perfect. Is it your favorite debut?
@@ProfessorofRock it depends on the day of the week. Lol. I could make an argument for Zeppelin, Boston, Van Halen, The Clash or Boston. That’s why I love music so much!
Totally agree, Benjamin Orr's passing deserved more than the footnote he got. Great singer(s), great band. Miss them so much.
Definitely one of the best songs of the 80’s, all time even.
Oh my what an amazing song. As a published poet. It helped me fall into the mood of love/lust/devotion of hanging on to something or someone you can’t keep. I met Ric in NYC what a cool guy. He stuck out like a sore thumb. I just said you’re just so cool. He pulled down he’s shades and smiled.
I never took the "who's going to drive you home tonight" as a reference to drinking. I took it as a guy getting a bit jealous of the guy his unrequited love interest has a rendezvous with. humph. one thing about this channel is how different age. eras, and perspectives are viewed differently
I remember walking more than two miles to buy Heartbeat City when I was in high school. You Might Think had just hit the radio and I loved the song. I bought the cassette and played it over and over until it just wore out a few years later. The song Drive brings back so many memories.
What a cool memory!
Oh Benjamin Orr..that voice, humble , sexy , handsome man you was ..❤❤.Love The Cars forever ❤❤
Moving in Stereo on a badd ass surround sound needs to be on your bucket list to hear
When The Cars were in rotation, everyone pronounced Rick's name "oh-KAY-sik", even MTV and radio stations. I had gone 30+ years under the impression that was how it was pronounced, and only in the last 10 or so years that I've heard it as "oh-KAH-sik", and I find I still find myself pronouncing it the "old" way.
The Cars are the 80's. Drive. School dance. Made out with a girl named Chris the entire song. One of my fav memories. Before she passed I told her that every time I hear that song I think of her and that night. And she was like omg I think of you too. Miss you Chris.
I started Jr high when they first came out.
At that time I really started listening to rock and roll.
I also discovered girls. So, this band struck a chord with me. They were my favorite.
By the time I got into high school, I veered off in another direction. [PUNK].
I wasn't really into that song, Drive.
As I grew up, I looked back and realized how beautiful that song really is.
The Cars will always be high on my list of favorite bands.
Elliot Easton gets honorable mention.
There was an interview with band shortly before Bens death, where Ric said if he felt a song he wrote needed a better voice, he would have Ben sing it, this went back to the days in Milkwood and Ocasek and Orr
I love The Cars. Drive is one that I put my headphones on and crank it up. Benjamin Orr’s voice is amazing. My favorite Cars song 🎶.
I'm a Ben Orr fan. I loved his solo album the Lace.
Great vocals that set the bar of the 80s.
Its funny but the way the you reflect about this band and their music architecture is spot on.
I think i wore out the vinal of Beatitude played that so many times i recorded a cover of "Take a Walk" off Rics album.
Its a standard of music that inspires ones mind to open time and place in space!
Baker, Mut Lang and Shipley.
Just brilliant 👏
In Thailand back in 2008 my friends female cousin who lived there played Drive in her car repeatedly as she drove us around. Drive is international!!!
A masterpiece that was beautifully performed by Ben. I had always wished this song would have hit #1 on the album charts. One of my all time favorite Cars tunes that remains timeless.
The songs Ben sang on were the best Cars songs
The Cars are a band I never get tired of. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heartbeat City is one of my favorite albums of all time. Almost forty years since I first heard the entire album, I still love it today.
Ben Orr was clearly the better singer in The Cars. He sang lead on many of their early hits.
No offense, but the "saddest breakup in rock history" is The Beatles.
That's ok. I have a reason why I listed the cars. It's in the video
Which one by the Beatles though?
I graduated high school in '84. I remember listening to that song that summer. The melancholia it evoked seemed to perfectly embody how I was feeling anticipating the uncertainty of the future ahead of me.
Same here. I remember hearing Magic on the beach on the first day of summer. Still really love it because of that memory. Great year to be 18 and free.
Wow, you brought me to tears with this one. “The innocence lost…” 😢
Ric looked like a lost Ramone. But he was proof that ugly dudes could still marry hot chicks. 👍
Right? Ha ha.
Ric gave hope to us all.
Am I wrong to say Paulina deserved better? I can’t imagine spending that long with someone and getting cut out of the will like that (it’s not the assets but the principal).
Drive is always on my "Must HearTonight" list.
It's a masterpiece!
Late teens, early 20's when The Cars hit their stride. Loved the music. I wasn't upset when the band split, however I cried when I found out Ben passed away. Again when Ric passed on. Both Ric and Ben have some awesome solo work. I miss them both.
the cars 1st 2 LP'S were great ! i always liked the songs Ben sings the most !
One of those 80a songs that instantly transport me back to the mid 80s … it’s beyond good
The Cars were a great band. I liked them in the 70’s and 80’s, but truly didn’t fully appreciate them until a few years ago. They had their own unique sound and look and when I think of the 80s, The Cars are one of the first bands that I think of. RIP Ben and Ric, we miss you!!! ❤😢