Ranking the 5 Best Songs on The Cars’ Brilliant Self-Titled Debut Album

There are a few classic studio albums that are filled with so many killer songs that they almost feel as if they were greatest hits records. The Cars managed one of those albums their very first time out on their self-titled debut in 1978.

Many of the songs on that album have become classic rock staples over the years, while some of the unheralded tracks are deserving of that kind of treatment as well. Let’s look back on the five best songs from this superb release.

5. “My Best Friend’s Girl”

The Cars came to the party pretty much fully formed on the debut record. Producer Roy Thomas Baker definitely added some sheen, but Ric Ocasek’s knack for what he wanted the overall sound to be was evident as well. After all, “My Best Friend’s Girl” started receiving serious airplay in Boston when the song was still a demo. Part of that comes from it being such a well-constructed song, as Ocasek, who was the band’s chief writer, delivered the perfect bubblegum feel. The way his arch vocals played off the earnest lyrics makes for a great combination.

4. “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight”

So many cool elements to this song, all of which stand out on their own while contributing to the whole, which is sort of what the new wave aesthetic was all about. That stomping opening gets you on board right away. The way the vocals in the run-up to the chorus come swooping in from all angles is a thrill. There’s also an Elliot Easton guitar solo that’s precise and explosive all at once. All that adds up to a song that plays up the urgency of the narrator’s predicament. I need you, Ocasek sings, and the music makes sure we understand how much.

3. “All Mixed Up”

The Cars showed a lot of different sides on the debut album, but they generally kept up a rapid pace. That’s why it’s such an effective maneuver when they slow things down a bit on the final track, showing off their versatility. Ocasek’s lyrics do a great job of delivering a fascinating character sketch of an alluring but elusive girl, while also detailing the desire and the angst of the narrator in her thrall. For the most part, Ocasek tended to hand the songs about romantic turmoil off to Ben Orr to sing, and, as he generally did, Orr nails every nuance of this one.

2. “Moving in Stereo”

You won’t find too many other writing credits on Cars songs other than Ocasek’s. (That would become a bone of contention later on in the band’s career when Ben Orr wanted to start writing some songs.) On this classic, keyboardist Greg Hawkes gets a co-writing credit, and you can understand why when you hear the way his synths create such wide-screen atmosphere. The thudding rhythm creates an almost ominous feel. And the lyrics, while minimal, are an ideal fit for the mood of the music, as they evoke and suggest while still leaving you guessing.

1. “Just What I Needed”

As was the case with “My Best Friend’s Girl,” The Cars already had this song in their pocket as a demo when they went in to record the album. The famous eighth notes invited a million imitators, so it’s hard to imagine again the impact they had when people first heard them. Hawkes’ synths wind around the proceedings with colorful swirls, while Easton lends the song some necessary heft on guitar. Drummer David Robinson keeps everything cooking with his backbeat. And Orr’s vocal lends Ocasek’s lyrics just the right hint of fire to offset their seemingly casual tone.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Photo by MediaPunch/Shutterstock