#353 The Cars, 'The Cars' (1978)

Previously #284

I went back and re-read my review of this album from last time. It seems that I wasn’t all that impressed last time. In fact, I ended the review by saying “Sorry automobile enthusiasts.” (I find that hilarious). This time around, I seemed to be listening with different ears, because I thought it was brilliant. The simple pop melodies, intricate guitar lines and the harmonies. From track 1, my initial thought when the harmonies came in was that the production on the vocals sounded very much like Queen’s 1970 records. Almost uncannily so. A bit of research and I discovered that this album was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, the same man that produced Queen’s first 5 records. It seems this time I was listening properly.

The album sold 1 million records in the first year and stayed on the charts for a staggering 139 weeks. That’s about 2 years and 8 months. The albums hits you with a 1-2-3 punch from the get go with ‘Good Times Roll,’ ‘My Best Friend’s Girl’ and ‘Just What I Needed.’ But the album continues to give following those tracks. I enjoyed this one thoroughly. Automobile enthusiasts rejoice!

#rs500albums