The Cars were an American rock band that emerged from the new wave scene in the late 1970s. Formed in Boston in 1976, the band consisted of Ric Ocasek (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Benjamin Orr (bass guitar, lead vocals), Elliot Easton (lead guitar, backing vocals), Greg Hawkes (keyboards, backing vocals), and David Robinson (drums, backing vocals). The Cars were known for their fusion of classic rock and the synthesizer-oriented pop that was becoming popular at the time, creating a distinct and groundbreaking sound that was both accessible and avant-garde.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1978, was a critical and commercial success, featuring enduring hits like "Just What I Needed," "My Best Friend's Girl," and "Good Times Roll." They followed up with a series of successful albums, including 1979's 'Candy-O', 1980's 'Panorama', 1981's 'Shake It Up', and what many consider their magnum opus, 1984's 'Heartbeat City', which included the iconic singles "Drive" and "You Might Think." The band's innovative music videos were staples on MTV, helping to elevate their exposure to a global audience. After the release of 'Door to Door' in 1987, the members pursued solo projects and The Cars disbanded in 1988. In 2011, The Cars released their final studio album, 'Move Like This', which was received warmly by fans and critics alike. The legacy of The Cars endures, remembered for their incredible impact on the music industry and their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Sadly, frontman Ric Ocasek passed away in 2019, marking the end of an era for the beloved band.

Genres

Album Rock

Classic Rock

Hard Rock

Mellow Gold

New Romantic

New Wave

New Wave Pop

Permanent Wave

Power Pop

Rock

Singer-songwriter

Soft Rock

Synthpop

Related Artists

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Blondie

Talking Heads

The Police

Cheap Trick

Roxy Music

The Knack

David Bowie

Journey

Duran Duran

Foreigner

New Order

Latest Release

The Cars at Live Aid (Live at John F. Kennedy Stadium, 13th July 1985)

The Cars

Single - Released December 1, 2018