Released as a successful single in early 1982 from the album Shake It Up, "Since You're Gone" showcased The Cars' signature blend of rock instrumentation and sleek new wave production. Its memorable synth lines and Ric Ocasek's vocals exploring post-breakup feelings resonated on rock radio.

This 1982 rock track offers a sophisticated take on relationship aftermath. With its atmospheric keyboards, driving beat, and understated emotion characteristic of new wave, "Since You're Gone" remains a fan favorite and a prime example of The Cars' influential sound during that era.

SONG MEANING: The song reflects on the strange, disorienting aftermath of a relationship ending ("Since you're gone / The nights are getting strange," "Everything's wrong"). Sung with Ric Ocasek's characteristic cool detachment, it explores the feeling of loneliness and the disruption of routine after a partner leaves, rather than overt heartbreak.

Released as a single from the multi-platinum 1984 album Heartbeat City, "Drive" soared into the Top 5 globally. This synth-rock masterpiece, produced by Mutt Lange, showcased The Cars' sophisticated evolution, blending new wave sensibilities with a poignant soft rock feel that resonated deeply with listeners.

With its haunting synthesizer melodies and Benjamin Orr's tender vocal delivery asking "Who's gonna drive you home tonight?", this 1984 classic creates an unforgettable mood. Aided by its iconic music video, "Drive" remains one of The Cars' most enduring and beloved soft rock/new wave hits.

SONG MEANING: The song poses a series of concerned questions to someone who seems to be struggling or perhaps in denial ("Who's gonna tell you when / It's too late?"). The repeated question, "Who's gonna drive you home tonight?" acts as a metaphor for who will ultimately take care of or support them when they can no longer manage on their own, expressing gentle concern for their well-being.

Released as a single from their second album Candy-O in 1979, "Dangerous Type" showcased The Cars' unique blend of genres. Combining powerful hard rock guitar riffs from Elliot Easton with Greg Hawkes' distinctive new wave synthesizer lines, the track became another fan favorite.

This 1979 rock classic features a driving rhythm and Ric Ocasek's intriguing lyrics about attraction to risky personalities. Its fusion of hard rock muscle and new wave artiness makes "Dangerous Type" a prime example of The Cars' influential and innovative sound during their early peak.

SONG MEANING: The song describes a fascination with someone perceived as unpredictable, unconventional, or potentially hazardous – the "dangerous type." The lyrics explore the allure of this personality ("She's a lot like you / The dangerous type"), suggesting an attraction to risk or those who live outside the norm, perhaps tinged with a warning.

Released as the lead single from their 1980 album Panorama, "Touch and Go" became another chart success for The Cars. Its unique, syncopated groove, driven by Greg Hawkes' synths and Elliot Easton's inventive guitar playing (including rockabilly-influenced licks), defined their evolving new wave sound.

This 1980 new wave track captures a sense of nervous energy and unpredictability. Ric Ocasek's cool, detached vocals ride over the distinctive, lurching rhythm, making "Touch and Go" a prime example of The Cars' artful and adventurous approach to pop music during this period.

SONG MEANING: The song depicts a volatile and uncertain situation, likely a relationship, that is precarious or unstable ("It's touch and go"). The jerky rhythm and lyrics about shadows and not knowing what's next convey a feeling of unpredictability, nervous tension, and the precariousness of the connection.

Released as the first single from The Cars' multi-platinum self-titled debut album in 1978, "Just What I Needed" became a major chart hit. Sung by Benjamin Orr, the track perfectly showcased the band's signature sound: Elliot Easton's sharp guitar, Greg Hawkes' synth textures, and Ric Ocasek's clever songwriting, defining new wave power pop.

This quintessential 1978 track remains a staple of classic rock radio. Its minimalist arrangement, driving beat, and ambiguously complimentary lyrics capture the cool detachment of the new wave era. "Just What I Needed" stands as a landmark power pop anthem and a signature song for The Cars.

SONG MEANING: The song expresses finding someone who perfectly fulfills the singer's needs ("I don't mind you coming here / And wasting all my time / 'Cause you're just what I needed"). However, the slightly detached tone and ambiguous lines suggest it might be an ironic take on relationships, where the "needs" being met aren't necessarily romantic ideals but perhaps something more superficial or unconventional.

Released as the lead single and title track from the 1981 album Shake It Up, this song became a major Top 5 hit for The Cars. Driven by Greg Hawkes' unforgettable keyboard riff and Ric Ocasek's quirky vocals, it epitomized the band's slick new wave and pop sensibilities, creating a dance-rock classic.

This quintessential 1981 track encourages listeners to let loose with its driving electronic rhythm and playful lyrics. "Shake It Up," with its blend of pop accessibility and new wave style, remains one of The Cars' most enduring and instantly recognizable hits from their chart-topping era.

SONG MEANING: The song is an upbeat invitation to let go of inhibitions and have a good time, particularly in a social or dance setting. The lyrics encourage someone who might be reserved to "shake it up," move to the music ("Dance all night, play all day"), and embrace the fun of the moment without worrying.

Featured sequentially on The Cars' landmark self-titled 1978 album, "Bye Bye Love" flows seamlessly into the pulsing groove of "Moving In Stereo." These tracks highlighted the band's unique ability to craft compelling experimental soundscapes within a new wave framework, utilizing Greg Hawkes' synths and distinctive vocals from both Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr.

Representing the art rock edge of The Cars' 1978 debut, "Bye Bye Love" and "Moving In Stereo" created an unforgettable mood. From the driving beat of the former to the hypnotic, synth-laden rhythm of the latter (famously used in film), these tracks remain prime examples of innovative new wave experimentation.

SONG MEANING: "Bye Bye Love" offers a somewhat detached perspective on relationship endings. "Moving In Stereo," with its cryptic lyrics delivered by Benjamin Orr, evokes a sense of disconnected observation, potentially watching events or relationships unfold as if in stereo, highlighting themes of voyeurism or emotional distance.