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Our 10 Biggest Hits By The Cars list features hit songs by the band. The Cars are a new wave band who rose to fame in the late 70s. The Cars were trendsetters with their music. They blended new wave and pop music to create their sound. The Cars recorded different types of songs that appealed to the fans. They wrote some of their songs based on their personal experiences and that’s what kept fans interested in their music. The Cars have sold over 23 million albums and had 18 singles appear on the Hot 100 charts. Four of the singles made it to the Top 10 while 13 peaked in the Top 40 charts. The Cars may not be together anymore, but their songs will live on forever.
# 10 – I’m Not the One (Remix)
We are opening our list of 10 Biggest Hits By The Cars with “I’m Not the One (Remix).” The single appears on their Greatest Hits album. The song came out in 1986. It peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song reached number 24 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts. This song is about a complex relationship.
The Cars tells a story about a man who is fed up with his partner’s behavior. He wants to break free of her. The relationship has him feeling frustrated and exhausted. He feels he’s not the one who will fulfill her needs. He has reached a breaking point and is tired of her taking advantage of him. Their relationship has been going in circles and he is tired of being disappointed. He is ready to move on from the relationship.
The song depicts a man who is frustrated with his relationship. He is tired of being trapped in a complicated relationship. He has hit a breaking point and is ready to break free. It captures the moment when it’s time to move on with your life. The song is a reminder that you shouldn’t stay in an unhappy relationship. It’s better to leave when you know that your relationship doesn’t work anymore.
The Cars wrote about a familiar subject. The theme hits close to home for anyone who is in a complex relationship and wants to get out of it. It teaches you to put your peace of mind ahead of a toxic relationship. Fans were drawn to the song because of the personal theme of it. The song has a great blend of pop and rock music which fans enjoy. The track helped cement their place in music history. It helped inspire future artists to create this sound.
# 9 – Just What I Needed
The ninth song on our 10 Biggest Hits By The Cars list is “Just What I Needed” and appears on their eponymous album. The song was released in 1978. The single reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The track appeared on different compilation albums. It has become one of their most popular songs. “Just What I Needed” is their first single. It’s about a man who wants to be in a relationship.
He is open and ready to let someone into his life. He doesn’t care about the consequences of them getting together. She makes him nervous, but she captivates him at the same time. He is more than just physically attracted to him. He feels a deeper connection with her.
“Just What I Needed” is an emotional song about a man who is willing to take a chance on love. It describes the feeling of falling in love when the right person comes along. Finding the right person is a great feeling. It may catch you by surprise. The lyrics describe how it feels when you meet the right person. If you can’t express that feeling in words, you can listen to this song. Ric Ocasek wrote the right song to express this feeling. He is in tune with the way it feels to fall in love with that special person.
He wrote a story that was easy to follow. Fans can relate to the story he created for everyone. Fans appreciate the deep and emotional meaning behind the song. Fans fell in love with the music as well as the vocals. The song has become such a big hit that it appeared on movie soundtracks and has been covered by several artists such as the Strokes, the Killers, the Red Hot Chili Peppers as well as others. This is a track that won’t get old because love is a timeless subject.
# 8 – Hello Again
The eighth song on our 10 Biggest Hits By The Cars list is “Hello Again” from the Heartbeat City album. It was released in 1984. The song peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It’s their fourth Top 20 single from that album. The song also made it to the dance charts. It peaked at number eight on the Dance charts. “Hello Again” is about self-discovery. They talk about people battling their personal demons.
In this instance, the personal demon is addiction. The song opens with a man addressing his addiction. He talks about it making you forget about how it started and how it ended. When you are dealing with addiction your only concern is satisfying it and forgetting about the consequences. He wants everyone to know that they’re not alone with their problems. You should seek help when you are battling addiction. It’s better to get help than to deal with the problem alone.
“Hello Again” is a powerful song dealing with addiction. It can be a difficult thing to discuss. Addiction can affect people regardless of your social status. The song is designed to help people struggling with their personal demons. It lets people know they are not alone. We applaud Ric Ocasek for using his platform to reach fans who are battling addiction. The message still holds true today.
Many people are battling addiction and need help. Anyone who is suffering or knows someone suffering from addiction knows the struggle to overcome it. The song appeals to fans because they are suffering or know someone who is battling addiction. The Cars wrote a social song that can bring people together. This is a timeless song that is still relevant decades later.
# 7 – You Are the Girl
Coming in at number seven is “You Are the Girl” from the Door to Door album. The song came out in 1987. It reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It peaked at number two on the Mainstream Rock charts. It’s their 13th and final Top 40 hit single. The song is about a man who is longing for a former relationship.
He wonders why she changed and why their connection isn’t the same. He questions why she doesn’t talk or smile the way she used to in the past. She pushed him away. Her actions confuse him, but he still thinks that is the one who is right for him. She made an impact on his life. He has deep feelings for her.
“You Are the Girl” tells a story about a man who is in love even though she has changed. She has gone through emotional changes, and he wants to help her through them. The song conveys a message of unconditional love. We all need that special person who will love us no matter what we are going through in life. It teaches you that love doesn’t always end even when the relationship is stagnant.
The song deals with the emotional part of a relationship. The song is relatable to anyone who is still in love with a former partner. If you are longing for the person that was in your life, this is the song you will want to hear. The Cars eloquently describe how it feels to have feelings that may not be mutual. The song was a big hit with fans because of the emotional connection they feel from it. This is the type of song that will hold your attention until it is done. You don’t have to be a fan of rock music to appreciate the theme of the song.
# 6 – Let’s Go
“Let’s Go” appears on the Candy-O album. The single was released in 1979. The song peaked at number 14 on the Hot 100 charts. “Let’s Go” is The Cars’ first Top 20 hit. “Let’s Go” is about a free-spirited girl who loves the nightlife. She isn’t afraid to take risks and live life to the fullest. She is in control. She never wastes time or waits for things to happen. She has the charisma that people enjoy.
“Let’s Go” talks about youthful rebellion. It conveys the message of individuality and not conforming to what is considered normal. The Cars want listeners to embrace life and never forget about their adventurous sides. They want listeners to retain their spirit of youth. The song will hit home with anyone who has an adventurous side.
The song allows you to let go of your inhibitions and have fun. If you are the type who loves the thrill of the unknown, this is a song for you. Fans felt the same way because the song was a big hit for the band. This song made it possible for other artists to step out from their comfort zones and create different music.
# 5 – Magic
The next song on our 10 Biggest Hits By The Cars list is “Magic” from the Heartbeat City album. The single came in 1984. The song reached number 12 on the Hot 100 charts. It was also number one on the Mainstream Rock charts. The song is about a man who is attracted to a woman. He sees her dancing at night. He is captivated by her. When she dances she has a glow that makes her magical. She has a hold on him. The connection he feels to her is hard to explain. He has a magnetic force towards her when they are together.
“Magic” is about an enchanting romance. It depicts a magical connection between two people. The connection makes him feel he could do anything. The romantic lyrics will give you hope that you will meet that special person and create your own “magic.” If you are with someone and have a special connection with them, the lyrics will hit home for you. There are times when we all feel that special “magic” with someone so this song will resonate with everyone. Listeners find this song appealing because it is a breezy and energetic song about having chemistry with someone. It may make you smile while you’re listening to it. The guitar riffs are fantastic. If you are a fan of rock and pop tracks, this will be a song to add to your playlist.
# 4 – Tonight She Comes
“Tonight She Comes” is on their Greatest Hits album. The song came out in 1985. The song peaked at number seven on the Hot 100 charts. The song peaked at number one on the Mainstream Rock charts and stayed there for three weeks. It’s about a woman who has an impact on a man’s life. He is excited to see her. She brings fun to his life. He is comfortable when he’s around her. He loves her confidence and charisma. He is captivated by her even though she tends to leave him dangling. It makes him want her more than ever.
“Tonight She Comes” is a tender love song about a man whose life changed because of the love of a woman. She comes and goes in his life, but she made an impact on it. It’s a straightforward song about a man in love. The Cars did a great job creating and putting this song together.
The lyrics help you visualize the love story they are describing. People love the song because it has a catchy melody, unforgettable lyrics and a thought-provoking theme. This song may remind you why you fell in love with The Cars music in the first place. The song’s energy will keep you invested from beginning to end.
# 3 – You Might Think
Coming in at number three on our list is “You Might Think” from the Heartbeat City album. The single was released in 1984. The track peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song topped the Mainstream Rock charts. This is the Cars’ first song to top the Mainstream Rock charts.
The song is about a man in love. He thinks about her all the time. People think he’s crazy to hang around her, but he doesn’t care. There is something special and unique about her that other people don’t see. There’s an electric chemistry between them. He sees something wild in her. He is determined to be with her no matter what anyone thinks.
“You Might Think” is an alluring song about a man who loves a woman despite the disapproval of others. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her because he loves her. It paints a picture of someone who desires to be with someone despite what other people think about it. If you have found yourself in love with someone that people didn’t approve of, you understand the point of the song.
It encourages listeners not to let naysayers predict who they are going to love. The song was written years ago and is still popular to this day. The song has hypnotic music and catchy lyrics so there‘s no way this song couldn’t be a hit. It has everything it needs to be a hit. The song can still be heard on classic rock stations.
# 2 – Shake It Up
In the number two spot on our list is “Shake It Up” from the album of the same name. The track came out in 1981. The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It peaked at number two on the Mainstream Rock charts. “Shake It Up” is one of the Cars’ most popular songs. “Shake It Up” is about letting loose and having fun. The Cars want listeners to dance all night and play all day. They don’t want anyone to let obstacles get in the way. They want people to let go of their inhibitions and embrace their own uniqueness through dance.
“Shake It Up” is a liberating song about letting go of your inhibitions and having fun. They want people to be themselves and not worry about any obstacles in their way. They want fans to live free and enjoy the moment. You should stay true to yourself and not let anyone dictate how you are going to have fun. With all the problems people are facing, we need a song that allows us to have fun.
We love how the Cars remind listeners how important it is to have fun. Dancing is a great stress reliever so it’s great that they want us to choose dancing as a way to break free from our troubles. The Cars combine dance, new wave and rock music to make this energetic song. This song is sure to please fans of these genres. The music is contagious and there’s no way to resist dancing to it. This song can still get the party started with fans all these years later.
# 1 – Drive
The number one song on our 10 Biggest Hits By The Cars list is “Drive” from the Heartbeat City album. The song was released in 1984. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song was number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts. It’s a song about being afraid to lose someone you love.
They talk about a couple who are on the verge of breaking up. The couple struggles to keep their connection alive. The song consists of questions he asks his lover. He wants to know who’s going to be there for her when things get tough. He wants to know who’s going to “drive” her home since he won’t be there to do it. Who will lift her up when she falls? Who will hold her when she’s afraid?
“Drive” is a sentimental examination of a relationship that is rocky. It focuses on how the couple relies on each other so they wonder what would happen if they aren’t there anymore. It explores the lost and lonely feeling you get when you lose the one you love. The thought-provoking song may have you thinking about your relationship especially if it’s on the verge of breaking up. People enjoy the song because of the meaningful lyrics.
The lyrics will hit you differently if you are in a similar situation as the couple in the song. This song gave the Cars a chance to do something different musically. This is a song that has crossover appeal so fans of different genres can appreciate it. The song was a hit years ago and is still a fan favorite to this day.
10 Biggest Hits By The Cars article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
