10 Biggest Hits By The Cars

The Cars Hits

Feature Photo: Miro Vrlik Photography / Shutterstock.com

Our list of the 10 Biggest Hits by The Cars features the band’s biggest songs. The Cars were a new wave band that rose to fame in the late 1970s. The Cars were trendsetters with their music. They blended new wave and pop music to create their sound. The Cars recorded a variety of songs that appealed to fans. They wrote some songs based on personal experiences, which kept fans interested in their music.

The Cars have sold over 23 million albums and had 18 singles reach the Hot 100. Four singles made the Top 10, and 13 reached the Top 40. The Cars may not be together anymore, but their songs will live on forever.

# 10 – I’m Not the One (Remix)

We’re kicking off 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 remixed single came out in 1986. It peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song reached number 24 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song explores a complex relationship. The Cars tell the story of a man fed up with his partner’s behavior.

He wants to break free. The relationship has him feeling frustrated and exhausted. He feels he won’t be the one to 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. The song depicts a man who is frustrated with his relationship. He is tired of being trapped in a complicated relationship.

He’s reached a breaking point and is ready to break free. It captures the moment when it’s time to move on. The song reminds you not to stay in an unhappy relationship. It’s better to leave when you know your relationship no longer works.

The Cars wrote about a familiar subject. The theme hits close to home for anyone in a complex relationship who wants out. 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 blends pop and rock in a way 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,” from 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 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 also captivates him. He is more than just physically attracted to her. 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 feels great. It may catch you by surprise. The lyrics describe what it feels like to meet the right person. If you can’t put that feeling into words, listen to this song. Ric Ocasek wrote the perfect song to capture that feeling. He captures what it feels like 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.

Fans appreciate the song’s deep, emotional meaning. Fans fell in love with the music and the vocals. The song became such a big hit that it appeared on movie soundtracks and has been covered by several artists, including The Strokes, The Killers, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and others. This track 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 album Heartbeat City. It was released in 1984. The song peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s their fourth Top 20 single from that album. The song also reached the dance charts. It peaked at number eight on the Dance chart. “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 says it makes you forget 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 their 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

At number seven is “You Are the Girl” from the Door to Door album. The song came out in 1987. It peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. 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. She pushed him away. Her actions confuse him, but he still thinks she 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 the story of a man in love with a woman, 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 a relationship stalls. The song explores the emotional side of a relationship. The song resonates with anyone still in love with a former partner. If you are longing for the person who 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 it creates. This is the kind of song that holds your attention until it is over. You don’t have to be a rock fan to appreciate the song’s theme.

# 6 – Let’s Go

“Let’s Go” appears on the Candy-O album. The single was released in 1979. The song peaked at No. 14 on the Hot 100. “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 individuality and rejects what is considered normal. The Cars want listeners to embrace life and never forget about their adventurous sides. They want listeners to keep their youthful spirit. 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 love 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 helped other artists step out of their comfort zones and create different music.

# 5 – Magic

Next on our 10 Biggest Hits By The Cars list is “Magic” from the Heartbeat City album. The single came out in 1984. The song peaked at number 12 on the Hot 100. It also hit number one on the Mainstream Rock chart. 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 glows and feels magical.

She has a hold on him. The connection he feels to her is hard to explain. He feels a magnetic pull toward 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 feel a special connection, the lyrics will hit home. We all feel that special “magic” with someone at times, so this song will resonate with everyone. Listeners find this song appealing because it’s breezy and energetic, and it captures that chemistry with someone. It may make you smile as you listen. The guitar riffs are fantastic. If you are a fan of rock and pop tracks, add this 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 impacts a man’s life. He is excited to see her. She brings fun to his life.

He feels comfortable 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 even more. “Tonight She Comes” is a tender love song about a man whose life changed because of a woman’s love. She comes and goes in his life, but she still makes an impact. 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 for its catchy melody, unforgettable lyrics, and 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

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.

She has something special and unique that other people don’t see. An electric chemistry runs 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 wants to be with someone despite what others think.

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’ll love. Written years ago, the song is still popular today. The song has hypnotic music and catchy lyrics, so it’s no wonder it’s a hit. It has everything it needs to be a hit. You can still hear the song 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 peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. 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 and having fun. They want people to be themselves and not worry about obstacles. They want fans to live free and enjoy the moment.

You should stay true to yourself and not let anyone dictate how you have fun. With all the problems people face, we need a song that lets us 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 blend dance, new wave, and rock to create this energetic song. This song will surely please fans of these genres. The music is contagious, and you can’t help but dance to it. This song can still get the party started, even years later.

# 1 – Drive

The number one song on our 10 Biggest Hits By The Cars list is “Drive” from the album Heartbeat City. The song was released in 1984. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It also peaked at number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It’s a song about being afraid to lose someone you love. It’s about a couple 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 will be there for her when things get tough. He wants to know who will “drive” her home since he won’t be there. Who will lift her up when she falls? Who will hold her when she’s afraid?

“Drive” is a sentimental examination of a rocky relationship. It focuses on how the couple relies on each other, and what would happen if they weren’t there anymore. It explores the lost and lonely feelings 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 for its 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 song has crossover appeal, so fans of different genres can appreciate it. The song was a hit years ago and remains a fan favorite today.

Updated October 29, 2026

10 Biggest Hits By The Cars article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026

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