Great Rock Albums of 1979: The Cars- Candy O

Here it is, the long awaited visit to the second album by The Cars, "Candy O." One term I will be batting about quite a bit here is "Sophmore Jinx." I used it once before when I visited the "Don't Look Back" album by Boston and I will use it a lot more when I visit the second album from any rock or metal act. Like the Boston album, this second album from The Cars definitely escapes the sophmore jinx. To me, "Candy O" is every bit as good as the first album.
When compared to the first album, there are lots of similarities between the two, however, "Candy O" still sounds fresh. The singles from the album "Let's Go" and "It's All I Can Do" sound unique in their own right and the entire album gives that familiar Cars sound while at the same time doesn't get old. I don't know any other band who can create a sound where the guitars and keyboards completely compliment each other better than The Cars. This shines through with every song on the album.

Track Listing:

1. Let's Go

2. Since I Held You

3. It's All I Can Do

4. Double Life

5. Shoo Be Doo

6. Candy O

7. Nightspots

8. You Can't Hold On Too Long

9. Lust for Kicks

10. Got A Lot On My Head

11. Dangerous Type

The Cars

Ric Ocasek- vocals, rhythm guitar

Elliot Easton- lead guitar, backing vocals

Greg Hawkes- keyboards, tenor sax, backing vocals

Ben Orr- bass, vocals

David Robinson- drums, percussion

One thing that can never be omitted when talking about The Cars is the unique vocals of Ric Ocasek. As soon as I hear him, I know it's definitely The Cars I'm listening to. This is another thing that makes this album so good and I now include Elliot Easton in my ever growing list of underrated guitarist. Okay, he doesn't go into long cranking solos, but when you hear him play, it is done very well. "Candy O" is one of the more memorable albums from 1979.

Next post: Toto

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