Description
The Cars – Candy-O – Clear Vinyl Record
Rhino Rocktober 2022 release
Limited-Edition Clear Vinyl
The Classic 2nd Album
Remastered supervised by Ric Ocasek
The Cars’ Candy-O (1979) is the second studio album by the American new wave and rock band, following their successful self-titled debut in 1978. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with Queen, Candy-O continues the band’s innovative blend of synth-driven new wave and guitar-centered rock, cementing their place as one of the most influential acts in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The album showcases The Cars’ unique sound, combining catchy, radio-friendly hooks with cool detachment and polished production. While their debut was more experimental in its fusion of rock and synths, Candy-O leans into a sleeker, more polished sound without losing the edgy, minimalist vibe that made them stand out. The album was a commercial success, reaching #3 on the Billboard 200 and spawning several hit singles.
Candy-O combines the band’s signature new wave style, featuring synth-driven melodies, with more prominent rock influences, especially in the guitar work of Elliot Easton. The blend of minimalist, angular riffs with bright, punchy synthesizers creates a distinctive sound that feels both modern and timeless.
The album is known for its clean, polished production, courtesy of Roy Thomas Baker. Baker’s production balances the band’s rock edge with radio-ready accessibility, keeping the album tight, concise, and sonically sharp. The layered, harmonized backing vocals also reflect Baker’s influence, reminiscent of his work with Queen.
Despite the band’s new wave and rock foundation, Candy-O is packed with infectious, pop-oriented hooks. Many of the songs are driven by memorable choruses and catchy synth lines, ensuring their appeal to both rock fans and pop audiences.
Key Tracks
“Let’s Go”: The album’s lead single and one of The Cars’ most enduring hits, “Let’s Go” is driven by a punchy synth line and an infectious chorus. The song’s upbeat, energetic feel, combined with Ric Ocasek’s cool, detached vocals, perfectly encapsulates the band’s blend of new wave and rock.
“It’s All I Can Do”: One of the album’s standout tracks, “It’s All I Can Do” is a dreamy, mid-tempo song with lush synths and a melodic guitar solo. The song showcases Bassist Benjamin Orr’s smooth, emotionally resonant vocals, contrasting with Ocasek’s more deadpan delivery. It’s a quintessential Cars track, balancing emotion with sleek production.
“Candy-O”: The title track, “Candy-O,” is a fast-paced, guitar-driven song that blends a punk-like energy with the band’s signature synth sound. The song’s minimalist structure and edgy feel make it one of the more rock-oriented tracks on the album, with a dynamic guitar riff from Elliot Easton.
“Dangerous Type”: Closing the album, “Dangerous Type” is a slow-burning, atmospheric track with a darker, more brooding sound than much of the album. Its haunting melody, paired with hypnotic, repetitive guitar riffs and Ocasek’s cryptic lyrics, gives the song a moody, almost gothic feel, showing the band’s versatility.
“Double Life”: With its atmospheric synths and tight rhythms, “Double Life” is one of the more experimental tracks on the album. The song features cryptic lyrics and a darker tone, adding an introspective quality to the record while maintaining the band’s pop sensibilities.
Many of the songs on Candy-O explore themes of romance and desire, but with a cool, detached delivery. Tracks like “Let’s Go” and “It’s All I Can Do” present relationships with a mix of longing and emotional distance, a hallmark of Ocasek’s lyrical style. Songs like “Let’s Go” and “Lust for Kicks” evoke a sense of youthful rebellion and the desire to escape mundane life. The Cars capture a snapshot of late 1970s suburban culture, where nightlife, parties, and reckless fun are central themes. The album’s title track, “Candy-O,” and closing song “Dangerous Type” delve into themes of intrigue, obsession, and fantasy. These songs present characters who are enigmatic and elusive, embodying the sense of mystery and allure that permeates much of the album.
As the primary songwriter, Ric Ocasek’s sharp, minimalist songwriting is at the core of Candy-O. His lyrics often present cryptic, emotionally detached takes on relationships, while his deadpan vocal style contrasts with the energy of the music. Benjamin Orr, the band’s bassist, provides lead vocals on several tracks, most notably “It’s All I Can Do.” His smoother, more emotive voice complements Ocasek’s cooler delivery, adding emotional depth to the songs he sings.
Elliot Easton’s guitar playing is a defining element of the album, providing sharp, angular riffs that are both melodic and precise. His solos, though often brief, are memorable and packed with emotion, particularly on tracks like “It’s All I Can Do” and “Candy-O.” Greg Hawkes’ synthesizers are a key component of The Cars’ sound, and on Candy-O, his playing ranges from bright, catchy melodies (“Let’s Go”) to atmospheric textures (“Dangerous Type”). His use of synths helps bridge the gap between rock and new wave, giving the album its distinctive sonic identity. David Robinson’s tight, mechanical drumming provides the foundation for the band’s sound, complementing the sleek production and helping to drive the upbeat, danceable energy of tracks like “Let’s Go.”
Candy-O was a commercial success, reaching #3 on the Billboard 200 and further establishing The Cars as one of the leading bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The album’s sleek, accessible sound helped bridge the gap between mainstream rock and the emerging new wave movement.
The Cars’ fusion of rock, pop, and new wave on Candy-O influenced many bands that would come to define the 1980s, from Talking Heads to The Go-Go’s. Their ability to combine catchy pop melodies with experimental production set the template for many new wave acts that followed. Songs like “Let’s Go” and “It’s All I Can Do” remain staples of classic rock and new wave playlists, showcasing the band’s ability to craft timeless hits that still resonate with listeners decades later.
Candy-O by The Cars is a polished and energetic album that builds on the success of their debut, blending new wave, rock, and pop influences into a sleek, catchy sound. With standout tracks like “Let’s Go” and “It’s All I Can Do,” the album showcases the band’s ability to craft radio-friendly hits while maintaining their signature cool, detached aesthetic. Candy-O helped solidify The Cars’ place as one of the most influential bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s, setting the stage for the new wave explosion that followed.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Let’s Go
Since I Held You
It’s All I Can Do
Double Life
Shoo Be Doo
Candy-O
Night Spots
You Can’t Hold On Too Long
Lust For Kicks
Got A Lot On My Head
Dangerous Type
