Just What I Needed - Anthology

Q - 3 Stars - Good - "...The Cars' taut, punchy New Wave pop appealed to conservative punks and daring pop fans alike...superb pop sensibilities..." Q (2/96, p.101) - 3 Stars - Good - "...The Cars' taut, punchy New Wave pop appealed to conservative punks and daring pop fans alike...superb pop sensibilities..."

With their irresistible synthesis of New Wave quirkiness and melodic pop, the Cars made music that was distinctive, edgy, accessible, and superbly crafted. Rhino's JUST WHAT I NEEDED, a two-disc retrospective, is a testament to the band's enduring impact. Its 40 tracks encompass the group's most essential recordings, including B-sides, unreleased demos, memorable album cuts, and radio singles (of which there were many). The first three cuts alone--the sly rocker "Just What I Needed", the blissed-out "My Best Friend's Girl", and the angular "Good Times Roll"--should secure the band's name.
Greg Hawkes's squiggly keyboard lines, Elliot Easton's blazing guitar leads, and Ric Ocasek's neurotic vocals and flawless songcraft continue through other hits, including the danceable "Shake It Up", the pop-perfect "You Might Think", and "Let's Go", with its infectious, clap-along chorus. But the real treat is in the set's numerous lesser-known gems, the swirling rock of "Panorama", for example, or the moody ballad "I'm Not the One". Devoted fans will want the entire discography, and those with a casual interest in the group will be satisfied with COMPLETE GREATEST HITS, but this box set covers the ground in between, and makes a case for the Cars as one of the best bands of their time.|