Is Candy-O a good place to start with The Cars?

Yes, Candy-O is recommended as a starting point for new The Cars listeners. Synth-infused pop rock melds with sharp lyrical wit, creating a vibrant sonic landscape that defines late '70s new wave. Released on June 12, 1979, Candy-O is The Cars' second album, following their self-titled debut in 1978. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its place in the burgeoning new wave scene, having already achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim.

Candy-O works well if you're into steady mid-tempo dance vibes, catchy hooks for sing-alongs and vibrant melodies for road trips.

How many songs are on Candy-O?

Candy-O has 11 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Candy-O

The Cars · 1979

36 min · 11 tracks · new wave

Synth-infused pop rock melds with sharp lyrical wit, creating a vibrant sonic landscape that defines late '70s new wave.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Let’s Go Start here — As the lead single, Let's Go encapsulates the album's energetic spirit with its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, becoming a staple of The Cars' live performances.
→
Candy‐O — The title track features a playful mix of upbeat melodies and cheeky lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for blending humor with pop sensibilities.
→
Dangerous Type — With its moody atmosphere and introspective lyrics, Dangerous Type stands out as a more complex track, reflecting the band's range beyond straightforward pop hits.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Candy-O showcases strong songwriting and production, solidifying The Cars' place in the new wave genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Let’s Go', which sets a brisk pace that is maintained through the first half.
Several tracks feature prominent synthesizer lines that intertwine with guitar riffs, creating a layered texture characteristic of new wave.
The lyrical content often employs sharp wit and irony, particularly in tracks like 'Double Life' and 'Lust for Kicks'.
The final track, 'Dangerous Type', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an open-ended feel that contrasts with the earlier energetic songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo dance vibes
catchy hooks for sing-alongs
vibrant melodies for road trips
playful energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, atmospheric sounds
want lengthy, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified The Cars' reputation in new wave and achieved commercial success.
Themes: late-night drives· neon-lit romance· playful seduction
Career context: Released on June 12, 1979, Candy-O is The Cars' second album, following their self-titled debut in 1978. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its place in the burgeoning new wave scene, having already achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim.
Stylistic neighbors: Devo· Talking Heads· Blondie