Is Move Like This a good place to start with The Cars?

Yes, Move Like This is recommended as a starting point for new The Cars listeners. A vibrant return to form, blending catchy hooks with polished new wave textures and a nostalgic flair. Released in 2011, Move Like This is The Cars' first studio album since their breakup in 1988 and marks their reunion after a lengthy hiatus. The band returned with original members, showcasing a familiar sound while attempting to re-establish their presence in the music scene.

Who is Move Like This for?

Move Like This works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, sing-along moments with friends and feel-good background for gatherings.

How many songs are on Move Like This?

Move Like This has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Move Like This

The Cars · 2011

37 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant return to form, blending catchy hooks with polished new wave textures and a nostalgic flair.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Blue Tip Start here — Opening with punchy rhythms and infectious melodies, this track sets the tone for the album's energetic revival of The Cars' signature sound.
→
Too Late — This song showcases a poignant mix of melancholy lyrics and upbeat instrumentation, reflecting the duality that characterizes much of the album.
→
Sad Song — With its emotive lyrical content and lush arrangement, this track highlights the band's ability to create depth amidst their trademark pop sensibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends familiar Cars elements with modern touches but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent guitar riffs, establishing a lively tone before shifting to more introspective themes in the following songs.
Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the nostalgic feel of the album.
The album's production features a polished sound with a consistent use of synthesizers and rhythmic bass lines that evoke classic new wave aesthetics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 groove
sing-along moments with friends
feel-good background for gatherings
nostalgic vibes with modern flair

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
dislike consistent pacing

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a successful reunion, blending classic sound with contemporary elements.
Themes: nostalgic revival· post-breakup reflection· catchy melancholy
Career context: Released in 2011, Move Like This is The Cars' first studio album since their breakup in 1988 and marks their reunion after a lengthy hiatus. The band returned with original members, showcasing a familiar sound while attempting to re-establish their presence in the music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Devo· Talking Heads· Blondie