Shake It Up cover

Released 45 years ago this November

Shake It Up

The Cars · 1981

8 min · 2 tracks · new wave

Pulsating synths and catchy guitar riffs create an infectious blend of new wave energy and pop rock appeal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shake It Up — As the lead single, this track encapsulates the album's energetic vibe with its infectious chorus and danceable beat, making it a defining moment for The Cars.
  • →
    Cruiser — This track showcases a more laid-back groove, featuring layered harmonies and a melodic structure that contrasts beautifully with the upbeat nature of the title track.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and production but has a few dips in pacing that affect its overall flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving beat and synth lines that set an upbeat tone, maintaining a consistent energy through the first five tracks.
  • Each song features prominent hooks, often alternating between guitar riffs and synthesizer melodies to create a dynamic sound.
  • The final three tracks slow down the tempo slightly, introducing more reflective themes while still retaining melodic interest.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Shake It Up 3:32
  • 2 Cruiser 4:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata