Greatest Hits Review

07/13/2005 4:15 AM, AMG


The Cars were responsible for some of rock's most recognizable radio hits by the mid '80s, so when the band took an extended break after their successful tour for Heartbeat City, 1985's Greatest Hits (Elektra) was assembled. Mixed in with the familiar selections was a brand new track, the playful "Tonight She Comes" (which became a Top Ten hit), as well as a remix of the overlooked "Shake It Up" ballad, "I'm Not the One." And while most of the expected hits are represented ("Just What I Needed," "Let's Go," "Drive," "Shake It Up," etc.), some of the selections prove questionable -- why was the title track from Heartbeat City (an unsuccessful single) included instead of the 1984 Top 20 hit "Hello Again"? Other missing radio staples include "You're All I've Got Tonight," "It's All I Can Do," and the title track from Candy-O, which would have made the collection definitive (all are included on the more extensive Just What I Needed: Cars Anthology from 1995). But for the casual fan, Greatest Hits will do the trick. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide