Remembering The Cars’ lead singer Ric Ocasek through music
From their debut, self-titled LP to the 2011 reunion LP, “Move Like This”, The Cars have been prized as new wave pioneers.
Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Cars’ lead singer Ric Ocasek was found dead late Sept. 15 by estranged wife Paulina Porizkova.
It was revealed a day later that the artist’s cause of death was a result of cardiovascular disease.
Since Ocasek’s death was announced, an outpour of condolences has flooded the internet.
A day following Ocasek’s passing, host Stephen Colbert of the ‘The Late Show’ set aside a segment for the musician whose music “was the soundtrack to my childhood.” Colbert went on to refer to The Cars as being “packed with hits, like peanuts in a Snickers bar.”
“Ric, thank you so much for all your music. Thank you for playing along with our stupid show and let’s go,” Colbert ended with a reference to the hit track from “Candy-O”.
Ocasek’s music touched people across genres, with Tim McGraw’s version of “Drive” being shared by Rolling Stone. “So saddened to hear about the passing of Ric Ocasek… his music was an inspiration to me,” said McGraw in a Twitter post.
Pop artist Kesha reflected on her time working with Ocasek. “He was such a kind genius with catchy instincts I have always admired and been deeply inspired by. The art you made changed my life, it made ‘pop’ music cool. Rest in Peace my friend,” said the artist on Twitter.
Whether you are a seasoned fan or have never heard of The Cars before, these songs are only an excerpt of a stellar discography.
‘My Best Friend’s Girl’
A less specific tale than Rick Springfield’s 1981 hit “Jessie’s Girl”, the storyline is very similar.
Released on The Cars’ self-titled 1978 debut, “My Best Friend’s Girl” is a dynamic tale about a beautiful girl stolen by a best friend. Ocasek reminisces, “Well, she’s my best friend’s girl, and she used to be mine. She’s so fine.”
The track’s dampened washboard-like riff is quickly joined by syncopated clapping before careening into a rolicking bridge, complete with layered guitars, receptive drums and keys.
By the sound of the song, one would never think the singer is the loser, as the lyrics focus on the girl’s appearance than the author’s feelings.
The underdog swagger of this song will have you grooving along with ease.
‘Magic’
An 80s summer pop anthem, “Magic” has all the major trappings. In an era of love ballads, The Cars threw convention out the window to create a track that could stand next the hits of Kenny Loggins or Simple Minds.
The hit-making blend of short repetitious electric guitar and keys are matched with staccatoed verses and a good dose of dramatic echo. The result is a cheering song about that effervescent, floating feeling one feels when in love.
Complete with a healthy dose of Ocasek’s nonchalant swagger, “Magic” is the perfect cool off during sunny afternoon strolls with the one you love.
‘Just What I Needed’
On of those songs that make you think your record is skipping at the beginning; this track starts with dampened strumming punctuated by single note pulses from a snare drum backed electric guitar.
Complete with heavy brushes of synthesizer and a beautiful guitar solo, “Just What I Needed” is another favorite from the band’s debut.
Ocasek’s almost monotone, matter-of-fact vocals pair particularly well with this track’s verses.
As can be seen across The Cars’ work, Ocasek’s keen ear for arrangement and dynamics create a masterpiece that is all at once indescribable and simplistic.