Cars: Candy-O

The Cars' "Candy-O" – A High-Octane Follow-Up Worth a Spin?

The Cars burst onto the scene with their electrifying self-titled debut, a defining record of the new wave era that took the charts by storm. Enter "Candy-O," their sophomore effort, which faced the daunting task of living up to its predecessor's monumental success. Did it fall victim to the infamous sophomore slump? Not quite! "Candy-O" comes roaring back, showcasing the band's trademark energy and originality, proving to be a worthy contender in their discography.

Released in 1979, "Candy-O" produced two iconic singles, "Let's Go" and "It's All I Can Do," and soared to an impressive #3 on the US Billboard 200, even outpacing their debut upon its initial launch. Yet, critics were quick to scrutinize. Rolling Stone’s Tom Carson noted that while the album was "elaborately constructed" and packed with "good things," it lacked the element of surprise that made their first album so thrilling. He described it as "lively" but warned it felt "a little too disciplined" and "predictable."

Interestingly, some tracks on "Candy-O" were holdovers from their debut, a fact that supports Carson’s observations. As The Cars moved forward to albums like "Shake It Up" and "Panorama," the challenge of reinventing themselves became increasingly evident.

Fast forward to 2009, and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs breathed new life into "Candy-O" as part of their Gain2 Ultra Analog Original Master Recording series. This reissue, mastered by the legendary George Marino at 33 RPM and pressed on 180-gram high-definition vinyl, promised a pristine listening experience.

Upon dropping the needle, it’s clear: the original pressing cuts hotter! While the MoFi edition boasts enhanced detail and a quieter surface, the improvements over the 1979 release may not be groundbreaking enough to justify the audiophile price tag for some. It’s good, but not a game-changer. However, where MoFi truly shines is in its meticulous packaging and vinyl sleeve protection, elevating the overall experience.

The Vinyl Verdict
So, if you’re in the hunt for a version of “Candy-O” that delivers depth and vibrancy, the MoFi release may be your best bet. Just don’t expect it to be levels above a near mint OG pressing💰

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass