Cars: The Cars

Vinyl Review: The Cars' Debut Album – A Classic Reimagined by MoFi

The Cars, Boston’s beloved new wave pioneers, exploded onto the music scene with their self-titled debut, setting a blistering pace that would be tough to sustain. This album was a treasure trove of hits, featuring unforgettable singles like "Just What I Needed," "My Best Friend's Girl," and "Good Times Roll." Tracks like "Bye Bye Love" and "Moving in Stereo" also found their way into the hearts of fans and onto radio playlists, cementing the album’s legacy.

Reaching an impressive #18 on the US Billboard 200 and spending a staggering 139 weeks on the chart, "The Cars" sold over six million copies—a feat that speaks volumes about its impact. Singles like "Just What I Needed" peaked at #27, while "My Best Friend's Girl" and "Good Times Roll" also made their marks. Yet, it was the Album Oriented Radio (AOR) that truly propelled the album into the stratosphere, turning tracks like "You're All I've Got Tonight," "Bye Bye Love," and "Moving in Stereo" into perennial favorites.

Critically, "The Cars" was a hit as well. Rolling Stone’s Kit Rachlis praised the album, noting, "The pop songs are wonderful. Easy and eccentric at the same time, all are potential hits." This acclaim set the stage for its enduring popularity.

Fast forward to today, and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs has reignited interest in The Cars’ catalog by reissuing their debut, their follow-up "Candy-O" and "Shake It Up" as part of the Gain2 Ultra Analog Original Master Recording series. "The Cars" was mastered by Shawn R. Britto at 33 RPM and pressed on 180-gram high-definition vinyl, this release promised a superior listening experience—one that had fans buzzing with anticipation.

However, upon dropping the needle, the excitement quickly dims. The vocals on this pressing are noticeably lower in volume compared to the original and even the more recent Rhino HiFi version mastered by Kevin Gray. While the bass and highs are more pronounced, they tend to overshadow the mid-range, leading to a sound that feels unbalanced. The familiar MoFi smiley face EQ makes its presence known once again!

The Vinyl Verdict
Ultimately, the MoFi release offers a sound that diverges significantly from the original late '70s pressings. It’s an okay pressing, but it falls short of the high expectations set for an audiophile release. If you’re seeking that classic Cars experience, you might want to explore other options before settling on this one. Fans of the band deserve better! Mass market at half the cost is likely as good, if not for some, a better option. 💵

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass