Candy-O

Candy-O is not as winning as The Cars debut album, but it’s a solid follow-up full of hit singles and great album cuts. While every song on the debut sounded radio ready, and most of them did, Candy-O sees them exploring arty territory. The title track hits as many dark and ominous nerves as “Warm Leatherette,” which the songs bares a slight resemblance to. It has always been my favorite cut from The Cars. “Let’s Go” was the big hit, and with good reason. It’s a solid track from top-to-bottom. The more alternative sound suites the band, and it would have been exciting to hear them explore the darker sounds and textures they try out on this album. Even if they don’t always work out (“Shoo Bee Doo” is a better concept than song). And any New Wave band worth their influence knows the power of a great album cover image. Candy-O has one of the best. DOWNLOAD: “Candy-O”