Like they never skipped a beat
4
By heavyC
Here's the bad news: Benjamin Orr has not been resurrected. Other than that, and I understand how big of a thing that is to Cars fans - this album is terrific! Even minus their bass player (Greg Hawkes gets it done) and co-main vocalist, this is a band hitting on all cylinders. Very poppy, extremely listenable. Ric Ocasek has more than enough charisma in his voice to carry the day, plus he was always their main songwriter. There are a few times they seem to be aping one old song or another, but those moments are fleeting and also oddly comforting when they happen. Sample the first 3 or 4 songs. Those are more than enough of an indicator of where this album is going. Almost sounds like a "lost Cars album." As fun as this record is - four stars out of 5 - I dare say that if Ben Orr was still with us and had participated here this would almost certainly be a 5 star review and a monstrous comeback for the band. Its important to acknowledge the obvious: WE MISS YOU BEN. RIP.