Ric Ocasek Songs Ranked

Richard Theodore Otcasek (March 23, 1944 – September 15, 2019), known as Ric Ocasek, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He was the primary lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and frontman for the rock band the Cars. In addition to his work with the Cars, Ocasek recorded seven solo albums, and his song “Emotion in Motion” was a top 20 hit in the United States in 1986. Ocasek also worked as a record producer for artists such as Motion City Soundtrack, Suicide, Bad Brains, Weezer, Nada Surf, Guided by Voices, and No Doubt. In 2018, Ocasek was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cars. Here are all of Ric Ocasek’s songs ranked.

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8. Since You’re Gone (Shake It Up, 1981)

“This is definitely my favorite cars song….it just rocks very hard…a lot of their songs sound very out-dated nowadays but this is one of the few that hasn’t aged.”

7. You’re All I ‘Ve Got Tonight (The Cars, 1978)

“The entire album is great, but starting with this song, clear through all the way to All Mixed Up is my favorite part. I just love the way one song slides right into the next….I will never, ever get tired of listening to this!!!”

6. Drive (Heartbeat City, 1984)

“I think this is a timeless song. But also one that makes you realize the ambiance of what the year and decade was. Like the sunsets in the 80s. It’s almost poetic to imagine how life and love was during this time of the song. By far this song will always make you get deep thoughts.”

5. Tonight She Comes (Heartbeat City, 1984)

“The Cars had such a unique sound. Nobody else sounded, or will ever sound like these guys again. It was magic. The bass backbeat on a few of their songs is just beautiful.”

See more: Ric Ocasek Albums Ranked

4. Moving In Stereo (The Cars, 1978)

“This band was an eclectic dream for me when I was young. Strange beautiful music. The best. Crank that Pioneer stereo up high and just lose yourself.”

3. Emotion in Motion (This Side of Paradise, 1986)

“I recently heard this as part of the soundtrack from the Amazon comedy that is set in the 80’s called Red Oaks. I had not heard this song in some time, and it really is a solid and beautiful song. It is never included with collections of The Cars music (which I also love), so this is one of those “lost” tracks that deserves to be right up there with the best tracks of that wonderful musical decade.”

2. You Might Think (Heartbeat City, 1984)

“You Might Think was a great song (and video). But what made it stand out was the lyrics in the break: “You kept it going/Til the sun fell down/You kept it – going”. When I head that for the first time I thought – with a smile – “Where did THAT come from?” I still wonder about that. It didn’t make any sense….but does rock/pop have to make any sense? It got my attention, which I’m sure that’s what the purpose of those lines were.”

1. My Best Friend’s Girl (The Cars, 1978)

“I loved the great guitar playing in this song.  The Elliot Easton’s solos were smooth and not overpowering and they harmonized so well with Ric Ocasek playing rhythm in the background.”