If I Had a Car

The Zoo Crew is spinning "If I Had a Car" by Electric Boys from their debut album Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this funky, upbeat track. This song, featured on the 1990 international release produced by Bob Rock, captures the band’s signature blend of hard rock swagger and funk-infused grooves. According to a 2019 interview on Metalitalia, the song reflects the youthful yearning of a generation craving freedom but held back by economic limits, with lyrics that channel a sleazy rock spirit and a touch of funk’s playful bounce. The track’s catchy melody and Conny Bloom’s vibrant vocals make it a standout, with its instrumental finesse revealing subtle layers upon repeated listens. Fans on the Electric Boys Fan Club Facebook group often cite it as a live performance highlight, noting how the band’s energy transforms it into a crowd-pleasing anthem.

Delving into the song’s trivia, "If I Had a Car" was part of the international version of Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride, which differed from the 1989 Swedish release by including five new tracks recorded at Little Mountain Studios in Vancouver. A 2024 review on Subjective Sounds praises its infectious rhythm and compares its vibe to a cross between Mötley Crüe and Red Hot Chili Peppers, highlighting its role in showcasing the band’s genre-blending prowess. In a 2011 Facebook post, Conny Bloom shared a story about the song’s creation, recalling late-night jam sessions where the band experimented with sitar riffs and funky basslines, aiming to capture the restless spirit of their early days in Stockholm. The song’s relatable theme of dreaming big despite financial constraints resonated with fans, as seen in comments on their Instagram, where followers share nostalgic memories of blasting it during road trips.

Electric Boys got their start in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1987, founded by charismatic frontman Conny Bloom (real name: Blomqvist) and bassist Andy Christell. Initially a duo, they released the single "All Lips 'n Hips" in 1987, which later became their best-known hit after appearing on the Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride album. The band’s early sound drew from 1970s groove rock, 1960s psychedelia, and a touch of glam, setting them apart in the late-’80s hair metal scene. After signing with Polygram, they expanded to a quartet with guitarist Franco Santunione and drummer Niclas Sigevall, hitting the ground running with their 1989 debut. A Wikipedia entry notes their rapid rise in Europe, particularly in Britain, where they supported Thunder and gained a cult following. Despite critical acclaim and MTV rotation, changing musical trends in the early ’90s led to a temporary disbandment in 1994, but the original lineup reunited in 2009, releasing new music like 2021’s Ups!de Down.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Electric Boys’ official website for tour dates and merch. Connect with the band on their Facebook for updates and throwback posts, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. Their X account shares quick updates and fan interactions. Fans can join the Electric Boys Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and rare memorabilia. Another great spot is the fan-driven Rate Your Music page, where enthusiasts discuss the band’s discography and share reviews, keeping the funky spirit of Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride alive.