Candy-O

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Candy-O" by The Cars, a track from their 1979 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its new wave pulse. This song, written by Ric Ocasek and sung by bassist Benjamin Orr, is a fan favorite despite never being released as a single. In a band interview, Ocasek revealed that "Candy-O" wasn’t inspired by a real person, jokingly saying, "I never knew any one Candy-O," to which Orr quipped, "You never told me about it." When asked by Trouser Press if the title referenced "Ocasek" or "Orr," Ocasek wittily replied, "The O stands for 'obnoxious,'" showcasing the band’s playful dynamic. Critics have praised its tight performance, with Classic Rock History’s Brian Kachejian calling it the band’s fourth greatest song for its originality and the mesmerizing interplay between Elliot Easton’s guitar and Greg Hawkes’ keyboards. Rolling Stone lauded its minimalist pop structure, noting how it turns simple elements into "two and a half minutes of captivating" sound. Interestingly, the song’s dark, slightly sinister vibe, as described by AllMusic’s Tom Maginnis, comes from its sparse chorus—"Candy-O / I need you so"—paired with loud guitar and drum fills that break the rhythm unpredictably.

Another tidbit about "Candy-O" is its cultural reach, as evidenced by its cover by the Melvins on their 1989 album Ozma. AllMusic’s Ned Raggett called this version a "random what-the-hell moment" that surprisingly works, highlighting the song’s versatility. The track also appeared as the B-side to "Double Life" and "Let’s Go" in France and Brazil, and it’s been a staple in compilations like Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology. The song’s live energy was captured by the Todd Rundgren-led New Cars, who included it on their 2006 album It’s Alive. Posts on X, like one from @JakeRudh in 2022, celebrate the album’s release, noting "Candy-O" alongside hits like "Let’s Go" and "Dangerous Type," showing its enduring fan love. The song’s segue from "Shoo Be Doo" on the album, with Ocasek’s voice twisting into a scream before the title track’s guitar crunch, creates a chill-inducing moment, as American Songwriter noted, making it a standout for album listeners.

The Cars formed in Boston in 1976, emerging from the local music scene with a blend of new wave, rock, and pop that would define their sound. Ric Ocasek (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Benjamin Orr (bass, vocals) had been collaborators since the late 1960s, playing in various bands in Ohio and Boston before forming The Cars with Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums). Robinson, previously of The Modern Lovers, brought a punk edge, while Hawkes’ synth work gave the band its futuristic sheen. Their big break came after a demo of "Just What I Needed" got airplay on Boston radio stations WBCN and WCOZ in 1977, leading to a deal with Elektra Records. Their self-titled debut in 1978, with hits like "Just What I Needed" and "My Best Friend’s Girl," skyrocketed them to fame, setting the stage for Candy-O’s success. The band’s democratic approach, where songs were vetted collectively, and their work with producer Roy Thomas Baker, shaped their polished yet edgy sound, as Ocasek explained in a 1979 interview about their collaborative process.

You can keep up with The Cars’ legacy through their official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where posts often highlight milestones like the 2017 expanded edition of Candy-O. Fans gather at sites like Cars Fan Central and the Cars Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect over shared love for the band’s catalog. For tribute band vibes, check out Candy-O CARS Tribute, a fan-driven project celebrating The Cars’ music. These platforms keep the band’s spirit alive, even after Ocasek’s passing in 2019 and Orr’s in 2000, ensuring their new wave legacy endures for fans old and new.