Shake It Up

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Shake It Up" by The Cars from their 1981 album of the same name! This track, a dance-pop banger with new wave flair, was the band’s first top-10 hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1982. Written years earlier by frontman Ric Ocasek, the song marked a shift to a poppier sound after the art rock edge of their previous album, Panorama. Ocasek called it "the big return to pop," and keyboardist Greg Hawkes’ synthesizer lines gave it that quintessential new wave vibe. Fun fact: the song’s infectious rhythm even caught the ear of Chilean band Los Prisioneros, who interpolated it into their track "Pa Pa Pa" on their album La cultura de la basura. The official music video, directed by Paul Justman, is a time capsule of early ’80s style, complete with quirky dance moves and babe-laden visuals, as noted by fans on TV Tropes.

Another tidbit: while "Shake It Up" was a massive hit in the U.S., it stirred some controversy in the UK, where it wasn’t released as a single. Some British critics and fans accused The Cars of "selling out" with its danceable beat, preferring their earlier, edgier work. However, the band defended their evolution, pointing out they stayed true to their Boston roots instead of chasing fame in New York or L.A. The track’s B-side, "Cruiser," also climbed to number 14 on the Billboard Disco Top 80 chart, showing its crossover appeal. Fans on Discogs rave about the album’s pristine mastering by George Marino, with one calling it a "showcase for how modern remasters should be done." For deep cuts, check out the expanded edition of Shake It Up from Rhino Entertainment, which includes unreleased tracks like an early version of "Since You’re Gone" and a demo of "Shake It Up."

Now, let’s rewind to how The Cars got their engines revving. Formed in Boston in 1976, the band emerged from the vibrant new wave scene, blending synth-pop with classic guitar rock. Ric Ocasek (rhythm guitar, vocals) and Benjamin Orr (bass, vocals) met in Cleveland, Ohio, in the 1960s after Ocasek saw Orr performing with his band, the Grasshoppers, on a local TV show. The two bounced around in various bands in Columbus and Ann Arbor before landing in Boston in the early ’70s. There, they formed a folk rock outfit called Milkwood with guitarist Jas Goodkind, releasing an album, How’s the Weather, in 1972 that flopped. Undeterred, Ocasek and Orr kept at it, forming Richard and the Rabbits with Greg Hawkes on keyboards, who’d played saxophone on Milkwood’s record. By 1976, with the addition of lead guitarist Elliot Easton and drummer David Robinson, The Cars were born.

Their self-titled debut album in 1978 was a game-changer, selling six million copies and spawning hits like "Just What I Needed" and "My Best Friend’s Girl." Rolling Stone readers voted them Best New Artist, and their mix of punk minimalism, art rock textures, and power pop hooks—described by critic Robert Palmer as a "personal and appealing blend"—set them apart. Recorded at their own Syncro Sound studio in Boston, Shake It Up was a testament to their creative control and willingness to experiment. Though the band disbanded in 1988, they reunited briefly in 2010 for their final album, Move Like This, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Sadly, Orr passed away in 2000, and Ocasek in 2019, but their legacy lives on through their music and fans worldwide.

Want to connect with The Cars and their Zoo Freaks? Visit their official website for discography and updates. Check out their Facebook page for fan discussions and throwback photos, or follow them on Instagram for iconic album art and video clips. On X, you’ll find posts celebrating milestones like the anniversary of Shake It Up’s release. For fan communities, join the The Cars Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share vinyl finds and concert memories. Another great spot is The Cars Fan Club Forum on Tapatalk, perfect for trading stories about your favorite tracks. So, Zoo Freaks, keep shaking it up and let The Cars’ music fuel your vibe!