Customer Reviews

Door to Door

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After all the reviews I've read about this album, I was expecting it to be a total downer. Suprisingly, it isn't, at least to me. There isn't one song on Door To Door that I dislike, and a few of them I really find to be among the band's best. Overall though, it's still the Cars' weakest album. Most of the magic that had surrounded Heartbeat City and their great 1985 single 'Tonight She Comes' (my favorite Cars song) had worn away by 1987. Most of the band members seemed more interested in their solo albums working on Door To Door. It's no wonder they split up after this album. At least it starts out great, with 'Leave or Stay', packed with more of that familiar Ric Ocasek humor and a nice, melodic chorus. After that comes the sole 'hit' on Door To Door, 'You Are The Girl'. A charming song with some of the band's best harmonies, and pretty, trademark keyboard-driven melody. There's still magic here at least. This was the first Door To Door song I'd ever heard, as it was also on The Cars Complete Greatest Hits collection. 'Double Trouble' is good, but not great, though it has a good chorus and driving guitars. 'Fine Line' is one of my favorite Cars songs. Moody, atmospheric, and filled with great lyrics, this has, like 'You Are The Girl', a classic Cars feel. One reviewer dubbed 'Fine Line' as a limp 'Drive' remake, though it's always reminded me more of 'A Dream Away' from the Shake It Up album or 'You Wear Those Eyes' from Panorama. Possible the best song on Door To Door. Then there's 'Everything You Say' which is one of a few of the songs on this album that has a different feel than your average Cars song. It's almost country or rockabilly-ish. I still like it though. Another great chorus. 'Ta Ta Wayo Wayo' is weird and different, but still quite good. Reminds me of Sandinista!-era Clash, sort of. Check out that boogie-woogie piano riff; very weird for a Cars song. 'Strap Me In' is a failed single, which is too bad, since it's a great, classic-feeling Cars rocker. Killer chorus; should've stormed the charts. Killer intro too, very stately and classical. The next song, 'Coming Up You', I really love. It's bordering on soft rock, but I don't care. Can't get enough of that melody and Ben Orr's honey voice. Miss 'im. This was yet another failed single, but I can't get enough listens to it. 'Wound Up On You' is a wonderful ballad, a la 'Why Can't I Have You'. Pretty chorus, filled with soft, subtle hooks. Shoulda been a single. 'Go Away' is more friendly than the title implies, with the narrator imploring his significant other, "why don't we go away?". This one also has a great hook in the chorus, and no matter what people say about this album, the Cars' gift for songcraft and melody still remains intact. The last song on the album, and the last Cars song ever, is the near-punk attack of the title track. This one is a bit of a mess, production-wise, but I guess we all got used to the slickness of Heartbeat City. It's not bad, but coulda been better, just like most of this album. Though I like Door To Door for the most part, I just wish they'd more and better albums after this one. Ah well. Any car can run out of gas.

the cars' album "door to door" was released in the latter half on 1987. it's true that most people say this album was a disaster and really killed the group, but i say don't judge so quickly. it's apparent that this album is so very little like "heartbeat city" but that's the beauty of it! "door to door" has more of a rock and roll feel to it as opposed to "heartbeat city" (although "h.c." is still a great album.). people really underappreciated this album, featuring the extremely catchy "you are the girl" which is toward the beginning of the album. this is such a happy song you gotta love it. after that is the flipside of the coin with "double trouble" probably my favorite cut on the album. this song is great hard rock. although it's very simple and i was waiting for more guitar work from elliot, this song will keep your ears attentive for the whole song. next is one of their old songs from '77 that was released finally on "door" called "ta ta wayo wayo". this song is also very addictive as ric croons out another tune and david robinson controls the drums. "coming up you" displays some great vocals and synths and should be one to check out. the song "fine line" is another catchy tune that will keep you rocking. and finally, the brilliant "strap me in" displayed that the cars can still rock, with that catchy elliot easton guitar lick. this album should have gotten more attention. this album shouldnt have killed the cars career like it appeared that it did. although not on the levels of "panorama", "the cars", and "candy-o", this album deserved to go multiplatinum. the reason why this album did so poorly is because they had gone completely pop with "heartbeat city" and to come out with this was like night and day. all the bandwagon jumpers were there for 1984 but when "door to door" was released it didn't have all those happy-go-lucky songs so the bandwagon tools jumped off, hence the extreme decline in sales for this. if you are a real cars fan you will appreciate this album for what it's worth. definately buy it

The Cars "Door to Door" is a classic example of a underrated rock album. Some of the critics obviously didn't get it however, fans and critics who know The Cars albums back to the beginning in '78 understand that "Door to Door" is an exellent very diverse album covering many music styles from the rocking "Strap Me In" and pop sounding "You Are the Girl" to the punk sounding title track "Door to Door" down to the softer sound of "Comming Up You" sung by Ben Orr. All of the songs are done with a true reflection of The Cars styles of previous albums while also showing a more mature sound. Producer Ric Ocasek does a great job in keeping the album sounding consistent, strong and not overly Produced. "Door to Door" is highly recommended and a superb foll-up to the very successful "Heartbeat City". A great ending to The Cars studio albums!

If this album had been released 1 year after 'Heartbeat City', rather than 3 years, I reckon it would have STORMED the charts- it may not be as adventurous or edgy as their 70s work, but so many people seem to have overlooked the fact that this is REALLY solid, catchy, satisfying, eclectic, hugely enjoyable pop/rock. 80s fans should go nuts for this if they give it a try- it's got everything from pop/rock songs absolutely PILED high with synths AND guitars to slow, simple, moody ballads to big growling rockers to accostic driven pop songs to piano boogie to explosive speed metal, all armed with strong hooks and polished with just-right production. Far from being messy or incoherent, I think this is one of The Cars' most consistent albums in terms of quality (I'm yet to hear 'Panorama'). Give it a go- you may just find 'Door to Door', as I did, becoming a highly valued part of your music collection!

The Cars "Door to Door" is a classic example of a underrated rock album. Some of the critics obviously didn't get it however, fans and critics who know The Cars albums back to the beginning in '78 understand that "Door to Door" is an exellent very diverse album covering many music styles from the rocking "Strap Me In" and pop sounding "You Are the Girl" to the punk sounding title track "Door to Door" down to the softer sound of "Comming Up You" sung by Ben Orr. All of the songs are done with a true reflection of The Cars styles of previous albums while also showing a more mature sound. Producer Ric Ocasek does a great job in keeping the album sounding consistent, strong and not overly Produced. "Door to Door" is highly recommended and a superb foll-up to the very successful "Heartbeat City". A great ending to The Cars studio albums!

Many Cars fans disliked this album, and I could understand why, they took a different direction, slightly more harsh in sound, possibly influenced by Ric Ocasek's work with hard-edged bands like Bad Religion. However, if you look beyond that, there is still some classic Cars here. Songs like "You Are the Girl" and "Coming Up You" (their final 2 singles) have that typical Cars light-hearted, upbeat feeling to them. This album actually has 2 of my all-time favorite Cars songs on it, "Everything You Say", although it is slightly country-ish, and "Go Away", again in the classic Cars style we've come to know and love. Even the harder tracks like "Strap Me In" and "Double Trouble", have some fan appeal to them, however I find the title track strays a little too far into the punk genre, with its speed-metal tempo and lyrics about violence and death (although they are half-joking). This is definitely a good album to pick up, even though they had completed their 15 minutes of fame and people lost interest in them, it was not one of their most popular, but deserved to be.

The Cars' final studio release, 1987's "Door to Door," is often dismissed as a throwaway by many and is often equated with the band's sudden termination.

While this CD does not have the glitz of prior releases it does have some quality tracks that would be considered powerful if attached to other albums. As a huge fan of the band, I can understand the criticism of this effort. It didn't reach the lofty expectations coming off the wildly popular 1984 release "Heartbeat City," the darling of MTV, or have the appeal for commercial radio due to the absence of radio-friendly pop hits.

As this CD has now reached legal drinking age of 21, it remains a sweet mix of fun and maturity and will forever be a guilty pleasure.

A breakdown of the songs:

1. "Leave or Stay" -- Perhaps not the best choice for the album's opener. There were better options to serve that purpose but though not a memorable track it isn't without merit. Ric O does lead vocals.

2."You are the Girl" -- Chosen as the first single to be released, the song was weak compared to previous singles that introduced the band's other efforts. Perhaps a bit on the mushy side, the song can be somewhat catchy though not sensational. Ric O does the singing.

3. "Double Trouble" -- The first song on the CD that is delivered with the vocals of Benjamin Orr, this is a terrific song that should be considered among the band's tightest efforts. For fans of "Shake it Up" think the song "Cruiser" with a bit of a twist. It rocks. The song would be a staple on classic FM radio if it were part of another CD.

4. "Fine Line" -- Singer Ric Ocasek did a masterful job with this tune. A very mellow song that borders on very dark; it would have been a perfect companion to a "Miami Vice" episode. The conclusion of this song has some crafty yet distinct musicianship. Excellent song. Listen to the subtlety that is Elliott Easton's guitar. Not flashy, but distinctive. Cool and mature. Sexy, eerie, dark.

5. "Everything You Say" -- Again Benjamin Orr's vocals are phenomenal with a sort of country-esque appeal. It is to the Cars' what "Hot Dog" was to Led Zeppelin. It is right around here that the CD kicks it up a notch. A nice little ditty.

6. "Ta Ta Wayo Wayo" -- A weird title for a song that actually injects some frivolity to this release. In just under three minutes, this song is reminiscent of earlier efforts which instantly makes the listener want to tap fingers and toes. Fun and irreverant.

7. "Strap Me In" -- Ocasek has a virtual masterpiece with this song. What an outstanding track. A true classic! This should be considered one of the band's best songs ever but will never get its just rewards because of the lack of support achieved by this CD. This is a crafty song. Listen and enjoy. It is what rock and roll is all about.

8. "Coming Up You" -- Orr's vocals were impressive here. The song isn't a classic but it is tough to overlook. While soft in tempo, Orr delivers his usual home run.

9. "Wound Up on You" -- A typical Cars' love song, this works because of Ocasek's quirkiness. Very mellow, very charming, very good.

10. "Go Away" -- Perhaps the best choice for the lead single on this album, this song is a steady and solid effort. Orr's voice is one for the ages. Sadly lost for the future, Orr's magnitude will never be forgotten and it is on songs like this where he is above the traditional singer.

11. "Door to Door" -- I love this song! The Cars unleashed. The title track is the anti-"Panorama." Nor is it similar to their other title tracks "Shake it Up," "Heartbeat City" or "Candy-O." This is, well, as a DJ once said jokingly "Did the Cars just go heavy metal?" Not quite. But this song is a very different production for the band and it roars with pleasure. It certainly is a very unique effort. The perfect finish for the song, the album and the band -- the final sounds are of a door slamming shut. And that was that!

The other reviews say all that needs to be stated. All I can say is, believe what the majority of people here are alluding to; this is not just a great Cars album, but arguably the best overall thing they EVER recorded. Darker and moodier, with a higher level of maturity than found on any previous releases. Don't be a victim of the rumors that this album was in any way inferior, it has greater depth than anything else they ever released. A proud way to go out actually...

As a devoted fan I ran straight out and bought this album when it came out and was not disappointed. I could never understand the negative comments. In hindsight, I think that The Cars had simply waited too long to follow up Heartbeat City and that pop music was changing--rap was on the scene and the dark ages were coming. The Cars had also had a ton of success and for some reason there are those that like to bash and kick you when they sense the mighty might fall. I guess it makes some feel better. I was completing college and getting married and all that and wasn't paying much attention to the pop world anyway. I just saw a new album by a great band and bought it.

I liked this album for a number of reasons. First of all, The Cars previous effort (Heartbeat City), as great as it was, was lacking in two key ingredients for me: Ben Orr didn't sing as many songs as usual and Elliot Easton's guitar had become too subordinate to Greg Hawks' keyboard work. This new album seemed to be a correction in that regard. I like all the songs except for "Fine Line" which is very slow and boring to me, but all the others are fine. Especially intriguing is "Everything You Say" which is sung by Ben Orr. This song has a more pronounced country influence than I can remember on any other Cars song, but still sounds like the band while expanding their musical palette. "Coming Up You" sounds like it could've come straight off Heartbeat City, while "Strap Me In" and "Double Trouble" shows the band at their rockin' best. That being said, my personal favorites are "Leave or Stay", "You are the Girl", and "Go Away", because they epitomize all the best aspects of the Cars music: outstanding musical arrangements with great interplay between the guitar and keyboard, strong melodic hooks, rich vocal harmonies and a certain fun and quirky sense of humor. This album has everything a Cars fan would want.

Despite what others say--this is not the Cars weakest album. If you want to hear that try Panorama--which has some good songs but is very experimental and falls short on a lot of fronts compared to their other albums including this one. Though this isn't their greatest album it is definitely an excellent album and I would put up there with say Shake it Up. If you like the Cars or 80's pop, you should have this album.

I guess being married and in college, somehow I missed this CD when it was first released. I caught a couple of the tracks on The Cars Unlocked and realized this CD was worth picking up. There are only 4 or 5 good tracks here, but I love Double Trouble, Strap Me In and a few others. Worth the price.