The Cars, released in June 1978, is the self-titled debut studio album by the American rock band The Cars. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with Queen, the album served as a bridge between late-1970s punk rock, power pop, and the emerging synth-heavy new wave movement. Driven by the distinct vocals of frontman Ric Ocasek and bassist Benjamin Orr, the record produced massive rock radio staples like "Just What I Needed", "My Best Friend's Girl", and "Good Times Roll". It eventually peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard 200 and achieved 6× Platinum status, remaining on the charts for 139 weeks.
The album is widely celebrated by music critics as a flawless debut, often jokingly called a "greatest hits album" because almost every track received significant airplay. Beyond its individual singles, the record is famous for its sonic cohesion, particularly on its second side where tracks like "Moving in Stereo" and "All Mixed Up" flow seamlessly into each other. "Moving in Stereo" secured an permanent spot in pop culture after featuring in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Ultimately, the album defined the sleek, hook-heavy sound of early American new wave and launched the band into major stardom.