The Cars – “Just What I Needed” Live
I Don’t Mind You Comin’ Here!
“Just What I Needed” was written by Ric Ocasek and originally recorded by The Cars. It was released on May 29, 1978 for their self-titled debut album. It was such a successful single from the band and eventually became one of their most popular songs ever and even established them as a leading hitmaker. Ocasek penned the lyrics while he was living in his basement in Newton, Massachusetts.
- Number 27 in the US Billboard Hot 100
- Number 17 in the UK Singles Chart
The opening riff of “Just What I Needed” was borrowed from “Yummy Yummy Yummy”, a song by the Ohio Express. It also features a prominent keyboard riff performed by Greg Hawkes. The song was sung by the Cars’ bassist Benjamin Orr.
This track has been included several times in their compilation albums and has been used as soundtrack for various films such as “200 Cigarettes” and “Over The Edge.”
AllMusic reviewer Donald A. Guarisco praised it as “a clever pop song”, commenting that “Elliot Easton’s fiery guitar leads duel with Greg Hawkes’ icy synth lines over a throbbing pop/rock backbeat while Benjamin Orr lays down a fey, detached vocal that captures the sarcastic edge of the lyrics with skill.”
The song not only has a touch of pop but also a hard rock punch!