Shake It Up

Shake It Up by The Cars, released in 1981.

In 1981, amidst the flourish of new wave and rock synthesis, The Cars released their fourth studio album, Shake It Up. Known for their seamless blend of rock and pop elements with a new wave twist, The Cars continued to refine their sound with this release. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, who had worked with the band on their first three albums, Shake It Up marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, showcasing their ability to evolve while maintaining their distinctive style.

Shake It Up was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, a name synonymous with grand, layered productions. Baker's previous work with The Cars had already established a successful formula, and with Shake It Up, the aim was to polish and perfect rather than reinvent. Recorded at Syncro Sound studio in Boston, the album features a cleaner, more polished sound than its predecessors. This can be attributed to the evolving recording technology of the era and Baker's meticulous production style, which emphasized clarity and crispness, making it very radio-friendly. The title track Shake It Up is a quintessential example of Baker's influence, with its catchy hooks and an upbeat rhythm that made it a hit on the dance floors. It became one of the band's most recognizable songs, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Musically, Shake It Up is a blend of rock, pop, and new wave, which was The Cars' signature. The album opens with Since You're Gone, which combines a moody verse with a bright, anthemic chorus. The juxtaposition of electronic synthesizers with rock guitar riffs is executed with an elegance that typifies the band's approach. The album also ventures into more experimental territory with tracks like A Dream Away, which utilizes a reggae-like rhythm paired with Ric Ocasek's distinctive vocal style. Meanwhile, Cruiser showcases Elliot Easton's guitar prowess, weaving between melodic and more aggressive tones, underlining the band's rock roots amid the synth-pop dominant arrangements.

Lyrically, Ric Ocasek, the band's principal songwriter, sticks to themes of love, longing, and personal reflection, but with a quirky twist that avoids cliche. The imagery he conjures is both abstract and vivid, creating a tapestry of urban landscapes and emotional vignettes. The album's cover, designed by Alberto Vargas, features a classic pin-up painting, which was somewhat of a departure from the more modern and abstract art of previous albums. This choice mirrored the album's slight shift towards a more mainstream, accessible aesthetic.

Shake It Up became one of The Cars' most successful albums, reaching number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually earning double platinum status. The success of the album helped solidify The Cars' position in the music industry, proving that they could maintain their unique sound while appealing to a broader audience. An interesting anecdote about the album involves its single Shake It Up. Initially, Ric Ocasek was hesitant about the song, feeling it was too simple and perhaps too commercial. However, upon the insistence of producer Roy Thomas Baker and the other band members, the song was included and eventually became one of the album’s highlights.

Overall, Shake It Up is a testament to The Cars' ability to adapt and thrive in the evolving music scene of the early '80s. It encapsulates a band at the peak of their powers, bridging the gap between rock n' roll energy and new wave innovation. The album not only stands as a significant chapter in The Cars' discography but also as a vibrant snapshot of the era's music landscape. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to their music, Shake It Up is a compelling listen, overflowing with creative songwriting and sonic finesse.