Gary Numan

Here in my car... feel the iconic synth pulse of Gary Numan's 1979 smash hit, "Cars"! This groundbreaking track defined early synth-pop and new wave with its minimalist Moog riff and Numan's distinctive robotic vocals, becoming a massive international success.

Released as the lead single from his influential 1979 album The Pleasure Principle, "Cars" propelled British electronic music pioneer Gary Numan to global stardom. Its stark, futuristic sound, built entirely on synthesizers, bass, and drums, blended synth-pop, new wave, and post-punk elements into an unforgettable hit.

This legendary 1979 electronica track remains instantly recognizable for its main synthesizer hook and detached vocal style. While often labelling Numan a one-hit wonder in the US charts, "Cars" stands as a landmark recording that brought synth-pop firmly into the mainstream spotlight.

SONG MEANING: Inspired by a road rage incident, the song explores the feeling of safety, isolation, and detachment experienced inside a car ("Here in my car / I feel safest of all"). The lyrics portray the automobile as a protective bubble where the driver can observe the outside world ("I can listen to you") without directly engaging, offering a sense of control and isolation.