Touch and Go

Feel the quirky energy of The Cars' 1980 hit, "Touch and Go"! A standout single from the Panorama album, this track blends angular new wave rhythms with distinctive synthesizer work and hints of rockabilly guitar, showcasing the band's experimental side.

Released as the lead single from their 1980 album Panorama, "Touch and Go" became another chart success for The Cars. Its unique, syncopated groove, driven by Greg Hawkes' synths and Elliot Easton's inventive guitar playing (including rockabilly-influenced licks), defined their evolving new wave sound.

This 1980 new wave track captures a sense of nervous energy and unpredictability. Ric Ocasek's cool, detached vocals ride over the distinctive, lurching rhythm, making "Touch and Go" a prime example of The Cars' artful and adventurous approach to pop music during this period.

SONG MEANING: The song depicts a volatile and uncertain situation, likely a relationship, that is precarious or unstable ("It's touch and go"). The jerky rhythm and lyrics about shadows and not knowing what's next convey a feeling of unpredictability, nervous tension, and the precariousness of the connection.