PRIMARY WAVE MUSIC PARTNERS WITH THE CARS
FOLLOWING THEIR DEAL ENTERING INTO A PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP FOR RIC OCASEK’S MUSIC CATALOG, PRIMARY WAVE HAS ACQUIRED THE ARTIST ROYALTIES OF THE CARS
SONGS INCLUDE SOME OF THEIR BIGGEST HITS INCLUDING
“JUST WHAT I NEEDED,” “YOU MIGHT THINK,” “MY BEST FRIEND’S GIRL,”“DRIVE” AND OTHERS
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“Their eponymous 1978 debut contains so many classic rock staples, a modern listener could mistake it for a greatest hits collection.”
– Pitchfork
“One of the catchiest and most innovative bands of their era.”
–Billboard
“The Cars had the sound of the future but an embrace of the past,
which is why its compositions and sonics are timeless.”
-Ultimate Classic Rock
NEW YORK, NY (June 4, 2025) – Primary Wave Music, the leading independent publisher of iconic and legendary music in the world, have announced today their partnership with the Cars. Terms of the deal will see the publisher acquire the Grammy nominated band’s artist royalties and comes less than a year after Primary Wave partnered with the Estate of Ric Ocasek on his music publishing catalog including all songs from his time with the Cars.
Included in the deal are some of the Cars biggest hits such as “Just What I Needed,” “You Might Think,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Drive,” and others. Released in 1984, “Drive” was the band’s highest charting single, soaring to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon release. The song topped the Adult Contemporary chart and went on to be nominated for a Grammy in the category “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.”
Several other gems from the Cars’ catalog that are included are the UK hit “My Best Friend’s Girl,” the number one radio hit “You Might Think,” and the smash “Just What I Needed.” Released in 1978, “Just What I Needed” was the first single off the Cars debut album and was the most successful single from the self-titled release. The track has gone on to be praised by fans and critics alike with Rolling Stone including it on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list. “My Best Friend’s Girl” was the second single off the band’s self-titled debut album. Upon release it hits several charts around the world, reaching number 3 in the UK making it their highest-charting UK single ever. The single also received positive reviews with All Music declaring the song was “one of the classics of the Cars’ catalog.” “You Might Think” was the first single off the band’s fifth album Heartbeat City. It shot to the Top 10 on the Billboard 100. The accompanying video for the single was a huge hit and was of the first music videos to use computer graphics. It went on to be nominated for five MTV Video Music Awards, ultimately winning the first ever “Video of the Year” award.
“Together with last year’s partnership for Ric Ocasek’s publishing, Primary Wave is uniquely positioned to preserve and honor the legacy of The Cars” said Samantha Rhulen, SVP of Business and Legal Affairs at Primary Wave. She continues, “Their music has left a lasting imprint on culture and continues to inspire fans and musicians around the world. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with this partnership.”
The Cars formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1976. Fronted by singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, bassist and vocalist Benjamin Orr, lead guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes, and drummer David Robinson. Combining elements of new wave, rock, and pop, The Cars quickly became one of the most influential and successful bands during this time. Their music was characterized by catchy hooks, sleek production, and a blend of synthesizers and guitar-driven rock.
The band released their self-titled debut album, The Cars, in 1978, which became an instant success, featuring hit songs such as “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and “Good Times Roll.” Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, the album showcased the band’s polished yet edgy sound, which resonated with both rock and pop audiences. Their follow-up albums, including Candy-O (1979) and Panorama (1980), continued their success, further cementing their reputation as pioneers of the new wave movement.
The Cars reached the height of their popularity with Heartbeat City in 1984, an album that produced several major hits, including “Drive,” “You Might Think,” and “Magic.” The album’s innovative music videos, particularly for “You Might Think,” which won the first-ever MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. During this time The Cars became one of the biggest bands in the world, selling millions of albums and filling arenas with their energetic live performances.
After the release of Door to Door in 1987, the band went on hiatus during which time Ric Ocasek and the other members pursued solo projects. In 2011, the surviving members reunited for the album Move Like This, which received critical acclaim and marked a return to their signature sound.
The Cars’ legacy was officially recognized when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their music continues to influence new generations of artists, and their blend of rock, new wave, and pop remains a staple of classic rock radio. With timeless hits and a unique style, The Cars remain one of the most iconic bands of their era, remembered for their contributions to both rock music and the evolution of music video culture.