THE CARS - Candy-O 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Front cover of Candy-O by The Cars (1979), painted by Alberto Vargas, featuring a red-haired woman reclining on the hood of a stylized car. She wears a semi-transparent black bodysuit, high heels, and has a confident pose with one arm over her forehead. The minimalist car is outlined in pink, and the artwork is signed by Vargas in the bottom right corner. The album title and band name are displayed in bold black and red text in the top left corner.

The album cover of "Candy-O" was painted by artist Alberto Vargas, known for his paintings of pin-up girls that appeared in Esquire and Playboy magazines in the 1940s and 1960s. The idea to hire Vargas came from drummer David Robinson, the band's artistic director and a collector of pin-ups. The 83-year-old Vargas had retired several years earlier but was persuaded to take the assignment by his niece, who was a fan of The Cars. The painting, depicting a girl sprawled across the hood of a car, was based on a photo shoot directed by Robinson at a Ferrari dealership. The model, coincidentally named Candy, briefly dated Robinson afterward.

"Candy-O" Album Description:

In the musical landscape of 1979, The Cars, an American rock band, released their second studio album, "Candy-O," leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. Beyond its groundbreaking sound, the album is also notable for its iconic cover art, painted by the renowned artist Alberto Vargas. This article explores the cultural and artistic context of the time, delving into the production of "Candy-O" and the collaboration with Vargas.

The Music Scene of 1979:

The late 1970s witnessed a diverse array of musical genres, from the rise of punk and new wave to the continued dominance of classic rock. Against this backdrop, The Cars emerged as a distinctive force, blending catchy melodies with innovative synth-driven arrangements. "Candy-O" showcased the band's evolution, solidifying their position as pioneers in the new wave movement.

Production and Artistic Direction:

Drummer David Robinson, not only a rhythmic powerhouse but also the band's artistic director, played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of "Candy-O." Robinson's passion for pin-up art led to a unique collaboration with Alberto Vargas, an artist celebrated for his pin-up girls that graced the pages of Esquire and Playboy magazines in past decades.

The Vision of Alberto Vargas:

At 83 years old, Vargas brought a timeless touch to the album cover, creating a piece that seamlessly blended the aesthetics of the 1940s and 1960s with the contemporary spirit of The Cars. The decision to hire Vargas, who had retired years earlier, added a layer of nostalgia and sophistication to the album's visual narrative.

The Artistic Process:

The cover art for "Candy-O" depicts a striking image of a girl sprawled across the hood of a car. This provocative yet tasteful scene was based on a photo shoot directed by Robinson at a Ferrari dealership. The model, coincidentally named Candy, became an integral part of the visual storytelling and even briefly dated Robinson, adding a personal touch to the album's creation.

Cultural Reception and Legacy:

Upon its release, "Candy-O" received critical acclaim for both its musical innovation and artistic presentation. The combination of The Cars' sonic experimentation and Vargas' timeless artistry resonated with audiences, contributing to the album's enduring legacy. The cover itself became an iconic representation of the synthesis between music and visual art during the late 1970s.

Music Genre:

New Wave, 80s Pop-Rock 
Album Production Information:

The album: "THE CARS - Candy-O" was produced by: Roy Thomas Baker

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Geoff Workman R.T.B. Productions, George Marino

George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music.

This album was recorded at: Cherokee Studios, Sterling Sound, New York City

Album front cover design: Alberto Vargas

Alberto Vargas was a Peruvian painter and illustrator best known for his pin-up art, which featured glamorous and alluring images of women. He worked for Esquire and Playboy magazines, and his work became iconic during the 1940s and 1950s.

Album cover design: Ron Coro, Jerry Lee, David Robinson

Album cover photography: Jeff Albertson

Record Label & Catalognr:

Elektra ELK 52 148

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1979 Made in France
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: THE CARS - Candy-O
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Ric Ocasek – rhythm guitar, lead vocals on side one, tracks 2, 4 and 5; side two, tracks 1, 3, 4 and 5
  • Elliot Easton – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Greg Hawkes – percussion, keyboards, tenor saxophone, backing vocals
  • Benjamin Orr – bass guitar, lead vocals on side one, tracks 1, 3, and 6; side two, track 2
  • David Robinson – drums, percussion
Complete Track-listing of the album "THE CARS - Candy-O"

The detailed tracklist of this record "THE CARS - Candy-O" is:

    Side One:
  1. "Let's Go" – 3:33
  2. "Since I Held You" – 3:16
  3. "It's All I Can Do" – 3:44
  4. "Double Life" – 4:14
  5. "Shoo Be Doo" – 1:36
  6. "Candy-O" – 2:36
    Side Two:
  1. "Nightspots" – 3:15
  2. "You Can't Hold on Too Long" – 2:46
  3. "Lust for Kicks" – 3:52
  4. "Got a Lot on My Head" – 2:59
  5. "Dangerous Type" – 4:28
High Resolution Photo

The front cover of Candy-O by The Cars, painted by renowned artist Alberto Vargas, features a striking and iconic image that encapsulates the album’s provocative yet sleek aesthetic. The artwork showcases a red-haired woman reclining on the hood of a stylized car, her pose exuding confidence and allure. She is dressed in a semi-transparent black bodysuit, accentuating the bold and sensual tone of the piece. Her relaxed pose, with one arm resting over her forehead and the other draped across her side, emphasizes a sense of effortless glamour.

The car, drawn in faint pink outlines, provides a minimalist backdrop that allows the figure to dominate the composition. The woman’s high-heeled shoes and perfectly manicured nails add to the air of sophistication and elegance. Vargas’ signature is visible in the lower right corner, marking his distinctive contribution to this memorable cover art.

The album title, Candy-O, and the band’s name, The Cars, appear in bold lettering at the top left, using contrasting black and red for a clean, modern design. This cover is celebrated as one of the classic examples of late 1970s album art, combining Vargas’ mastery of pin-up style with The Cars’ sleek, new-wave image.

Album Back Cover  Photo of "THE CARS - Candy-O"
Back cover of Candy-O by The Cars (1979), featuring individual portraits of band members: Ric Ocasek (vocals, rhythm guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards, percussion, sax, backing vocals), Benjamin Orr (vocals, bass guitar), Elliot Easton (lead guitar, backing vocals), and David Robinson (drums, percussion), arranged in a grid format with stylish and distinctive visuals.

This is the back cover of Candy-O, the second studio album by The Cars, released in 1979. The design presents a grid layout with individual photos of the band members, each positioned in their own frame. The photos have distinct artistic flair, showcasing the personalities of each member.

1. Top left: Ric Ocasek, the band’s vocalist and rhythm guitarist, is shown wearing sunglasses and a sharp, stylish outfit, exuding a cool and enigmatic vibe.

2. Top right: Greg Hawkes, responsible for keyboards, percussion, sax, and backing vocals, appears in a red jacket with a white shirt and tie, matching the bold aesthetic of the album’s style.

3. Middle: Benjamin Orr, the bassist and lead vocalist, is the central figure, posed dramatically with a confident expression, biting into what seems to be a red object, likely emphasizing the playful yet provocative tone of the album.

4. Bottom left: Elliot Easton, the lead guitarist and backing vocalist, is seen in a dark suit with a striped shirt, bringing a formal yet edgy touch to his appearance.

5. Bottom right: David Robinson, the drummer and percussionist, sports sunglasses and a leather-accented jacket, embodying a sleek, rocker image.

The bottom text credits Roy Thomas Baker as the producer, along with management and organizational details. The back cover’s layout complements the album’s new-wave rock identity, combining striking visuals with clean typography to highlight the band’s polished and stylish presentation.

Inner Sleeve   of "THE CARS - Candy-O" Album
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Close-up Photo of "THE CARS - Candy-O" Record Label 
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 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Index of THE CARS Feature Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

THE CARS - Candy-O

Thumbnail Of THE CARS - Candy-O album front cover

Elektra ELK 52 148 , 1979 , France

In 1979, The Cars released "Candy-O," a groundbreaking second studio album. Drummer and artistic director David Robinson collaborated with pin-up artist Alberto Vargas for the iconic cover. The synthesis of Vargas' timeless pin-up aesthetics and The Cars' new wave sound created a cultural milestone. "Candy-O" remains a testament to the fusion of music and visual art, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of rock history.

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THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled

Thumbnail Of THE CARS - S/T Self-Titled album front cover

Elektra ELK 52088 , 1978 , Germany

"The Cars," the self-titled debut album by the American rock band, is a timeless 12" Vinyl LP capturing the essence of late 1970s music. Released in 1978, amidst the era's diverse musical landscape, the album's cover features Russian ballerina Natalya Medvedeva, adding a touch of artistic allure. With hits like "Just What I Needed," the album marked The Cars' arrival and set the stage for their influential career.

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THE CARS Drive 12" EP Vinyl

Thumbnail Of THE CARS Drive 12 EP Vinyl album front cover

Elektra 966 934 (966934) , 1984 , Germany

"Drive" by The Cars, a 1984 12" Maxi-Single, embodies the musical essence of the 1980s. Amidst a dynamic era of rock and new wave, the song's synthesis of electronic and rock elements defines its time. Produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, The Cars, and Roy Thomas Baker, it contributed to the success of the LP "Heartbeat City," solidifying its place as a timeless classic with emotional depth.

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THE CARS - Heartbeat City

Thumbnail Of THE CARS - Heartbeat City with Ric Osasek4 album front cover

Elektra Asylum 960 296 , 1984 , Germany

"Heartbeat City" by The Cars, released in 1984, epitomizes the 1980s musical landscape. Produced by The Cars and Robert John "Mutt" Lange, the album blends rock and synth-pop with precision. Recorded in London and remixed in New York City, it showcases the transatlantic influence. The visually dynamic album cover, painted by Peter Philips, complements hits like "Drive" and "Magic." A quintessential 1980s masterpiece, leaving an indelible mark on musical history.

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