Song from commercial Walmart Grocery Pickup Super Bowl 2019 TV Spot, 'Famous Cars' Song by Gary Numan

"Cars" by Gary Numan

"Cars" is the debut solo single by English musician Gary Numan ). It was released on August 21, 1979, and is from his debut studio album "The Pleasure Principle." The song was a commercial success, reaching number 1 in several countries and is considered one of Numan's most enduring songs.

Lyrics and Meaning

The lyrics of "Cars" are about how people use technology and material goods to isolate themselves from human contact. Numan has stated that he has Asperger syndrome , and the song's lyrics reflect his feelings of social isolation. The song describes the safety and comfort that cars provide as a metaphor for the isolation that modern society can create.

Music and Production

The song features a simple arrangement of synthesizers and electronic drums, with Numan's vocals cutting through the mix. The song's iconic synth riff was made using the Vox Humana program on a Polymoog 203a keyboard. The descending synth notes, which enter the mix at 0:06, are one of the most recognizable hooks in 1980s pop music.

Music Video

The music video for "Cars" features Numan driving a car through a futuristic cityscape, with other cars following him. The video was directed by Derek Burbidge and was one of the first music videos to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create special effects.

Overall, "Cars" is a classic synth-pop song that helped define the sound of the 1980s. Its catchy synth riff and memorable lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today.