Panorama (The Cars album)

Panorama is the third studio album by American new wave band the Cars, released on August 15, 1980, by Elektra Records. Like its predecessors, it was produced by Roy Thomas Baker and released on Elektra Records.

Background
The record marked a change from the upbeat pop rock and hard rock of the group's previous albums, representing a more aggressive and experimental sound. Billboard said that while Panorama retained the Cars' minimalist approach from their debut album, it sounded sufficiently different to avoid having the group sound like a caricature of itself.

Panorama peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album's lead single, "Touch and Go", reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Critical reception
The Spin Alternative Record Guide deemed the album "a dry, monotonous Wire imitation."

Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Panorama.

The Cars

 * David Robinson – drums, backing vocals
 * Greg Hawkes – keyboards, saxophones, backing vocals
 * Benjamin Orr – vocals, bass guitar
 * Ric Ocasek – vocals, rhythm guitar
 * Elliot Easton – lead guitar, backing vocals

Technical

 * Roy Thomas Baker – production
 * Ian Taylor – engineering
 * John Weaver – engineering assistance
 * Jason Corsaro – engineering assistance
 * Thom Moore – production assistance

Artwork

 * David Robinson – cover design
 * Paul McAlpine – photography