It's Alive!
by The New Cars
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Uncut
    80
    Anone who saw the original Cars will tell you that these guys blow those guys off the stage. [Jul 2006, p.104]
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  2. AllMusic
    70
    It's not earth-shaking, but it's far better than nearly any other reunion of this kind.
  3. Amazon.com
    70
    The result is an energetic paean to the Cars' power-pop heritage, capturing the band's classic feel-good vibe with all cynical subtexts intact.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    42
    Rundgren's self-conscious imitation of Ocasek's new-wave vocals makes It's Alive! stall.
  6. Blender
    40
    Our suggestion for a more honest band name: Used Cars. [Jul 2006, p.100]
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  7. Mojo
    40
    When Todd sings his own I Saw The Light he sounds more comfortable than when negotiating The Cars' blustering powerpop. [Jun 2006, p.111]
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  8. Spin
    40
    A better-than-decent, ultimately pointless live set. [Jun 2006, p.82]
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  9. Pitchfork
    28
    The first hour or so of It's Alive is perfect for Cars fans so diehard they'd not only pay for a live album of songs they mostly already own, but a live album 20 years after the fact with only two original members and a different lead singer.

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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. cordellj
    Jul 23, 2006
    6
    While the album -- or disc, rather -- is a decent listen most suited for diereallyhard Cars or Rundgren fans, their tour was an absolute While the album -- or disc, rather -- is a decent listen most suited for diereallyhard Cars or Rundgren fans, their tour was an absolute romp. Uncut is exactly right. The Cars n e v e r sounded this lively live, not to mention actually engaged with the audience. Easton and Rundgren definitely still have what it takes to blow most current bands (and all has-beens) off the stage. The album gets a 6; the tour will prove to be the best of its ilk (reunited/still touring acts) of 2006...too bad they were detoured by an automobile accident this summer...definitely an 8.5 show.… Full Review »
  2. othostice
    Jul 13, 2006
    2
    Isn't it interesting that someone as artistically anal-retentive as Rundgren the producer (see: XTC's Skylarking) engages in such Isn't it interesting that someone as artistically anal-retentive as Rundgren the producer (see: XTC's Skylarking) engages in such sloppy choices when he records as Rundgren the artist? Add this to Faithful and the entire Utopia catalog as unwise decisions in a career largely misspent.… Full Review »
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