“You Might Think,” released in 1984, served as the catchy, visually groundbreaking lead single from The Cars’ fifth studio album, *Heartbeat City*. Already established as new wave pioneers with hits like “Just What I Needed” and “Shake It Up,” The Cars, comprised of Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson, further solidified their status with this infectious track. The song’s innovative music video, directed by Andy Warhol protégé Charlie Robin, heavily utilized then-cutting-edge computer animation, morphing lead singer Ric Ocasek’s face into various objects and scenes, perfectly complementing the song’s playful and slightly obsessive tone. This pioneering use of CGI earned the video the inaugural MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1984.
“You Might Think” peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of The Cars’ highest-charting singles. The song’s success contributed significantly to *Heartbeat City*’s multi-platinum status, further cementing The Cars’ place as one of the defining acts of the 80s new wave movement. The track’s infectious melody, driven by a distinctive synth riff and punctuated by Ocasek’s signature deadpan vocals, became instantly recognizable and remains a staple of 80s radio.
Lyrically, “You Might Think” explores the dynamics of unrequited love, with the narrator humorously detailing his persistent pursuit of someone who seems disinterested. He acknowledges the apparent absurdity of his relentless advances, singing “You might think I’m crazy,” yet maintains a playful optimism, ultimately suggesting that his persistence might eventually win her over. This relatable theme of romantic pursuit, combined with the song’s upbeat tempo and innovative video, resonated strongly with audiences. Contemporary reviews praised the song’s catchiness and the video’s groundbreaking visuals. “You Might Think” continues to be celebrated as a prime example of The Cars’ innovative sound and a landmark achievement in early music video history, solidifying its place as a beloved classic.
