“Tonight She Comes,” released in 1985, is a quintessential track from The Cars’ *Greatest Hits* compilation, showcasing the band’s signature blend of new wave and power pop. The Cars, hailing from Boston, were pioneers of the late 70s and early 80s music scene, known for their sleek, synth-driven sound, catchy melodies, and Ric Ocasek’s distinctive, detached vocals. This song perfectly encapsulates their unique style.
While not released as a standalone single initially, “Tonight She Comes” was one of two new tracks specifically recorded for the *Greatest Hits* album and quickly became a fan favorite. The other one was “I’m not the one” that was remixed.
It climbed to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and impressively topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, cementing its place as a significant hit for the band. The accompanying music video, featuring a whimsical, almost surreal narrative of a woman assembling herself piece by piece, also received heavy rotation on MTV, further boosting the song’s popularity.
Lyrically, “Tonight She Comes” is classic Cars: seemingly straightforward yet subtly ambiguous. Ocasek’s lyrics paint a picture of anticipation and perhaps a slightly obsessive fascination with a woman who is “coming” tonight. Whether this refers to a literal arrival, a romantic rendezvous, or something more metaphorical is left to the listener’s interpretation, a hallmark of Ocasek’s songwriting.
The song received positive acclaim from critics and fans. They praised the song’s catchy keyboard riff, Ocasek’s deadpan vocal delivery, and the driving rhythm section. Many fans embraced the track, making it a staple of their live shows and a must-have in the soundtrack of that decade.