Heartbeat City Expanded Edition - Definitive Remaster and Rarities

Our review of Heartbeat City Expanded Edition finds this release aimed at fans of The Cars and collectors who want a thorough, well-documented reissue. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of the 2016 remaster with a meaningful selection of rare and unreleased bonus tracks, all presented alongside an illustrated booklet with David Fricke's liner notes and new interviews by Ric Ocasek; that context elevates the listening experience beyond a simple reissue. This edition lets familiar songs sit in improved clarity while rewarding repeat plays with demos and extras.

Key Features

• Remastered Album: The original Heartbeat City album is remastered in 2016 to improve clarity and dynamic presence across the record.
• Expanded Bonus Tracks: This edition includes rare and unreleased bonus tracks that provide deeper insight into the album's creative process.
• Illustrated Booklet: An illustrated booklet accompanies the music and enriches the package with visuals and archival material.
• Authoritative Liner Notes: David Fricke contributes detailed liner notes with new interviews by Ric Ocasek, offering historical perspective and artist commentary.
• Top 40 Singles Included: The release preserves the original album that launched five Top 40 tracks, including the Top Ten hits Drive and You.

Who It's For

This Expanded Edition is best for longtime fans of The Cars, collectors of classic rock reissues, and listeners who value improved sound quality and contextual materials; the 2016 remaster and bonus tracks make familiar songs feel renewed. It is also a good pick for those who enjoy liner notes and interviews that chronicle an album's history, since David Fricke and Ric Ocasek add real archival value.

Casual listeners who only want the hit singles might prefer a greatest-hits compilation, as this package is tailored to deeper listening and archival interest. Buyers should expect a focused archival presentation rather than a radical reinterpretation of the material.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent sound quality from the 2016 remaster that brightens and clarifies the original mixes.
• Valuable bonus tracks and demos that reveal alternate takes and songwriting glimpses.
• The illustrated booklet and David Fricke notes provide informative context and new interviews by Ric Ocasek.

Cons

• The package focuses on archival completeness and may not offer many surprises for listeners who already own multiple previous pressings.

Specifications

Title	Heartbeat City Expanded Edition
Artist	The Cars
Remaster	2016 remaster
Includes	Original album plus rare and unreleased bonus tracks
Booklet	Illustrated booklet with liner notes by David Fricke and interviews by Ric Ocasek
Chart Peak	Album peaked at #3 and reached multi-platinum sales
Label	Elektra Catalog Group / Rhino

Our Verdict

This Expanded Edition is a deserving reissue for collectors and fans who want the definitive Heartbeat City listening experience; the remastering quality, bonus material, and informative booklet together make it a worthwhile purchase and strong value for anyone interested in the album's history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include previously unreleased tracks?
Yes. The release expands the original album with rare and unreleased bonus tracks and demos.

Are there liner notes or interviews included?
Yes. An illustrated booklet includes liner notes by David Fricke and new interviews with Ric Ocasek.

Is this a new remix or a remaster?
This is the 2016 remaster of the original Heartbeat City album, presented with additional bonus material.