Just What I Needed is one of The Cars' most popular and breakthrough songs. Released in 1978, the track laid the foundation for the band's career, defining their signature blend of New Wave cool, power pop charm, and hard rock punch. Featuring the cool, detached lead vocals of bassist Benjamin Orr and a prominent keyboard riff by Greg Hawkes, the song became an iconic track of late 70s rock and was a major hit even as a demo before the debut album was released. (Songwriter): Ric Ocasek. (Perform