As I noted on the '77 playlist, I'm a big fan of the song 1/song 2 combos.
One of my favorite bands of the late 70's and early 80's also released their debut album this year, and from what I can see, they haven't been taken yet.
I know
@FogBlueInSanFran nominated their 2nd album in the Album Review thread, so I'm surprised he isn't here as we enter in a period he'd surely enjoy (save Bob Seger, Eagles, Dire Straits, and I'm sure others).
Their debut album was one of the first ones I remember hearing in junior high that every single song was a FM radio hit - and all of these were released on singles. That's hard to beat this side of the Beatles.
While Ric Ocasek took the front and center of his band, to me it was the late Benjamin Orr that gave them their soul and spirit. Just an amazing singer with vocals that made any pre-teen kid feel like they could sing along to on the radio, when in reality that was far from the truth.
This wasn't the loudest song combo, but I'd nearly rank it #1 of the most iconic transitions with that dreamy new wave sound that I loved so much. Written by Ocasek and keyboardist Greg Hawkes, Orr just delivers his vocal best and my sentimental favourite album enders.
Moving In Stereo / All Mixed Up - The Cars (BOTH songs, PLEASE!) ;-)
She tricks me into thinkin'
I can't believe my eyes
I wait for her forever
But she never does arrive
(post edit: Good enough for Judge Reinhold, good enough for me!)