Start the Car (song)
| "Start the Car" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Australian CD cover | ||||
| Single by Jude Cole | ||||
| from the album Start the Car | ||||
| B-side | "A Place in the Line" | |||
| Written | 1991[1] | |||
| Released | August 13, 1992 | |||
| Length |
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| Label | Reprise | |||
| Songwriter | Jude Cole | |||
| Producers |
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| Jude Cole singles chronology | ||||
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"Start the Car" is a song by the American guitarist and singer Jude Cole. It was released as the lead single from the album of the same name. It was written by Cole and produced by Cole alongside co-producer James Newton Howard.
It peaked at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 6 on the Album Rock Tracks chart, and No. 24 in Canada.
Background
Cole later explained that he wrote “Start the Car” in 1991 while immersed in classic 1970s soul artists such as Al Green, Marvin Gaye, the Staple Singers, and Roberta Flack. His initial concept was a groove-driven track in the style of Al Green. However, on his drive to the studio, he had Aerosmith’s Pump album playing at high volume, and the powerful transition between “Young Lust” and “F.I.N.E.*” made a strong impression on him. Arriving at James Newton Howard’s studio in the Palisades of Los Angeles for pre-production, Howard suggested shifting the song toward a more rock-oriented approach.[1]
Personnel
- Jude Cole – vocals, backing vocals, guitar, mandolin
- Bill Payne – piano
- Marc Greene – Hammond organ
- Neil Stubenhaus – bass guitar
- John Robinson – drums
- Lenny Castro – percussion
- Gary Grant – horns
- Jerry Hey – horns
- Larry Williams – horns
- Daniel Higgins – horns
- Sass Jordan – female vocals
Charts
| Chart (1992) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[2] | 59 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[3] | 24 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[4] | 71 |
| US Album Rock Tracks (Billboard)[5][6] | 6 |
References
- ^ a b "Start the Car – The Writing". Jude Cole. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Image 1918". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ^ "Start the Car – Jude Cole (Single)". elpee.jp. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ^ "Start the Car — Jude Cole". Music VF. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
- ^ "Mainstream Rock Airplay". Billboard. October 24, 1992. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
