Pitchfork

Ric's had more than his fair share of solo flops since the breakup of his '80s pop/rock band, the Cars in 1985. Why were none of those records very successful? Oh, it's because Ric wasn't a very good songwriter on his own. And, despite help from the Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, the songs aren't any better ten years later.

Ric started upon the path to rediscoverey in 1994 when he produced Weezer's debut album and then another by a little band called Nada Surf. Based on the mild resurgence in popularity those two projects created for Ocasek, Columbia Records gave him another shot at fame. Oops.

Troublizing isn't honestly that bad in the melody department, but it's almost impossible to miss lyrics like "Side to side / Up and down / Set me straight on solid ground," and "Tinkertoy me into tears / Throw away my favorite fears." That's okay, though. He'll probably make another comeback if we wait ten years.