The site also ranked it the 35th best classic rock song of all time. The song was also ranked among the band and Ocasek's best by The New York Times, NME, Esquire, and Inquisitr. In 2021, Rolling Stone added "Just What I Needed" to their list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time," ranking it at 369 and writing that the song "defined [the band's] mix of precision-tuned sleekness and creepy mystery." Personnel Ric Ocasek – backing vocals, rhythm guitar Elliot Easton – lead guitar, backing vocals Benjamin Orr – lead vocals, bass guitar David Robinson – drums, percussion Greg Hawkes – keyboards, backing vocals Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts References 1978 debut singles 1978 songs The Cars songs Elektra Records singles Song recordings produced by Roy Thomas Baker Songs written by Ric Ocasek