| Don't Tell Me No | |
| Cover: | Don't_Tell_Me_No_-_The_Cars.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | the Cars |
| Album: | Panorama |
| B-Side: | Don't Go to Pieces |
| Released: | November 10, 1980 |
| Genre: | New wave |
| Label: | Elektra |
| Producer: | Roy Thomas Baker |
| Prev Title: | Touch and Go |
| Prev Year: | 1980 |
| Next Title: | Gimme Some Slack |
| Next Year: | 1980 |
"Don't Tell Me No" is a song by the American New wave band, the Cars. The song, written by Ric Ocasek, appeared on the band's third studio album, Panorama.
"Don't Tell Me No" first saw release on the Panorama album in August 1980, but in November of that same year, the song was released as the follow-up single to the marginally successful "Touch and Go" single in America. However, unlike its predecessor, it failed to chart at all in said country.
AllMusic critic Greg Prato noted the track as an album highlight from Panorama, and went on to call it "strong, just not as well known as some of the other material [on the album]".[1] Though Benjamin Orr sings lead vocals on "Don't Tell Me No," Record World said that "A steamroller rhythm section has its own way here while steaming guitars and Ric Ocasek's trademark vocal detachment ride high."[2] [3] [4] Billboard chose it as a "recommended" pick.[5]
The song's B-side titled "Don't Go to Pieces", which was also the B-side to "Gimme Some Slack", includes rare backing vocals from lead guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist Greg Hawkes singing "You can make the switch, you can have your wish", followed by the band joining and singing the chorus "don't go to pieces, b-b-b-baby."