Eddie Money, a name synonymous with relatable rock anthems, gifted the music world with a string of hits across three decades. Far from the stereotypical rock star ego, Money embraced his persona as rock radio’s approachable everyman. His music resonated with audiences because it was genuine, filled with catchy hooks and stories of everyday life, love, and sometimes, a little bit of longing for “Two Tickets to Paradise.” This exploration delves into the heart of Eddie Money’s musical legacy, celebrating the songs that cemented his place in rock history and continue to be staples on classic rock playlists.
In a candid 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Eddie “Grandpa Money” offered a glimpse into his down-to-earth perspective. He spoke less about chasing musical fame and more about the simple joys of life – catching SportsCenter, enjoying The Osbournes, and sharing off-color jokes. His gratitude for life’s simple blessings shone through. “I missed the boat when it came to the big money,” he admitted, perhaps acknowledging the stratospheric commercial success of contemporaries like Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp. Yet, his focus remained grounded. “The kids aren’t in jail, they’re not in rehab, nobody’s wrecked the car this week and there’s still milk in the refrigerator,” he chuckled. “I’m having a good month.” This humility, this appreciation for the everyday, was woven into the fabric of his music, making his songs all the more relatable and enduring.
Sadly, the music world mourned the passing of this bar-rocking legend on Friday, September 13th. Eddie Money succumbed to esophageal cancer at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of sturdy, timeless rock hits. His music celebrated the ordinary, the suburban, even as he brushed shoulders with the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In tribute to Eddie Money and his remarkable career, we rank his 10 greatest songs, each a testament to his unique blend of rock energy and relatable charm.
10. “Heaven in the Back Seat” (Right Here, 1991)
“Heaven in the Back Seat,” a track initially penned for the UK band Romeo’s Daughter for the Nightmare on Elm Street V soundtrack in 1988, found a new life when Eddie Money covered it for his 1991 comeback album, Right Here. While the lyrics might be considered playfully suggestive (“She’s got what I want/ I got what she needs/ Me and my baby and the mirror makes three”), and the sound distinctly early-90s, the song’s appeal lies in its sheer, goofy, high-octane energy. Despite only reaching No. 58 on the Hot 100, “Heaven in the Back Seat” remains a guilty pleasure, a fun, if slightly cheesy, rock anthem.
9. “Walk on Water” (Nothing to Lose, 1988)
In 1988, Eddie Money continued his pursuit of a more commercially polished sound with “Walk on Water,” co-written by Jesse Harms, Sammy Hagar’s former keyboardist. This track is undeniably a product of its era, drenched in 80s signifiers: Money’s confident vocals, synthesized harmonies, and a soaring, arena-ready hook. “Walk on Water” climbed to No. 9 on the charts, sustaining Money’s career momentum. However, Money himself had mixed feelings about performing the song live, particularly the repetitive “Na na na na na na na na na” hook. As he confessed to Rolling Stone, “It was supposed to be a horn part, but the horn player never showed up, so I had to do it with my mouth.” Despite his reservations, “Walk on Water” remains a quintessential 80s rock hit.
8. “I Wanna Go Back” (Can’t Hold Back, 1986)
Similar to “Heaven in the Back Seat,” “I Wanna Go Back” originated from an unexpected source. The power ballad was written by Oakland rock band Billy Satellite, who released one self-titled album on Capitol Records in 1984 before fading into obscurity. Billy Satellite’s version reached a modest No. 78, but the song gained wider recognition through two notable remakes. First, Gregg Rolie of Santana covered it in 1985, and then Eddie Money put his own spin on it. Despite the somewhat dated synth sounds, Money’s spirited rendition of this mid-tempo ballad resonated with audiences, peaking at No. 14 and proving its lasting appeal.
7. “Shakin’” (No Control, 1982)
While Eddie Money often collaborated with outside songwriters, he was also a capable songwriter himself, co-writing the infectious anthem “Shakin’.” This Tom Petty-esque rocker is perhaps best remembered for its music video featuring Apollonia Kotero, Prince’s protégé and co-star in Purple Rain. Apollonia, of course, is the one doing the “shakin’” in question. Money recounted an amusing anecdote about the video shoot to Rolling Stone: “She had a boyfriend who was super jealous and a karate expert. Every time I turned around he was threatening to break my arms off.” Fortunately, the video shoot remained peaceful, and “Shakin’” became a solid No. 63 hit, further cementing Money’s presence on the airwaves.
6. “Trinidad” (Playing for Keeps, 1980)
With its island-inspired theme, “Trinidad” might initially seem like an attempt to replicate the success of “Two Tickets to Paradise.” However, “Trinidad” carves its own path as a grounded, driving rock song. If you’re seeking a dose of 1980s rock that avoids the excesses of synths and gated drums, “Trinidad” is a perfect choice. Lyrically, Money even ventures into slightly more mystical territory, channeling a David Crosby-like vibe with lines like, “There once was a story/ From a thousand yesterdays/ I read it in this ancient book/ When the old man passed away.” “Trinidad” showcases a different, slightly more introspective side of Eddie Money.
5. “Take Me Home Tonight” (Can’t Hold Back, 1986)
“Take Me Home Tonight,” a Phil Spector-influenced duet with Ronnie Spector of The Ronettes, cleverly incorporates the iconic “Be My Baby” tag. Ronnie Spector herself even sings “Be my little baby!” in the song. The result was Eddie Money reaching No. 4 on the charts and introducing Ronnie Spector to a new generation through her MTV debut in the song’s music video. While the song is built around a colossal hook and a straightforward plea for a woman to “take Money home,” it became a defining 80s anthem, revitalizing Money’s hit streak and bridging generations of music lovers. It’s arguably Eddie Money’s most commercially successful “money song.”
4. “Gimme Some Water” (Life for the Taking, 1978)
For those drawn to Eddie Money’s harder rock edge, his earlier albums – Eddie Money, Life For the Taking, and Playing For Keeps – are essential listening. These records capture a raw energy that he wore exceptionally well. “Gimme Some Water,” a bluesy, slide guitar-driven track, might not have been destined for mainstream hit status, but it possesses a timeless rock quality that would have fit seamlessly on albums by Badfinger, Todd Rundgren, or early Fleetwood Mac. Today, “Gimme Some Water” stands as a refreshing reminder of Money’s roots-rock sensibilities, a departure from the synth-heavy barroom anthems he later became known for.
3. “Baby Hold On” (Eddie Money, 1977)
“Baby Hold On,” with its unforgettable chorus “Baby, hold on to me/ Whatever will be will be/ The future is ours to see,” is a quintessential chest-beating anthem about perseverance through tough times. Peaking at No. 11 in its day, it has become a beloved oldies juggernaut. The song’s distinctive, droning two-note guitar riff lends it a hypnotic quality, a unique characteristic within Eddie Money’s broader discography. “Baby Hold On” remains a powerful and enduring message of hope and resilience.
2. “Think I’m in Love” (No Control, 1982)
“Think I’m in Love” bursts into life with a radiant, Byrds-esque intro, launching into a jangle-pop infused rocker. The closer Eddie Money leaned into jangle pop, the more he revealed his artistic vitality. Co-written with Randy Oda, known for his collaborations with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Tom Fogerty, “Think I’m in Love” possesses a buzzy, infectious energy that aligns it with new wave contemporaries like The Cars, The Romantics, or Nick Lowe. While Money explored various styles throughout his career, his foray into jangle pop on “Think I’m in Love” stands out as one of his most successful and creatively rewarding.
1. “Two Tickets to Paradise” (Eddie Money, 1977)
Eddie Money’s most iconic song, “Two Tickets to Paradise,” is also undeniably his best. Despite its “vacation” theme and appearances in popular culture from Hawaii Five-O to The King of Queens, the song retains a tough, driving rock edge that transcends its lighthearted subject matter. Unlike more overtly tropical-themed songs, “Two Tickets to Paradise” wisely keeps the island details minimal, allowing the song’s core elements to shine. The shifting-sands rhythm section provided by Steve Miller Band’s Gary Mallaber and Lonnie Turner, Jimmy Lyons’ blazing guitar solo, and the unforgettable hook all contribute to its enduring appeal. From the opening track of his debut album, Eddie Money delivered a masterpiece, a song he continued to perform until the last summer of his life, forever solidifying “Two Tickets to Paradise” as his signature “money song” and a classic rock staple.
