Eddie Money, a name synonymous with relatable rock anthems, gifted the music world with a string of Hot 100 hits across three decades. Far from letting fame inflate his ego, Money embraced his role as rock radio’s approachable everyman. This down-to-earth persona, combined with his knack for crafting catchy tunes, cemented his place in the hearts of fans.
In a candid 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Eddie “Grandpa Money” Money himself, in his characteristic humorous style, spoke less about musical accolades and more about everyday life – from catching SportsCenter to watching The Osbournes. He expressed gratitude for life’s simple pleasures, a perspective that resonated deeply with his audience. “I missed the boat when it came to the big money,” he admitted, perhaps alluding to contemporaries like Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp who achieved even greater commercial heights. Yet, his contentment was palpable. “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.”
Today, we remember Eddie Money, the unpretentious rock legend who remained grounded and connected to his suburban roots, even as his songs climbed tantalizingly close to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Following his passing on Friday, September 13th, at the age of 70 after a brief battle with esophageal cancer, it’s fitting to celebrate his enduring musical legacy.
Here are Eddie Money’s 10 greatest songs, ranked in honor of his remarkable career and the timeless rock hits he gifted us.
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 new life when Eddie Money covered it for his 1991 album, Right Here. This undeniably sleazy, locker-room-esque anthem showcases lyrics that are unapologetically direct (“She’s got what I want/ I got what she needs/ Me and my baby and the mirror makes three”). While the song’s sound is distinctly early 90s and its Hot 100 performance peaked at a modest No. 58, “Heaven in the Back Seat” endures as a testament to goofy, high-octane fun, a quintessential Eddie Money quality.
9. Walk on Water (Nothing to Lose, 1988)
Eddie Money maintained his trajectory towards a more commercially polished sound with “Walk on Water,” a hit from 1988. Penned by Jesse Harms, Sammy Hagar’s former keyboardist, the song is unmistakably a product of its era. From Money’s assertive vocals to the layered harmonies and soaring, anthemic hook, “Walk on Water” is pure, unadulterated 1988 rock. Reaching No. 9 on the charts, it sustained Money’s career momentum. However, Money himself had a humorous reservation about performing it live. “I hate singing ‘Na na na na na na na na na,’” he confessed to Rolling Stone, explaining, “It was supposed to be a horn part, but the horn player never showed up, so I had to do it with my mouth.”
8. I Wanna Go Back (Can’t Hold Back, 1986)
Similar to “Heaven in the Back Seat,” “I Wanna Go Back” also originated from a relatively obscure source. It was written and originally performed by Oakland rock band Billy Satellite, who released a self-titled album in 1984 before fading from the spotlight. Billy Satellite’s version reached No. 78, but the song gained wider recognition through two notable remakes. First, Gregg Rolie of Santana covered it in 1985, followed by Eddie Money in 1986. Despite the prominent synths that hint at its 80s origins, this mid-tempo ballad proved to have staying power. Money’s passionate rendition propelled “I Wanna Go Back” to No. 14 on the Hot 100, exceeding the original’s chart performance.
7. Shakin’ (No Control, 1982)
While Eddie Money frequently collaborated with external songwriters, he was far from just a vocalist for hire. He co-wrote “Shakin’,” an infectious, Tom Petty-esque anthem. Today, “Shakin'” is perhaps best remembered for its music video featuring Apollonia Kotero, Prince’s protégé and co-star in Purple Rain, who aptly embodies the “shakin’” in question. Recalling the video shoot, Money recounted 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 tension didn’t escalate into violence, and “Shakin'” became a solid hit, reaching No. 63 on the Hot 100 and becoming one of Eddie Money’s signature songs.
6. Trinidad (Playing for Keeps, 1980)
With its island-themed title, “Trinidad” might initially sound like a calculated attempt to replicate the success of “Two Tickets to Paradise.” However, the song avoids becoming overly thematic and instead delivers grounded, driving rock. If you’re seeking 1980s rock that avoids excessive synths and gated drums, “Trinidad” is an excellent choice. Lyrically, Money ventured into more mystical and David Crosby-esque territory than usual: “There once was a story/ From a thousand yesterdays/ I read it in this ancient book/ When the old man passed away.” This song showcases a different facet of Eddie Money’s songwriting, proving his versatility within the rock genre.
5. Take Me Home Tonight (Can’t Hold Back, 1986)
“Take Me Home Tonight,” a Phil Spector-influenced duet with the legendary Ronnie Spector, cleverly incorporates elements of the Ronettes’ iconic hit “Be My Baby.” Spector even reprises the famous “Be my little baby!” tag. The result was Eddie Money reaching No. 4 on the Hot 100, his highest charting single, and Spector’s debut appearance on MTV. While the song’s premise is simple – a powerful hook and a direct plea to be taken home – its impact was significant. “Take Me Home Tonight” not only sustained Money’s streak of 80s hits but also introduced a 60s girl group icon to a new generation of music fans, solidifying its place as one of the most popular Eddie Money Songs.
4. Gimme Some Water (Life for the Taking, 1978)
For those who appreciate Eddie Money’s music but lean towards hard rock over his more polished hits, his early albums—Eddie Money, Life For the Taking, and Playing For Keeps—are essential listening. These albums showcase a raw, edgier sound that suited him well. “Gimme Some Water,” a bluesy, slide guitar-driven track, might not have been destined for mainstream chart success, but it possesses a timeless rock quality. It could easily fit alongside tracks by Badfinger, Todd Rundgren, or early Fleetwood Mac. Today, “Gimme Some Water” stands out as a refreshing blast of roots-rock from an artist often associated with synth-heavy bar anthems, demonstrating his range and rock and roll roots.
3. Baby Hold On (Eddie Money, 1977)
“Baby Hold On,” the song that declares “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. Reaching No. 11 in its time, it has become a classic oldies radio staple. To modern listeners, the song’s beautiful, droning two-note guitar riff creates a hypnotic effect—a unique characteristic within Eddie Money’s discography. “Baby Hold On” remains one of his most enduring and recognizable songs, showcasing his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
2. Think I’m in Love (No Control, 1982)
A shimmering, Byrds-esque guitar intro launches “Think I’m in Love” into motion. The closer Eddie Money leaned into jangle-pop sensibilities, the more he shone as a truly dynamic artist. Co-written with Randy Oda, known for his work with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Tom Fogerty, “Think I’m in Love” possesses a vibrant, hook-laden energy that aligns it with the sounds of new wave bands like The Cars, The Romantics, or Nick Lowe. While Eddie Money explored various styles throughout his career, his foray into jangle-pop on “Think I’m in Love” proved to be one of his most successful and artistically rewarding sonic explorations, resulting in one of his best Eddie Money songs.
1. Two Tickets to Paradise (Eddie Money, 1977)
Eddie Money’s most iconic song, “Two Tickets to Paradise,” is rightfully considered his greatest. 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 prevents it from sounding dated. Thankfully, Money kept the tropical imagery minimal, allowing the compelling rhythm section (courtesy of Steve Miller Band’s Gary Mallaber and Lonnie Turner), Jimmy Lyons’s searing guitar solo, and the unforgettable hook to take center stage. As the opening track from his debut album, “Two Tickets to Paradise” was a home run right out of the gate. Eddie Money performed this signature song consistently throughout his career, right up until the last summer of his life, testament to its enduring appeal and status as the ultimate Eddie Money song.
