Eddie Money, the iconic voice behind rock anthems that dominated the airwaves for decades, wasn’t just a musician; he was the relatable everyman of rock and roll. While hits like “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Shakin’,” and “Two Tickets to Paradise” propelled him to fame, it was his down-to-earth persona and genuine connection with his audience that cemented his legacy. Even as he brushed shoulders with superstardom, Eddie remained the guy next door, a quality that resonated deeply with fans and radio listeners alike.
In a candid 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Eddie Money, affectionately calling himself “Grandpa Money,” offered glimpses into his life beyond music, touching on topics from sports to reality TV, interspersed with his signature off-color humor. He spoke less about chasing musical accolades and more about appreciating life’s simple joys. Despite acknowledging he might not have reached the commercial heights of some of his contemporaries, his gratitude 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 quipped, encapsulating his positive outlook. “I’m having a good month.”
Sadly, the world mourned the passing of this unpretentious rock legend on Friday, September 13th, at the age of 70, after a brief but valiant fight against esophageal cancer. Eddie Money, the man who proudly championed meat-and-potatoes rock and suburban humility, even as his music soared near the top of the Billboard Hot 100, left behind a catalog of enduring hits.
To honor Eddie Money’s remarkable career and the timeless rock anthems he gifted us, we present a ranked list of his 10 greatest songs. These tracks are not just songs; they are snapshots of an era, imbued with Eddie’s signature blend of rock swagger and working-class charm.
10. “Heaven in the Back Seat” (Right Here, 1991)
Kicking off our list is “Heaven in the Back Seat,” a track from Eddie’s 1991 comeback album Right Here. Originally penned for the British band Romeo’s Daughter and featured on the Nightmare on Elm Street V soundtrack in 1988, Eddie Money’s rendition injected a dose of his signature goofy, high-energy fun into the song. While the lyrics might lean into locker-room antics (“She’s got what I want/ I got what she needs/ Me and my baby and the mirror makes three”), and the early-90s production aesthetics are undeniable, “Heaven in the Back Seat” retains an undeniable charm. Despite only reaching No. 58 on the Hot 100, this song exemplifies Eddie’s ability to take a track and make it his own, delivering pure, unadulterated rock entertainment.
9. “Walk on Water” (Nothing to Lose, 1988)
In 1988, Eddie Money continued to navigate the evolving musical landscape with “Walk on Water,” a hit that leaned further into a commercially viable sound. Co-written by Jesse Harms, previously Sammy Hagar’s keyboardist, the song is a quintessential product of its time. From Eddie’s assertive vocals to the layered harmonies and soaring, arena-ready hook, “Walk on Water” is unapologetically 80s. Climbing to No. 9 on the charts, it sustained Eddie’s career momentum, although he admitted a slight reluctance towards performing it live. “I hate singing ‘Na na na na na na na na na,’” he confessed to Rolling Stone, revealing it was initially intended as a horn part, humorously necessitated by the absent horn player.
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. Written by the Oakland rock band Billy Satellite, who released a self-titled album in 1984 before fading into obscurity, the song initially saw modest success, reaching No. 78. However, “I Wanna Go Back” gained broader recognition through two notable covers: first by Gregg Rolie of Santana in 1985, and then by Eddie Money. Despite the subtle synth undertones that hint at its era, this mid-tempo ballad possessed staying power. Eddie’s passionate rendition resonated with audiences, propelling it to No. 14 and demonstrating his knack for revitalizing lesser-known tracks into significant hits.
7. “Shakin’” (No Control, 1982)
While Eddie Money frequently interpreted songs by other writers, “Shakin’” proves he was far from just a performer of others’ material. He shares songwriting credit on this infectious, Tom Petty-esque anthem. Today, “Shakin’” is perhaps equally remembered for its music video featuring Apollonia Kotero, Prince’s protégé and co-star in Purple Rain, who indeed does the “shakin'” in question. Eddie recounted to Rolling Stone the slightly precarious circumstances during the video shoot, mentioning Apollonia’s “super jealous and a karate expert” boyfriend who posed a humorous, if slightly threatening, presence. Fortunately, the situation remained non-violent, and “Shakin’” became a solid hit, reaching No. 63 and further solidifying Eddie’s place in the rock landscape.
6. “Trinidad” (Playing for Keeps, 1980)
With its island-inspired title, “Trinidad” might initially sound like a calculated attempt to replicate the success of “Two Tickets to Paradise.” However, the song carves its own path, delivering grounded, driving rock without resorting to thematic clichés. For those seeking 1980s rock that avoids excessive synths and gated drums, “Trinidad” is a perfect choice. The song even showcases a more mystical, David Crosby-esque lyrical direction for Eddie: “There once was a story/ From a thousand yesterdays/ I read it in this ancient book/ When the old man passed away.” This track demonstrates Eddie’s range and willingness to explore different sonic and lyrical territories within his rock framework.
5. “Take Me Home Tonight” (Can’t Hold Back, 1986)
“Take Me Home Tonight,” a Phil Spector-influenced duet with Ronnie Spector, cleverly nods to the Ronettes’ classic “Be My Baby,” even incorporating the iconic “Be my little baby!” tag. This collaboration propelled Eddie to No. 4 on the charts and marked Ronnie Spector’s debut on MTV. While structurally simple – a massive hook and a direct plea – the song reignited Eddie’s streak of 80s hits and introduced a pioneering 60s girl group icon to a new generation. The song’s immediate appeal and star power made it an instant classic.
4. “Gimme Some Water” (Life for the Taking, 1978)
For listeners drawn to Eddie Money’s harder rock sensibilities, his early albums – Eddie Money, Life For the Taking, and Playing For Keeps – offer a raw, edgier sound. “Gimme Some Water,” a bluesy, slide guitar-driven track, exemplifies this facet of his music. While not a major hit, it possesses a timeless rock quality reminiscent of Badfinger’s Straight Up, Todd Rundgren’s Something/Anything?, or Fleetwood Mac’s Then Play On. Today, it stands out as a refreshing blast of roots-rock authenticity from an artist often associated with synth-laden bar anthems.
3. “Baby Hold On” (Eddie Money, 1977)
“Baby Hold On,” instantly recognizable for its reassuring chorus “Baby, hold on to me/ Whatever will be will be/ The future is ours to see,” became a defining anthem of perseverance during challenging times. Reaching No. 11 upon its release, it has remained a staple on oldies radio. What sets “Baby Hold On” apart is its subtly hypnotic, two-note guitar theme, a unique textural element in Eddie’s discography. The song’s message of hope and resilience, combined with its memorable melody, ensures its enduring popularity.
2. “Think I’m in Love” (No Control, 1982)
Eddie Money Live in 2019
“Think I’m in Love” bursts onto the scene with a radiant, Byrds-esque intro, launching into a jangle-pop infused rocker. The closer Eddie ventured into jangle pop territory, the more compelling his artistry became. Co-written with Randy Oda, known for his collaborations with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Tom Fogerty, “Think I’m in Love” pulses with a buzzy, infectious energy, placing it alongside new wave contemporaries like The Cars, The Romantics, or Nick Lowe. Eddie explored various styles throughout his career, but this foray into jangle pop arguably showcased his most vibrant and dynamic musical persona.
1. “Two Tickets to Paradise” (Eddie Money, 1977)
Topping our list is “Two Tickets to Paradise,” Eddie Money’s signature song and arguably his finest. Despite its vacation-themed title and appearances in popular culture from Hawaii Five-O to The King of Queens, the song retains a tough, driving rock edge, far removed from lighter tropical fare. Wisely, Eddie kept overt tropical references minimal, allowing the song’s core strengths to shine: the dynamic rhythm section (courtesy of Steve Miller Band’s Gary Mallaber and Lonnie Turner), Jimmy Lyons’ searing guitar solo, and the unforgettable hook. As the opening track on his debut album, “Two Tickets to Paradise” was a statement of intent. Eddie Money consistently delivered this song with passion and energy, performing it until the very last summer of his life, a testament to its enduring power and his connection to his fans.
