Eddie Money, the everyman rocker who delivered hit after hit for three decades, never let fame inflate his ego. Instead, he embraced his relatable persona, becoming rock radio’s favorite neighbor. From “Take Me Home Tonight” to “Shakin'” and “Two Tickets to Paradise,” Eddie Money Songs soundtracked countless lives, and his down-to-earth attitude resonated with fans deeply.
In a candid 2018 Rolling Stone interview, Eddie “Grandpa Money” showcased his humility, talking more about sports and TV than music, cracking jokes, and expressing gratitude for life’s simple pleasures. He acknowledged not reaching the stratospheric commercial heights of some contemporaries, but with characteristic optimism, declared himself content with his blessings: healthy kids, a full fridge, and a good month.
Sadly, we lost this genuine rock icon on Friday, September 13th, at age 70, after a brief battle with esophageal cancer. Eddie Money remained true to his blue-collar roots throughout his career, even as he flirted with the very top of the Billboard Hot 100. To honor his enduring legacy and string of timeless rock anthems, we present a ranking of Eddie Money’s 10 greatest songs.
Alt text: Eddie Money performing live in 2019, showcasing his energetic stage presence.
10. “Heaven in the Back Seat” (Right Here, 1991)
Originally penned for the UK band Romeo’s Daughter and featured on the Nightmare on Elm Street V soundtrack (1988), “Heaven in the Back Seat” got an Eddie Money makeover for his 1991 “comeback” album, Right Here. While the lyrics are undeniably testosterone-fueled (“She’s got what I want/ I got what she needs/ Me and my baby and the mirror makes three”), the early 90s production might sound a little dated today, and it only reached No. 58 on the Hot 100, the song’s appeal remains. “Heaven in the Back Seat” is simply pure, unadulterated, high-energy fun, a quintessential locker-room rock anthem.
9. “Walk on Water” (Nothing to Lose, 1988)
Eddie Money embraced a more commercially polished sound with “Walk on Water,” a hit from 1988 penned by Jesse Harms, a former keyboardist for Sammy Hagar. This track is pure 80s rock, from Money’s assertive vocals to the layered harmonies and soaring chorus. “Walk on Water” peaked at No. 9, sustaining Money’s career momentum. However, Money himself had mixed feelings about one particular aspect of the song. As he confessed to Rolling Stone, “I hate singing ‘Na na na na na na na na na.’ 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, it remains a popular Eddie Money song.
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 lesser-known source. Oakland rock band Billy Satellite, who released one album in 1984 before disbanding, wrote and first recorded it. Their version was a minor hit, reaching No. 78. However, the song gained wider recognition through two notable remakes: Gregg Rolie (Santana) in 1985, and Eddie Money a year later. Despite some 80s synth sounds, Money’s heartfelt rendition of this mid-tempo ballad resonated with audiences, climbing to No. 14 on the charts and becoming a staple Eddie Money song.
7. “Shakin’” (No Control, 1982)
While Eddie Money often incorporated outside songwriters, he also co-wrote some of his biggest hits, including “Shakin’.” This infectious, Tom Petty-esque anthem is arguably best remembered for its music video featuring Apollonia Kotero, Prince’s protégé and Purple Rain co-star, who, naturally, does the “shakin’” in question. Money recounted a humorous anecdote to Rolling Stone about the video shoot: “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, no limbs were broken, and “Shakin’” became a solid hit, reaching No. 63 and cementing itself as one of the recognizable Eddie Money songs.
6. “Trinidad” (Playing for Keeps, 1980)
With its island theme, “Trinidad” might initially sound like an attempt to replicate the success of “Two Tickets to Paradise.” However, it avoids becoming overly thematic, delivering a more grounded and driving rock sound. If you’re seeking 1980s rock without excessive synths and gated drums, “Trinidad” is a perfect choice. Lyrically, it’s a bit of a departure for Money, venturing into more mystical territory, evoking 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.” This unexpected depth makes “Trinidad” a standout among Eddie Money songs.
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, sung by Spector herself. This collaboration propelled Money to No. 4 on the charts and marked Spector’s MTV debut. While conceptually simple – a powerful hook and a plea to be taken home – the song became a massive hit, extending Money’s streak of 80s successes and introducing a legendary 60s girl group icon to a new generation through one of the most popular Eddie Money songs.
4. “Gimme Some Water” (Life for the Taking, 1978)
For those who prefer Eddie Money’s harder rock side over his more polished hits, exploring his early albums – Eddie Money, Life For the Taking, and Playing For Keeps – is highly recommended. These records showcase a raw energy 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 reminiscent of Badfinger, Todd Rundgren, or early Fleetwood Mac. Today, it stands out as a refreshing blast of roots-rock within Eddie Money’s catalog, an artist more often associated with synth-heavy bar anthems.
3. “Baby Hold On” (Eddie Money, 1977)
The song that goes, “Baby, hold on to me/ Whatever will be will be/ The future is ours to see,” “Baby Hold On” is a quintessential chest-pumping anthem about perseverance through tough times. Reaching No. 11 upon its release, it has become a classic rock radio staple. The song’s distinctive, droning two-note guitar riff is surprisingly hypnotic, a unique characteristic within Eddie Money’s generally more straightforward rock sound. “Baby Hold On” remains one of the most enduring and beloved Eddie Money songs.
2. “Think I’m in Love” (No Control, 1982)
Opening with a bright, Byrds-esque guitar intro, “Think I’m in Love” quickly takes off. The closer Eddie Money leaned into jangle-pop influences, the more he shone as a truly dynamic artist. Co-written with Randy Oda (known for his work with Tom Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival), “Think I’m in Love” boasts a vibrant, catchy energy that aligns it with new wave bands like The Cars, The Romantics, or Nick Lowe. Throughout his career, Eddie Money experimented with various styles, and this foray into jangle-pop proved to be one of his most successful and critically acclaimed.
1. “Two Tickets to Paradise” (Eddie Money, 1977)
Eddie Money’s signature song, “Two Tickets to Paradise,” is not only his most recognizable but arguably his best. Despite its “vacation” theme and appearances in pop culture, it retains a tough, driving rock edge, unlike more overtly tropical-themed songs of the era. Money wisely kept the tropical imagery minimal, allowing the stellar rhythm section (Steve Miller Band’s Gary Mallaber and Lonnie Turner), Jimmy Lyons’ scorching guitar solo, and the unforgettable hook to take center stage. As the first track on his debut album, “Two Tickets to Paradise” was a home run right out of the gate. Eddie Money continued to perform this iconic song until the very last summer of his life, solidifying its place as the ultimate Eddie Money song.
Alt text: Eddie Money’s debut album cover, featuring a black and white portrait of the artist with his name in bold red letters.
