The music world mourned the loss of a true icon with the passing of Eric Carmen, a Cleveland native whose songwriting and vocal talents left an indelible mark on generations. As a pivotal figure in power-pop and a master of the heart-wrenching ballad, Eric Carmen Songs resonate deeply within the landscape of popular music. From his early days fronting The Raspberries to his successful solo career, Carmen crafted melodies and lyrics that have become the soundtrack to countless lives.
His influence is undeniable, echoing in the music of diverse artists ranging from Kiss, Cheap Trick, and The Cars to The Bangles, Matthew Sweet, and Teenage Fanclub. The subtle nuances of his songwriting can be heard in bands like Material Issue, The Plimsouls, Jellyfish, and Weezer, showcasing the breadth of his musical progeny.
Here, we delve into 10 of Eric Carmen’s most impactful songs, exploring their enduring appeal and the profound legacy they’ve cemented in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
1. All by Myself
“All by Myself” stands as the quintessential heartbreak ballad, a blueprint for countless songs of longing and solitude that followed. Released in 1975 as Eric Carmen’s debut solo single after his departure from The Raspberries, this song immediately captured the zeitgeist of emotional resonance. Its foundation is cleverly borrowed from the second movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Opus 18, giving it a classical grandeur, seamlessly interwoven with the poignant chorus from The Raspberries’ track “Let’s Pretend” (co-written by Carmen in 1972). This fusion created a timeless anthem of loneliness and yearning.
The song’s emotional depth propelled it to global recognition, notably through Celine Dion’s powerful rendition on her 1996 album “Falling into You,” a record that achieved phenomenal sales of 32 million copies globally. Her subsequent tour performances of “All by Myself” further solidified its place in the contemporary music canon. The song also experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s, featured in Fox’s hit TV series “Glee,” introducing it to a new generation. Even Frank Sinatra, the legendary voice himself, added “All by Myself” to his repertoire, a testament to its universal appeal and songwriting brilliance.
2. Hungry Eyes
Synonymous with romance and the iconic 1987 film “Dirty Dancing,” “Hungry Eyes” is an anthemic power ballad that became a cultural phenomenon. Serving as the soundtrack to the memorable dance lesson scene starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, the song, recorded at Beachwood Studios in Beachwood, Ohio, climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The overwhelming success of “Dirty Dancing” and its soundtrack turned both into ubiquitous pop culture touchstones for years to come.
The phenomenon extended beyond the initial soundtrack, with a second volume, “More Dirty Dancing,” released in 1988. This was followed by “Dirty Dancing: Live in Concert,” a tour featuring Eric Carmen alongside Bill Medley, Merry Clayton, and The Contours, captivating audiences in 90 cities over a whirlwind three-month period. “Hungry Eyes” remains an enduring symbol of 80s movie magic and Eric Carmen’s knack for crafting songs that resonate deeply with emotion and cinematic moments.
3. Go All the Way
Arguably The Raspberries’ signature song, “Go All the Way” burst onto the scene in 1972 as a single and later anchored their debut album. Driven by a distinctive, energetic guitar riff and Eric Carmen’s powerful tenor vocals, this track quickly became a power-pop anthem, a staple of classic rock radio playlists. Its lyrical content, considered risqué and sexually suggestive for the era, led to a ban by the BBC, adding to its rebellious allure.
“Go All the Way,” a quintessential Eric Carmen and Raspberries classic, experienced a significant resurgence in 2014. This revival was largely thanks to its inclusion in the film adaptation of Marvel Comics’ “Guardians of the Galaxy,” where it featured on Peter Quill’s (Star-Lord) “Awesome Mix Tape Vol. 1.” This exposure introduced the song to a new generation, reaffirming its timeless energy and appeal.
4. Make Me Lose Control
“Make Me Lose Control” stands as one of Eric Carmen’s most successful solo hits, though its trajectory might be intertwined with the preceding success of “Hungry Eyes.” Capitalizing on his momentum, Carmen pitched the song to producer Jimmy Ienner, who had been instrumental in his involvement with “Dirty Dancing.” This track is cleverly peppered with name-checks of classic songs like “Stand By Me,” “Be My Baby,” and “Uptown,” creating a nostalgic tapestry. Notably, it features an acapella chorus-coda, reminiscent of The Beach Boys’ harmonies, showcasing Carmen’s versatility and pop sensibilities.
The music video further amplifies its pop culture references, featuring Kid Leo announcing the song and visuals that draw heavily from George Lucas’ “American Graffiti,” adding layers of retro charm and appeal. “Make Me Lose Control” is a testament to Carmen’s ability to blend contemporary sounds with nostalgic nods, creating hits that bridge generations.
5. Almost Paradise (Love Theme from ‘Footloose’)
“Almost Paradise,” the love theme from the 1984 film “Footloose,” is a duet that paired Mike Reno of Loverboy and Ann Wilson of Heart. Written by Eric Carmen in collaboration with Dean Pitchford, who also co-wrote “Make Me Lose Control,” the song was specifically crafted for the Kevin Bacon-led movie. The choice of Reno and Wilson, both riding high on the success of their respective bands, proved to be a masterstroke, their voices blending to create a powerful and romantic ballad.
In 1989, Eric Carmen and Merry Clayton released their own cover of “Almost Paradise,” which became a regular feature of the “Dirty Dancing” live concert tour, showcasing the song’s versatility and Carmen’s continued connection to soundtrack hits. Beyond film and concert stages, “Almost Paradise” found another avenue of success on television, frequently used in soap operas like “All My Children,” “Guiding Light,” and “Santa Barbara” to underscore romantic storylines, cementing its status as a big-time hit across various media.
6. Boats Against the Current
The lead single and title track from his 1977 album, “Boats Against the Current,” is a warbling, piano-driven ballad. Lyrically inspired in part by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece “The Great Gatsby,” the song exudes a soft-rock sophistication. It quickly became a classic, prompting covers by Frankie Valli in the same year on his album “Lady Put the Light Out,” and by Olivia Newton-John the following year on “Totally Hot.” Patti LaBelle also recorded the song for her 1981 album “The Spirit’s in It,” further demonstrating its broad appeal across genres.
“Boats Against the Current” poignantly explores the fading romance between two individuals, capturing the melancholy of love grown cold. However, the song offers a glimmer of hope, reconciling before fully resolving whether the relationship will be rekindled, leaving listeners with a sense of longing and romantic ambiguity.
7. Never Gonna Fall in Love Again
“Never Gonna Fall in Love Again,” the second lush single from Eric Carmen’s self-titled debut solo album, showcases his balladry at its finest. Reaching No. 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in June 1976 and topping both the Billboard Easy Listening chart and the Canadian charts, the song became a widespread hit. Its captivating melody and grand orchestration are, once again, heavily influenced by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, specifically drawing inspiration from the third movement of Symphony No. 2.
This track exemplifies Carmen’s strength in expressing heartache through song, proving his most compelling work often emerged from vulnerability. Interestingly, the single’s B-side, “No Hard Feelings,” offers a contrasting glimpse into his power-pop roots, echoing the signature je ne sais quoi of The Raspberries. This duality highlights Carmen’s range as both a sensitive balladeer and a rock-infused pop craftsman.
8. Haven’t We Come a Long Way
“Haven’t We Come a Long Way,” from Eric Carmen’s 1978 album “Change of Heart,” injects a snazzy, jazzy, disco vibe into his repertoire. This upbeat track offers a refreshing contrast to his signature ballads, showcasing Carmen’s vocal power and range in a more celebratory context. With its feel-good energy, the song wouldn’t feel out of place on an Elton John album, perhaps even featuring a duet with Kiki Dee.
While the “Change of Heart” album didn’t replicate the immense success of his debut, it contains hidden gems with distinct Beatlesque flourishes. The energy and melodies within this album resonate with fans of artists like John Lennon, Billy Joel, or The Carpenters, revealing Carmen’s diverse musical palette and ability to venture beyond his ballad-heavy image.
9. My Girl
“My Girl” is another upbeat pop gem from Eric Carmen, channeling the best elements of 50s and 60s crooners while infusing it with Brian Wilson-esque production and Lennon/McCartney-inspired songwriting charm. The Beatles, particularly John Lennon and Ringo Starr, were known admirers of The Raspberries and Eric Carmen. Ringo Starr even invited Carmen to join his “All-Starr Band” tour, sharing the stage with musical giants like Jack Bruce (Cream), Dave Edmunds, and Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company).
Although the All-Starr Band, with their vast catalog of hits, never performed “My Girl” live, it embodies the kind of infectious energy that could have captivated stadium crowds. This song underscores Carmen’s deep appreciation for classic pop and his ability to modernize it with his own distinctive style.
10. I Wanna Be with You
Eric Carmen’s deep-seated admiration for The Beatles was no secret, and “I Wanna Be with You” is a vibrant testament to that influence. A musical prodigy from a young age, Carmen was the youngest violin and piano student admitted to the Cleveland Institute of Music. With The Raspberries, he found an outlet to explore his insurgent talent, intuitive songwriting, and passion for power-pop, exemplified in tracks like this one.
“I Wanna Be with You” became a pivotal moment during The Raspberries’ reunion show in 2004, sparking their first tour in three decades. For anyone doubting its quality compared to early Beatles hits like “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” or “She Loves You,” a closer listen reveals a song every bit as catchy and energetically crafted. It stands as a crowning example of Eric Carmen’s ability to channel his musical heroes while forging his own distinctive and impactful sound.
