Ticket 2 Ride

Eddie Money passed away six years ago, hard to believe. Here are five songs that I happened to love, that also represent his career arc. Yes, there are more than five hits, but I pick only five, for whatever reason. Not always the biggest hits, sometimes because some of the more interesting or complex tracks aren’t “single” ready, but are pleasing in other ways.

When Eddie Money burst onto the scene in the late 1970s, he came ready with a set of songs that had been road-tested and polished. He was ready for his close-up.

His first two albums were pretty solid, with Money writing or co-written most all of the songs. They had strong melodies, hooks and rocked enough to be taken seriously with the likes of more established artists like Springsteen, Seger, Rod Stewart, Kenny Loggins and Billy Joel. This was when disco was peaking, punk was giving way to New Wave and synth pop. Musical tastes were changing.

“Two Tickets to Paradise” The second single from Eddie Money (1978) his debut album. Written by Money and produced by Bruce Botnick (Rolling Stones, The Doors, Kenny Loggins) was a number 22 hit.

“Baby Hold On” The first single from Eddie Money, rising to number 11. I believe this is the strongest song on the album and the best one he ever recorded. Co-written by Money and his guitarist Jimmy Lyon, who was a frequent collaborator.

“Maybe I’m a Fool” The lead single from the second album, Life for the Taking, and again produced by Bruce Botnick. The song was written by Lloyd Chiate, L. Garrett, Eddie Money, R. Taylor, and reached number 22.

“Love the Way You Love Me” Also from the second album, not a single but it easily could have been. This song rocks a little harder than others. Written by Money and Steve Howard. On this album, Botnick brought in more of the top session players (Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Greg Phillinganes, Top Scott, David Lindley, Alan Pasqua and Nicky Hopkins), and less of the guys from the last album, especially Jimmy Lyon, who only co-wrote three songs.

“Take Me Home Tonight” From Can’t Hold Back. Writing credit goes to Mike Leeson, Peter Vale, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector and Jeff Barry, because a small part of “Be My Baby” was sung by Ronnie Spector in the chorus. This was Money’s sixth album and a bit of a rebound (three top 40 singles) from mostly underwhelming albums after Life for the Taking. He would have the occasional hit single, but by 1986, Money’s big days were behind him.

Money would maintain a long career until his passing, but the hit single period was in the rearview mirror. He released six albums in his first ten years, when his popularity was highest. It’s tough to think of the late 1970s without an Eddie Money song playing in the back of your mind.