Edward Joseph Mahoney, or Eddie Money, was an American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who had success in the 1970s and 1980s with a string of Top 40 songs and platinum albums.
Money was known for his husky voice and his blue-collar persona. He was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1987 for “Take Me Home Tonight”.
On the 13th of September 2019, Eddie Money was announced dead by his family.
As news of Money’s death spreads, we take time to remember him by looking back at some of the best moments of his vast, though often underappreciated, songbook.
Here are Money’s 5 greatest songs, ranked in order according to Mercury News:
1. “No Control”
The big single from 1982’s “No Control,” Money’s platinum-certified fourth studio album, were the radio-friendly “Shakin’” and “Think I’m in Love.” Yet, the album’s best number was the hard-edged title track, a vintage Money rocker that showcased some of his most passionate vocal work. This is our pick for the best song in his catalogue.
2. “Two Tickets to Paradise”
Money’s signature song, hailing from the star’s self-titled debut, sailed into the Top 40 in 1978 and has been a staple of rock radio ever since. The number — which absolutely pulses with longing and romance — still resonates strongly today.
3. “Gimme Some Water”
“Can’t Keep a Good Man Down” and “Maybe I’m a Fool” were the singles from 1979’s “Life for the Taking.” Yet, the No. 1 reason for owning Money’s hit sophomore effort was “Gimme Some Water,” a fan favorite that Money sells with both poignancy and urgency.
4. “Baby Hold On”
Money’s recording career got off to a great start as his first single, “Baby Hold On,” soared all the way to No. 11 on the charts. The romantic rocker helped pave the way for Money’s eponymous debut to hit double-platinum heights.
5. “I Wanna Go Back”
We’ll wrap up our list by touching upon the 1986 smash “Can’t Hold Back,” which delivered four singles — including the classics “Take Me Home Tonight” and “I Wanna Go Back.” It’s the latter that still resonates the strongest for us, as Money convincingly delivers such deeply nostalgic lines as “I was listening to the radio” / “I heard a song reminded me of long ago” / “Back then I thought that things were never gonna change” / “It used to be that I never had to feel the pain” / “I know that things will never be the same now”
In July 2019, Money underwent heart valve surgery and contracted pneumonia, causing him to cancel tour dates. Money had been a cigarette smoker for years, and on August 24, 2019, revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. Complications from the cancer resulted in his death in a Los Angeles hospital on September 13, 2019, at age 70.
May his Soul Rest in Peace.
By Samiah Olabimpe
