Top 5 Eddie Money songs: Remembering Bay Area rocker through his music – The Mercury News

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Eddie Money was a major recording star during the late ’70s and ’80s, charting several hit albums and singles. As news of Money’s death spreads, we’ll take time to remember the Bay Area rocker 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:

1. “No Control”

The big singles 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 catalog.

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.

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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”