Eddie Money – Playing for Keeps
Rock Candy Records
www.rockcandyrecords.com

Ratting: B

Eddie Money’s third album, released in 1980, and produced by music vet Ron Nevison, was met with a lukewarm reception upon its release.  The Money Man’s first two albums were more rocking and featured FM radio classics “Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Baby Hold On” and “Gimme Me Some Water.”  Playing for Keeps simply didn’t have the same musical oomph that the other albums had.  This one was more introspective and mellow. 

Truth be told, it’s a shame that the album didn’t receive more notice upon its arrival, as this is, in retrospect, a very solid and musical album.  Opening track “Trinidad” didn’t become the huge hit Money hoped for, but this is one of the best songs in his back catalog.  “Running Back” continues the musical theme and is another song that should have been more popular.  Of the nine songs on the album, there really isn’t a weak track; there isn’t an obvious hit single, either.  Money’s career was taking a temporary dip, as the general public didn’t snatch this one up. 

Playing for Keeps is a true diamond in the rough and is the most underrated album in Eddie’s long career. 

If you’re an Eddie Money fan who skipped this one back in the day, then give it another chance.  If you were a fan who realized the great potential this album had, then crank this one up a few more times and re-discover what too many people wrote off back in the day.

By Jeb Wright