Eddie Money - Ready Eddie (1999)

Eddie Money signed with CMC International in 1997, releasing the requisite live re-recording album Shakin' with the Money Man that year. Two years later, he delivered Ready Eddie, his first collection of original material for the label that keeps the album rock torch burning. Apart from the clean, state of the art production and slightly heavier guitars, Ready Eddie could have been released at the peak of Money's career in the early '80s -- which may seem like a kind way of saying that this album sounds dated, but really means it's done in classic Eddie Money style. That should be no surprise to anyone who follows CMC, since the label's entire reason for being is to preserve that arena rock sound, but what is a surprise is that this album actually works. Money is supported by a tight band (anchored by superstar drummer Kenny Aronoff) which gives a committed performance, but what really makes Ready Eddie a success is that the songs are solid. There's nothing quite as grabbing as his AOR staples, but there are no dogs whatsoever, and the best of these ("Ready to Rock," "Don't Say No Tonight") sound as if they could have ruled the airwaves between 1980 and 1985. They certainly won't in 1999, but they provide the core of an album that will undoubtedly thrill longtime followers.