Commodores vs. Bruce Springsteen | Head 2 Head 🗣️

In the 45^th edition of Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ (2022), Commodores and Bruce Springsteen contend for the best rendition of “Nightshift.” 

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing their performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  In the 45^th edition of head 🗣️2 head 🗣️ (2022), 🎙 Commodores and 🎙 Bruce Springsteen contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “Nightshift”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Commodores, “Nightshift”

💿 Nightshift • 🏷 Motown • 🗓 1985

When a famous lead vocalist and songwriter leaves a band/collective, it can be utterly crushing.  Losing 🎙 Lionel Richie was a big hit for 🎙 Commodores, who’d thrived with him fronting them.  Of course, Richie would go onto earn a fruitful solo career which earned him four 🏆 Grammys including the highly coveted, Album Of The Year (💿 Can’t Slow Down).  Of course, Richie had been nominated for multiple Grammys while a member of Commodores. What’s shocking is the fact that the collective won their sole 🏆 Grammy for a record that wasn’t written or sung by Richie (Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal).  That record, folks, is 🎵 “Nightshift”.

“Nightshift” appeared on Commodores’ 1985 album, also titled, 💿 Nightshift.  It’s safe to say that “Nightshift” was the big attraction on this album, featuring 🎙 J.D. Nicholas as the lead vocalist.  Also, “Nightshift” marks one of the final hits for Commodores,  crossing over to the pop charts and peaking at no. 3.  It’s an impressive post-Richie joint, characterized by a silky smooth, hella groovy backdrop.  Thematically, the record remembers two iconic musicians, 🎙 Marvin Gaye and 🎙 Jackie Wilson, who both passed away in 1984.  “Marvin, he was a friend of mine,” Nicholas sings in the first verse, adding, “And he could sing a song, his heart in every line / Marvin sang of the joy and pain / He opened up our minds…” Of Wilson, he sings in the second verse, “Jackie, you set the world on fire / You came and gifted us, your love it lifted us higher and higher,” referencing Wilson’s beloved classic, 🎵 “Your Love (Keeps Lifting Me Higher)”.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus which references the nightshift – the afterlife for Gaye and Wilson:

“Gonna be some sweet sounds, coming down on the nightshift

I bet you’re singing proud, I bet you’ll pull a crowd

Gonna be a long night, it’s gonna be all right, on the nightshift

You found another home, I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift.”

Appears in 🔻:

• Commodores, “Nightshift”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 108 (2022)
• 13 Ear-Catching Night Songs

2. Bruce Springsteen, “Nightshift”

💿 Only the Strong Survive • 🏷 Bruce Springsteen • 📅 2022

Some records make for tricky covers.  Arguably, 🎵 “Nightshift” by 🎙 Commodores is one of those records.  It’s a record where it’s hard to imagine many if anyone successfully covering and bringing something new to the table not already served up.  The good news is, 🎙 Bruce Springsteen, a legend himself is brave enough to cover this 1985, 🏆 Grammy-winning gem.

“Nightshift” marks one of Springsteen’s most successful and triumphant covers from his 2022 covers album, 💿 Only the Strong Survive.  The arrangement and production = retain the sanctity of the original – the quiet storm brand of R&B that was popular in the 1980s.  While it is R&B through and through, it feels natural for Bruce as opposed to far-fetched given his rock and singer/songwriter sensibilities.  You might say, this iconic, versatile musician, well, showcases his versatility! In The Boss’ hands, this Marvin Gaye/Jackie Wilson tribute plays true to the original without being a copycat.  The 🏆 Grammy winner remains true to self, not forcing soulfulness yet serving up plenty of it.

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

🎙 Commodores or 🎙 Bruce Springsteen?  I absolutely respect the Springsteen cover – it’s very well done.  Seeing The Boss cover “Nightshift” is a testament to his legacy and musicianship.  That said, it’s tough to out-duel the original, which won Commodores their sole Grammy.

Commodores vs. Bruce Springsteen: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 45 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Bruce Springsteen, Kool Shooters, Layers, Mario Aranda, Motown, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, RODNAE Productions, Valentin Tikhonov]