In the 45th 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 45th 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 :
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]