Commodores, “Nightshift” | Throwback Vibez

In the 108^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Nightshift” by Commodores. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 108^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Nightshift”, performed by Commodores. 

Theme & Lyrics

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 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,  crossover to the pop charts peaking at no. 3.  It’s an impressive post-Richie joint, characterized by 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.”

Final Thoughts  

To reiterate, surviving the exit of a group’s biggest member can be utterly devastating.  Commodores were never the same without Lionel Richie but “Nightshift” marked a high point.  It’s worth noting, Fantasia sampled the hit on her single, “Lose To Win”, from her 2013 album, Side Effects of You. Safe to say, the Grammy winner had good taste!

Commodores • Nightshift • Motown • 1985

Commodores, “Nightshift”: Throwback Vibez No. 108 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash, Motown, The Musical Hype]