The Soul of the Night: Springsteen's Tribute to the Greats In late 2022, Bruce Springsteen traded his denim for a gray sports jacket to pay homage to the roots of American soul. The standout single from his 21st studio album, , was a reverent cover of the Commodores’ 1985 classic, " Nightshift ". A Legacy Reimagined
Critics were largely positive, noting that Springsteen sounded "unburdened" and "lighthearted". Though some felt the production leaned toward "plastic soul," others praised his ability to showcase a vocal range rarely seen in his rock anthems. Bruce Springsteen - Night Shift #MetroFmSA - Facebook Bruce Springsteen - Nightshift
Originally written as an elegy for soul legends and Jackie Wilson —both of whom passed away in 1984—the song imagines a celestial "night shift" where these icons continue their craft. For Springsteen, the track was more than just a cover; it was a cornerstone of his project. He was so moved by the recording process that he, producer Ron Aniello , and engineer Rob Lebret dubbed themselves " The Nightshift " while completing the album. The Sound of "Nightshift" The Soul of the Night: Springsteen's Tribute to
Springsteen’s version stays faithful to the original’s smooth R&B groove but adds his signature gravelly, emotional depth. Though some felt the production leaned toward "plastic
Choosing to leave his guitar behind, "The Boss" focused entirely on his singing, delivering what critics described as "crushed velvet" vocals.