"Nightshift" is a 1985 song by the
Commodores and the title track from their
album of the same name. The song was written by lead singer Walter Orange in collaboration with
Dennis Lambert and
Franne Golde as a tribute to soul/R&B singers
Jackie Wilson and
Marvin Gaye, both of whom died in 1984. The song was released as the album's first single in January 1985 by
Motown Records.[2] "Nightshift" was recorded in 1984 and became the Commodores' first hit after
Lionel Richie's departure from the group.
Background
The song features a lead vocal from drummer Walter Orange, who had sung lead years earlier on "
Brick House". Lionel Richie's replacement, J.D. Nicholas, sings the second verse and then Orange and Nicholas share lead vocals on the remaining choruses.
Although the band was against the label decision to release it as a single,[6] it won a
Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Vocal R&B Performance by a Duo/Group.
John Leland of Spin said the song, "puts the group back on the map with a vengeance. Its spare, lilting Caribbean groove dispenses with the group's penchant for schmaltz, and new lead singer J. D. Nicholas' sweet tenor is all late-night yearning."[7]
Bruce Springsteen recorded a version of the song for his 2022 album, Only the Strong Survive. The song was released as a single and music video in October 2022.
Springsteen performed his version of the song with a backing band from Only the Strong Survive on the November 16, 2022 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[43]
Springsteen later performed his version of the song with the
E Street Band on the
2023 Tour, where it was the only song from Only the Strong Survive to become a regular part of the setlist.