Covering The Boss: 4 Stellar Renditions of Springsteen
If Elvis Presley created the “Rock Star,” Bruce Springsteen has defined it. For the last half decade Springsteen, aka “The Boss,” has encapsulated what a music mega music artist is and how one should entertain. After launching onto the scene in 1973 with his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., Springsteen has sold over 140 million records worldwide. The 76-year-old has also won 20 Grammy Awards, been enshrined at the Kennedy Center, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He is the consummate entertainer. Along with his E Street Band, Bruce is known for routinely performing shows in excess of three and a half hours. His personal responsibility to leave no fan feel cheated is simply second to none in the industry. Ironically, Springsteen’s intensity as a performer has overshadowed his veracity as a songwriter. A member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Boss has penned some of the most iconic tunes of all time. But almost as impressive are the number of quality cover versions that quality artists have recorded. It is no surprise that there is an abundance of stellar Springsteen covers. Here are four excellent examples.
“Spirit in the Night” – Manifred Mann
When most people think of Bruce Springsteen covers by Manifred Mann, they immediately jump to “Blinded by the Light.” And rightfully so. The song was a #1 hit for Manfred Mann’s Earth Band in February of 1977 and remains his signature number. But it is another tune from The Boss’ 1973 debut album that better captures the Springsteen spirit. MMEB first released “Spirit in the Night” in 1975 from the album Nightingales & Bombers. Unlike their cover of “Blinded”, Mann’s version of “Spirit” pays homage to the original while imprinting their own style. It resulted in “a more R&B-oriented formula than the original,” says Cash Box Magazine. The cover managed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 at #97. Not bad for a tune that Bruce was not completely sold on. Upon completion of the number he said, “it had a catchy chorus, that’s all I could promise.”
“4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” – The Hollies
About eleven months after Greetings from Asbury Park, The Boss released his second studio album entitled The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. The late 1973 effort yielded two singles which would go on to become crowd favorites for decades, “4th of July, Asbury Park” and “Rosalita.” Commonly known as “Sandy”, “4th of July” is a tune that is absolutely and entirely east coast in theme. In addition, the blue-collar ballad exemplifies some of Bruce’s early mastery of his renowned gritty imagery. Two years later, English powerhouse group The Hollies decided to cover the early Springsteen number. The Hollies, also members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, released their 15th UK studio album Another Night in 1975. The album is composed entirely of original material, except for “Sandy.”
“Racing in the Street” – Townes Van Zandt
Cars and hopelessness are common themes throughout the Springsteen catalog. This tune features both. From the seminal 1978 album Darkness on the Edge of Town, it is “Racing in the Street.” The Boss himself has called it one of his own five favorite songs. It is an oft overlooked gem from one of the most well-known singer-songwriters of all time. In 1994, the tune was covered by perhaps the greatest singer-songwriter you’ve never heard of. Texas legend Townes Van Zandt was an artist whom other artists aspired to be. Unfortunately, Townes was as troubled as he was talented. Three years before his 1997 death at age 52, TVZ recorded an album of covers called Roadsongs. Of the collection of songs, Van Zandt stated, “I wish I’d written every one.” “Racing” is one of those he wished he’d written, and his raw take certainly does it justice.
“Atlantic City” – O.A.R.
Set against the east coast mob wars of the early 1980s, “Atlantic City” is a tale of tough luck and despair. From Springsteen’s iconic 1982 solo album Nebraska, this tune also encompasses Bruce’s evolution as a storyteller. “AC” has been in The Boss’ regular concert setlist for nearly four decades. Likewise, artists have been covering this song almost since its release. There are several fine versions including outstanding renditions by The Band, Ben Harper, and John Anderson. However, it is a recent rendering by the band O.A.R. that makes this list. Like Bruce, the Maryland based rockers are renowned for putting on a great show. In the winter of 2024, the band released a live album, which was recorded the preceding July in Boston. With frequent collaborator Brady Watt on bass and propelled by brass virtuoso Jon Lampley, O.A.R. delivers a somber and funky take on the Springsteen classic.
