One of the strongest tracks on the album and one of the few to receive a promotional push, we’re still waiting for the proper concert debut for Bruce’s cover of Tyrone Davis’ 1970 classic.
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Only the Strong Survive (9)
Even Bruce Springsteen’s musical encyclopedia can miss an entry or two, as evidenced by his adaptation of this William Bell song transformed by Jackie Shane.
With a tragic backstory and a standout out David Ruffin vocal performance, “I Wish It Would Rain” practically dares any cover contender to meet its anguish. Springsteen was up for the challenge.
Springsteen was unfamiliar with Jerry Butler until Jon Landau brought “Hey, Western Union Man” to his attention. He ended up covering several of Butler’s songs.
Who’d have thought a 60-year-old “Stand By Me” clone would become a fan-favorite centerpiece on tour?
The youngest song on Bruce’s album of covers would have made a fitting title track.
This Walker Brothers wall-of-sound classic features one of Springsteen’s finest vocals on record.
Bruce delivers a remarkably faithful take of The Four Tops’ last great hit.
Bruce tackles one of the all-time greatest Stax singles with the help of Stax legend Sam Moore.