Because The Night by Bruce Springsteen

Album: Live 1975-1985 (1986)

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Bruce Springsteen's "Because The Night" is the biggest hit for both Patti Smith and 10,000 Maniacs. For Smith, it was an anomaly, as her songs were aimed at a narrow audience. In the case of 10,000 Maniacs, it marked the emergence of Natalie Merchant as a hitmaker; the song was her last single with the group, and her subsequent solo album Tigerlily got her on the charts with "Carnival" and "Wonder."

Comments: 18

Bh from MtPatti Smith a "one hit wonder"???
Spencer from Dallas, TxObviously the people who think Patti's or Natalie's (10,000 Maniacs) versions are better never heard the true Bruce version. Back in '78, they played it live. It's clear Patti took a song about desperation for humanity and turned it into puppy love. The true original is so fierce and nasty. Upon hearing it, you'll think it's as Bruce as any song. In addition to lyrics that aren't so trite like the more popular versions, the musicianship is off the charts (Bruce with a searing 2 minute guitar solo, the Professor on the piano, Phantom Dan Federici with a thundering organ and of course Clarence layering in a thick soothing sax amidst all the chaos. I have no idea why Bruce migrated his song toward Patti's version...
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn May 31st 1977, the Patti Smith Group began a nine night engagement at the 'CBGB' club in New York City...
Exactly one year later on May 31st, 1978 the group's "Because the Night" was at #25 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eighteen days later on June 18th, 1978 it would peak at #13 {for 2 weeks} and it stayed on the chart for 18 weeks...
It reached #5 {for 1 week} on May 21st, 1978 on the United Kingdom's Singles chart...
Was track three of side one on the group's 'Easter' album; the album peak at #20 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart...
Patricia Lee Smith will celebrate her 69th birthday this coming December 30th {2015}.
Roxanne from Santa Barbara, CaDon't forget the great Robin William's version of "Fih-wuh" featuring Elmer Fudd. A true classic.
Bob from Southfield, MiIn the recent HBO documentary on the recording of "Darkness on the Edge of Town", Patty Smith said that she was inspired by Fred (Sonic) Smith of the MC5 (who she would eventually marry) when she wrote the lyrics to BTN.
Yvonne from Milwaukee, WiSpringsteen was on Jimmy Kimmel on 11/16/10 and said this song was written for Elvis, but he gave it to Patti Smith unfinished. He credited her with making it the song it became.
John from Harrisburg, PaManfreds version kicked ass bar nunn bruce's version was too slow,manfred put rock into it..and who gives a damn if Thompson gets pissed if you sing wrapped up like a douche...f--k him if he cant take a joke...i'd sing it to him repeatedly if i had chance
Alma from Laredo, TxBruce Springsteen is one of the greatest songwriters of our time. I truly love his music, but when Patti Smith and Natalie Merchant sing this song it's as if they were the one meant to sing it. He is always able to pen down feelings everyone can relate to.
Ian from Como, AustraliaI don't think Bruce "gave" the songs 'Blinded by the Light' and 'Fire' to Manfred Mann and the Pointer Sisters, as he recorded them both first himself.
He actually gave 'Fire' to Robert Gordon, who recorded it first, with Link Wray on guitar and this is still probably the best version.
And don't forget 'The Fever' that he wrote for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, another great song.
Matthew from Milford, MaI know the 10,000 Maniacs! They sing "Gun Shy" and "My Sister Rose"! Are those songs on here?
Tim from Groningen, NetherlandsThis song is as well covered by the Italian producers Maurizio Rossi and Emanuele Cozi and by the German producer Jan Wayne in 2002. Both of them made dance versions of 'Because The Night'.
Tim from Groningen, NetherlandsI never knew that Springsteen wrote this song until now. And who the hell are the 10,000 Maniacs?!
Roel from Cleveland, OhThe studio version is floating around on Limewire.
Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScI've heard Patty smith's version, and I think I've heard 10,000 Maniacs' version, but I haven't heard Bruce's version.
Ryan from Manchester, NhSpringsteen also gave away his song "The Fever" to his longtime friend Southside Johnny
Dirk from Southwest Of Freehold, NjThere was a studio version by Springsteen that found its way into airplay at WMMR in Philadelphia around 1977. People went nuts for it. It was better than any other version ever played. Somebody ripped off the tape from the radio station, and it was never heard again.
Emilio from Sydney.bruce dose a hell of a fine job in live 75/85 because the night.
Katt from Evansville, InThis song was also recorded by rock artist Ron Keel in the late 80's or early 90s.

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