Released in February 1988, “Pink Cadillac” by Natalie Cole is a spirited, funky cover of Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 rock B-side of the same name. With her dynamic voice and a fresh R&B spin, Cole transformed the gritty, rebellious undertone of the original into a confident, radio-ready hit full of flair and feminine power.
Where Springsteen’s version was raw and stripped down, Natalie Cole’s take is slick, stylish, and danceable. Produced by Dennis Lambert, her rendition infuses the track with funk-infused rhythms, punchy horn sections, and a driving beat, all of which reflect the late-’80s urban pop sound. The result is a vibrant crossover hit that bridges soul, pop, and dance.
Lyrically, “Pink Cadillac” is filled with playful double meanings and metaphors—mixing cars, desire, and temptation. Natalie’s version embraces this with a wink, leaning into the song’s innuendo with attitude and charisma. Her vocal performance is bold and empowered, exuding a cool confidence that puts her stamp firmly on the track.
The song became one of Cole’s biggest commercial hits of the 1980s, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Dance Club Songs chart. The reached the top ten in numerous other contries, including the UK, Australia and Germany. It helped reignite her career, introducing her to a younger audience and expanding her reach in pop and dance markets.
“Pink Cadillac” is a shining example of how a great cover can reinvent a song. Natalie Cole took Bruce Springsteen’s rock original and reimagined it as a funky, soulful celebration of independence and charm. With its infectious beat and powerhouse vocal, the track remains one of her most iconic hits and a vibrant piece of 1980s pop history.