"Nightingales & Bombers" is an album by Manfred Mann's Earth Band that was released in 1975. It is the sixth studio album by the band and one of their most successful. The title comes from the peculiar phenomenon of natural sounds and wartime soundscapes happening simultaneously, inspired by a recording made during WW2 of nightingales singing against the backdrop of bomber planes.
The album had one major hit single, a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Spirit in the Night," which reached number 40 on the UK Singles Chart. Other tracks included diverse cover versions, such as "Countdown" by Eugene Wallace and "Crossfade" by Tietjen/Ackermann/Hutchings Moore, as well as original pieces by members of the band.
The lineup of Manfred Mann's Earth Band for this album was Manfred Mann (keyboards, vocals), Mick Rogers (guitar, vocals), Chris Slade (drums, vocals), and Colin Pattenden (bass guitar).
The distinctive album sleeve design depicts a lonely-looking bomber plane over an island, reinforcing the contrast of war and peace reflected in the title. "Nightingales & Bombers" is widely regarded as one of the classic albums from Manfred Mann's Earth Band, showcasing the group's skillful blend of progressive rock with pop sensibilities and thoughtful lyricism.
