“Human Touch” by Bruce Springsteen is a rock ballad released in March 1992 with “Souls of the Departed” on the B-side as the title track and lead single from his album Human Touch. The song marked a significant moment in Springsteen’s career, arriving during a transitional period when he was experimenting with new sounds and working without the E Street Band for the first time in years.
“Human Touch” explores themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and the longing for emotional connection. Springsteen sings about the limitations of physical desire and the deeper need for human closeness. Te song blends rock with adult contemporary influences, featuring smooth guitar work, layered synths, and a polished production style that was more radio-friendly than his rawer early material. Springsteen’s vocal delivery is earnest and emotional, anchoring the song’s reflective tone. The song features Randy Jackson on bass guitar, and Toto’s Jeff Porcaro on drums.
“Human Touch” was a commercial success, especially internationally. It reached No. 1 in Norway, Denmark, and Spain, and Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart in the United States. Though it wasn’t embraced by all longtime fans—some missed the grit of the E Street Band era—it expanded Springsteen’s reach into adult contemporary and mainstream pop-rock markets. The music video was nominated for MTV Video Music Awards for Best Male Video.