Reflecting their glam rock-inspired stage costumes, the group incorporated elements of funk, a style they had explored on their previous album, Pressure Cookin, with the song "Goin' On a Holiday."

Other tracks, such as "Nightbirds" and "It Took a Long Time," showcase the group's range, while "You Turn Me On" offered a departure from the Bluebelles' earlier material.

Touring band members Jeffrey Shannon (drums), Hector Seda (bass), and Leslie "Chuggy" Carter (percussion) contributed instrumental arrangements to the album and live performances.

The song has been covered by numerous artists, including All Saints and a quartet featuring Christina Aguilera, Mýa, Lil' Kim, and Pink.

In addition to the standard stereo version, Nightbirds was released in quadraphonic format on LP record and 8-track tape, using the SQ matrix system.