 "Brilliant Disguise" was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 1988 Grammy Awards.Like much of the "Tunnel of Love" album, "Brilliant Disguise" was recorded in Springsteen's home studio, called Thrill Hill East, between January and May 1987 with several members of the E Street Band.On this song, Springsteen played several instruments and is backed by Roy Bittan on keyboards (where the 40th Roland D-50 internal patch "Rock Organ" was heard), Danny Federici on organ and Max Weinberg on drums.