“Nothing Compares 2 U” is a song that resonates deeply with listeners worldwide, known for its raw emotion and powerful delivery. While famously popularized by Sinead O’Connor, the song’s origin story is rooted in the artistry of Prince. Originally penned and recorded by Prince for his side project, The Family, in 1985, this track showcases his songwriting genius and emotional depth. The poignant Lyrics Prince Nothing Compares 2 U capture the universal feeling of longing and loss, making it a timeless classic.
Prince officially credited himself as the writer of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which appeared as the sixth track on The Family’s debut and only album. Interestingly, despite writing seven out of the eight songs on the album, this was the sole track where Prince took formal songwriting credit. Recorded in 1984 at the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, the original version featured Susannah Melvoin on backing vocals. Later, St. Paul Peterson and Susannah Melvoin added further vocals, and Clare Fischer contributed orchestral overdubs, enriching the song’s sonic texture.
Although Miles Davis expressed interest in recording an instrumental version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Prince envisioned a different path for the song. He felt that simply adding a trumpet to the existing track would be “corny.” However, the song’s power was undeniable, and it found its way to Sinead O’Connor. Her 1990 cover transformed “Nothing Compares 2 U” into a global phenomenon, reaching number one worldwide and solidifying its place in music history. O’Connor’s rendition, with its stripped-down arrangement and heart-wrenching vocal performance, brought the emotional core of the lyrics prince nothing compares 2 u to the forefront for a massive audience.
Following the phenomenal success of Sinead O’Connor’s cover, Prince embraced “Nothing Compares 2 U” in his own live performances from 1990 onwards. In 1993, a live version featuring Rosie Gaines on co-lead vocals, recorded at Paisley Park Studios in 1992, was included on his compilation album “The Hits 1.” This marked Prince’s official reclaimation of the song in the public eye, showcasing his own interpretation of the now-iconic track. He continued to feature the song in his concerts, and in 2002, another live rendition appeared on his live album “One Nite Alone… Live!”, further cementing its significance in his vast catalog.
The inspiration behind the evocative lyrics prince nothing compares 2 u is said to stem partly from Sandy Scipioni, Prince’s personal assistant during the 1980s. Scipioni had to leave her position abruptly due to her father’s passing. While their relationship was not romantic, this event seemingly triggered Prince’s songwriting, channeling the feeling of absence and irreplaceable loss into the poignant words of the song.
In 2018, a previously unreleased mix of Prince’s original 1984 recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U” was officially released. This version, mixed by Tony Maserati, aimed to mirror Prince’s initial vision while subtly incorporating Clare Fischer’s orchestral overdubs and Susannah Melvoin’s backing vocals. The release was made available on various digital platforms, including Tidal, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and YouTube, accompanied by rehearsal footage from the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse. Furthermore, limited edition vinyl singles were released, offering fans a tangible piece of music history. This release served as a reminder of Prince’s original artistry behind the song that had become so globally recognized through another artist’s voice, bringing the focus back to the original lyrics prince nothing compares 2 u penned by the musical genius himself.
Prince’s live version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” from “The Hits 1” was poignantly simulcast on US radio stations on May 4, 2016, at 5:07 p.m. CT, precisely “7 hours and 13 days” after his passing. This broadcast served as a touching tribute, highlighting the enduring power of his music and the emotional resonance of the lyrics prince nothing compares 2 u in the wake of his untimely departure. The song remains a testament to Prince’s unparalleled ability to capture complex human emotions within simple yet profound lyrics and melodies, forever etching “Nothing Compares 2 U” into the annals of music history.
