Sinead O’Connor, a distinctive voice hailing from Ireland, captured global attention in 1990 with her album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got. While relatively unknown to many in America prior to this release, the single “Nothing Compares 2 U” propelled her to international fame. Originally composed by Prince and first recorded by his funk band The Family in 1985, O’Connor’s rendition resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The song soared to the top of the charts in the US, Ireland, and thirteen other nations, becoming the number one single of 1990 in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Australia. It also achieved remarkable chart positions in the UK and US year-end rankings. “Nothing Compares 2 U” earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year, and its iconic music video secured O’Connor a Grammy nomination and an MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. The album itself, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, was recognized with the 1991 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance, solidifying the song’s and O’Connor’s place in music history.
Central to the emotional impact of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is its masterful use of musical intervals. A striking example is the minor sixth interval, prominently featured during the second iteration of the chorus. Specifically, this interval occurs on the second utterance of “no-thing,” a moment readily discernible in the song. The chorus itself is structurally unique, consisting of a single, powerful line, contrasting with verses of varying lengths. The intervallic relationship in this instance is particularly noticeable due to the relatively high register in which “thing” is sung. This high note, often notated as a high F, stands in contrast to the overall tessitura of the song, making the expansive interval a defining melodic characteristic. This deliberate musical choice amplifies the feeling of longing and loss that permeates the lyrics, contributing significantly to the song’s poignant nature.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” serves as a compelling example for musical study, offering rich material for exploring intervallic relationships and understanding the profound connection between musical elements and cultural impact. Especially in the context of Prince’s passing, revisiting this song becomes a particularly resonant and emotionally charged listening experience. The song’s enduring appeal lies not only in O’Connor’s raw and vulnerable vocal delivery, but also in its sophisticated musical construction, which elevates it beyond a simple pop ballad to a timeless exploration of heartbreak and yearning. Its critical and commercial success underscores the power of a song that dares to be both musically intricate and deeply emotionally accessible, ensuring its continued relevance for generations to come.
