Who Sings Nothing Compares To You With Prince: A Deep Dive

Nothing Compares 2 U, a powerful ballad exploring themes of loss and longing, is often associated with Sinéad O’Connor, but its history is much richer. This article explores the origins of the song, the different artists who have performed it, and the lasting impact it has had on music and culture. COMPARE.EDU.VN offers comprehensive comparisons, ensuring informed decisions. Discover the evolution of this iconic track and its various interpretations.

Table of Contents

The Genesis of a Ballad: Prince’s Original Creation
The Family’s Version: An 80s Synth-Pop Interpretation
Sinéad O’Connor’s Iconic Rendition: A Global Phenomenon
The Power of a Music Video: Visualizing Raw Emotion
Prince’s Reclaimed Version: A Posthumous Release
A Generational Impact: Covers and Tributes
Controversies and Copyright Issues: The Documentary Exclusion
Comparing Versions: Prince vs. Sinéad O’Connor
Lyrical Analysis: Exploring the Song’s Meaning
The Enduring Legacy of Nothing Compares 2 U
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Nothing Compares 2 U
COMPARE.EDU.VN: Your Guide to Music Comparisons

1. The Genesis of a Ballad: Prince’s Original Creation

Before Sinéad O’Connor’s unforgettable version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” captivated the world, the song was the brainchild of the legendary Prince. In 1984, Prince, a prolific songwriter known for his genre-bending music and enigmatic persona, penned the lyrics and composed the melody for what would become one of the most emotionally resonant ballads of all time. This wasn’t merely a song for Prince; it was a personal expression, a reflection of loss and longing that stemmed from a relationship with his housekeeper Sandy Scipioni, who had become a mother figure to him.

Prince’s initial vision for the song was deeply personal, imbued with his signature blend of vulnerability and musical innovation. He recorded a demo version in 1984 at the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, capturing a raw and intimate performance that hinted at the song’s potential. However, instead of releasing it under his own name, Prince chose to entrust “Nothing Compares 2 U” to one of his side projects, a band called The Family. This decision, while seemingly unconventional, was characteristic of Prince’s artistic generosity and his desire to nurture talent within his Paisley Park Records ecosystem.

The story behind the song’s creation adds another layer of depth to its already profound emotional impact. Knowing that Prince, a musical icon, channeled his own experiences of loss and longing into the lyrics makes the song’s universal appeal even more understandable. It’s a testament to Prince’s songwriting prowess that he could craft a song so deeply personal yet so relatable to listeners from all walks of life. The song embodies profound emotion and musical creation.

2. The Family’s Version: An 80s Synth-Pop Interpretation

Prince, ever the visionary, assembled The Family as one of his many musical experiments. This band, signed to his Paisley Park Records label, had the honor of first recording “Nothing Compares 2 U.” In 1985, The Family released their self-titled debut album, featuring a version of the song led by vocalist St. Paul Peterson. While the original demo by Prince carried a raw emotional weight, The Family’s rendition leaned into the synth-pop sound prevalent in the 1980s.

The Family’s interpretation incorporated synthesized strings and a smoother production style. Although competently performed, it lacked the visceral impact of both Prince’s demo and O’Connor’s later version. The song was not released as a single, and consequently, The Family’s version remained largely unknown, overshadowed by the subsequent success of Sinéad O’Connor’s cover. The original recording is very much influenced by the sounds of the 80s — synthesised strings threaten to drown lead vocalist St Paul. The song was not released as a single and received very little recognition.

This initial rendition offers an interesting contrast to the versions that followed. It showcases Prince’s willingness to experiment and adapt his songwriting to different musical styles. However, it also highlights the importance of artistic interpretation in bringing a song’s true potential to the forefront. The Family’s version, while a solid effort, simply didn’t capture the raw emotion that would later define “Nothing Compares 2 U” in the public consciousness.

3. Sinéad O’Connor’s Iconic Rendition: A Global Phenomenon

Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting and powerful rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is arguably the defining version of the song. Released in 1990 as the lead single from her album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, O’Connor’s version transformed the relatively obscure Prince-penned track into a global phenomenon. Her performance was characterized by its raw emotion, vulnerability, and a stripped-down arrangement that highlighted the song’s poignant lyrics.

O’Connor’s unique vocal delivery, marked by its intensity and vulnerability, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Her shaved head, a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity, further amplified the song’s message of emotional rawness and authenticity. The music video, featuring O’Connor in close-up, her face etched with pain and a single tear rolling down her cheek, became an instant classic, further solidifying the song’s iconic status.

The success of “Nothing Compares 2 U” catapulted O’Connor to international stardom. The song reached number one in numerous countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It garnered multiple Grammy nominations, and O’Connor won the award for Best Alternative Music Performance, though she famously declined to accept it as a protest against the music industry’s commercialism. By the end of 1990, the song had sold over 3.5 million copies and was crowned the number one World Single by Billboard.

This version captured intense emotion. In a time where the concept of music videos accompanying songs was still novel, O’Connor picked up three MTV Video Music Awards at the 1990 event, including one for Best Music Video.

4. The Power of a Music Video: Visualizing Raw Emotion

The music video for Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” is as iconic as the song itself. Directed by John Maybury, the video is strikingly simple, featuring mostly a close-up of O’Connor’s face as she sings the song. This minimalist approach amplifies the raw emotion conveyed in her performance, creating an intimate and deeply affecting viewing experience.

O’Connor’s piercing gaze, her shaved head, and the single tear that rolls down her cheek contribute to the video’s powerful imagery. The tear, she later revealed, was inspired by memories of her mother, who passed away when O’Connor was just 17. This personal connection to the song’s themes of loss and longing adds another layer of depth to her performance.

The video’s impact was immediate and profound. It resonated with audiences on an emotional level, solidifying O’Connor’s image as a vulnerable yet powerful artist. The video won numerous awards, including three MTV Video Music Awards in 1990, and is considered one of the most memorable music videos of all time.

The raw emotion that O’Connor channeled for the music video came from an acting method called Bel Canto which calls for performers to use traumatic memories to create emotion. In a time where the concept of music videos accompanying songs was still novel, O’Connor picked up three MTV Video Music Awards at the 1990 event, including one for Best Music Video.

5. Prince’s Reclaimed Version: A Posthumous Release

Following the overwhelming success of Sinéad O’Connor’s cover, Prince revisited “Nothing Compares 2 U” and released his own version in 1993, featuring Rosie Gaines on backing vocals. This version, while showcasing Prince’s musical versatility, did not achieve the same level of commercial success as O’Connor’s rendition. However, it remained a testament to Prince’s ownership of the song and his ongoing exploration of its themes.

It wasn’t until after Prince’s untimely death in 2016 that his original 1984 demo recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U” began to gain significant attention. In 2018, Prince’s estate released the demo, accompanied by a music video featuring previously unseen footage of Prince & The Revolution from the summer of 1984. This release offered fans a glimpse into the song’s origins and Prince’s initial vision for the ballad.

The release of Prince’s original version allowed listeners to appreciate the song in its rawest form, stripped of the production flourishes that characterized The Family’s version and the emotional intensity that defined O’Connor’s rendition. It served as a reminder of Prince’s songwriting genius and his ability to create songs that resonate across genres and generations. Prince’s version offers an entirely new perspective.

6. A Generational Impact: Covers and Tributes

“Nothing Compares 2 U” has had a profound impact on music and culture, inspiring numerous covers and tributes from artists across various genres. The song’s universal themes of loss, longing, and heartbreak have resonated with musicians and listeners alike, making it a popular choice for interpretations and dedications.

One particularly poignant example is a cover performed by Toni Cornell, daughter of the late Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, featuring her father. Recorded when Toni was just 13 years old, the cover was released shortly before Father’s Day in 2018, a year after Chris Cornell’s passing. Toni dedicated the song to her father, expressing her deep love and longing for him. The performance is a touching tribute to both Chris Cornell and Prince, two musical icons who left an indelible mark on the world.

This and many other covers demonstrate the song’s lasting legacy and its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. “Nothing Compares 2 U” continues to inspire artists and listeners, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of music to express complex emotions and transcend generations. Prince’s half-sister Sharon Nelson outlined the reasons for the rejection in a statement to Billboard last year.

7. Controversies and Copyright Issues: The Documentary Exclusion

Despite being Sinéad O’Connor’s signature song, “Nothing Compares 2 U” was notably absent from her 2022 documentary, Nothing Compares. This absence was due to the refusal of Prince’s estate to grant permission for the song to be used in the film. The decision sparked controversy and raised questions about copyright ownership and artistic control.

Prince’s half-sister, Sharon Nelson, explained the estate’s decision in a statement to Billboard, stating that she did not believe O’Connor “deserved” to use the song in her documentary. She cited Prince’s own live version of the song with Rosie Gaines as the definitive rendition and promoted the re-release of the album featuring that version.

This decision was met with criticism from fans and industry insiders who argued that O’Connor’s version was the most widely recognized and beloved rendition of the song, and that its exclusion from a documentary about her life was a disservice to her legacy. The controversy highlights the complex relationship between artists, their creations, and the estates that manage their work after their passing. This raised several questions.

8. Comparing Versions: Prince vs. Sinéad O’Connor

While both Prince and Sinéad O’Connor delivered compelling renditions of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” their interpretations differ significantly in terms of style, emotion, and overall impact. Comparing these versions reveals the song’s versatility and the unique artistic perspectives each artist brought to the composition.

Prince’s original demo, recorded in 1984, showcases his signature blend of funk, rock, and soul. His vocal delivery is smooth and soulful, and the arrangement features a prominent bassline and keyboard melodies. This version is more upbeat and less overtly emotional than O’Connor’s, reflecting Prince’s tendency to mask vulnerability with musical virtuosity.

Sinéad O’Connor’s 1990 version, on the other hand, is characterized by its raw emotion and stripped-down arrangement. Her vocal performance is intensely vulnerable, conveying a sense of deep pain and longing. The instrumentation is sparse, consisting primarily of a simple keyboard melody and subtle percussion, allowing O’Connor’s voice to take center stage.

Ultimately, the “better” version is a matter of personal preference. Prince’s version offers a glimpse into the song’s origins and showcases his musical genius, while O’Connor’s version is a powerful and emotionally resonant interpretation that has resonated with millions of listeners worldwide. Here’s a comparison table:

Feature	Prince’s Version (1984 Demo)	Sinéad O’Connor’s Version (1990)
Vocal Style	Smooth, soulful, controlled	Raw, emotional, vulnerable
Instrumentation	Funk, rock, and soul influences, prominent bassline and keyboards	Stripped-down, sparse, keyboard-driven
Emotional Impact	More subtle, masked vulnerability	Intense, overtly emotional, conveys deep pain and longing
Overall Vibe	Upbeat, showcases musical virtuosity	Heartbreaking, emphasizes vulnerability and emotional rawness
Cultural Impact	Less commercially successful initially, gained recognition posthumously	Hugely successful, iconic, defined O’Connor’s career
Music Video	Features Prince & The Revolution in 1984	Simple close-up of O’Connor, highly impactful
Production Style	More polished and produced	More raw and unpolished
Key Themes	Loss, longing, but with a sense of resilience	Loss, heartbreak, profound sadness
Genre Influences	R&B, funk, pop	Alternative, pop, ballad
Year of Release	2018 (Demo officially released)	1990
Associated Album	N/A (Demo)	I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
Critical Reception	Appreciated for its originality and Prince’s musicianship	Universally acclaimed for its emotional depth and O’Connor’s vocals

9. Lyrical Analysis: Exploring the Song’s Meaning

The lyrics of “Nothing Compares 2 U” explore the profound sense of loss and emptiness that follows the end of a meaningful relationship. The song’s narrator expresses a deep sense of loneliness and isolation, admitting that nothing in the world can fill the void left by their absent lover. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, conveying a universal experience of heartbreak and longing.

The opening lines, “It’s been seven hours and fifteen days / Since you took your love away,” immediately establish the narrator’s sense of disorientation and the passage of time since the breakup. The use of specific numbers adds a touch of realism and underscores the narrator’s obsession with the loss.

The chorus, “Nothing compares, nothing compares to you,” is the song’s emotional core, expressing the narrator’s belief that their lost love is irreplaceable. This sentiment is reinforced throughout the song, as the narrator describes the various aspects of their life that have lost their meaning in the absence of their lover. The lyrics are relatable to a mass audience.

10. The Enduring Legacy of Nothing Compares 2 U

“Nothing Compares 2 U” has left an undeniable mark on music history. Whether it’s Prince’s original demo or Sinéad O’Connor’s iconic cover, the song continues to resonate with listeners. Here are several reasons for its lasting appeal:

Universal Themes: The song deals with heartbreak, loss, and longing, emotions that are universally understood and experienced.
Emotional Honesty: Both Prince and O’Connor brought a raw, unfiltered emotional honesty to their performances, making the song feel deeply personal and authentic.
Timeless Melody: The song’s melody is simple yet unforgettable, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions with just a few notes.
Cultural Impact: Sinéad O’Connor’s version, in particular, became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, music videos, and the way artists express vulnerability in their work.
Adaptability: The song has proven to be adaptable across genres and styles, with numerous artists offering their own unique interpretations over the years.

“Nothing Compares 2 U” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to move and inspire audiences around the world. It stands as a testament to the power of music to express the deepest and most universal human emotions. The song embodies deep emotion and lasting appeal.

11. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Nothing Compares 2 U

Who originally wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U”?
- The song was written by Prince in 1984.
Who made “Nothing Compares 2 U” famous?
- Sinéad O’Connor’s 1990 cover is the most well-known and commercially successful version.
When did Prince release his own version of the song?
- Prince released his own version in 1993, and his original demo was released posthumously in 2018.
Why was “Nothing Compares 2 U” not included in Sinéad O’Connor’s documentary?
- Prince’s estate denied permission for the song to be used in the documentary.
What is the song about?
- The song explores themes of loss, longing, and the inability to find a replacement for a lost love.
What made Sinéad O’Connor’s music video so iconic?
- The simplicity of the video, featuring a close-up of O’Connor’s face and her raw emotion, resonated deeply with audiences.
Are there any other notable covers of “Nothing Compares 2 U”?
- Yes, numerous artists have covered the song, including Toni Cornell (featuring her father, Chris Cornell).
How did “Nothing Compares 2 U” impact Sinéad O’Connor’s career?
- The song catapulted her to international stardom and became her signature song.
What genre is “Nothing Compares 2 U”?
- The song blends elements of pop, R&B, and alternative.
Where can I find reliable comparisons of music and artists?
- Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for comprehensive analyses and comparisons.

12. COMPARE.EDU.VN: Your Guide to Music Comparisons

Navigating the world of music can be overwhelming, with countless artists, songs, and interpretations to explore. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we provide detailed comparisons and analyses to help you make informed decisions about the music you listen to. Whether you’re curious about the different versions of “Nothing Compares 2 U” or seeking recommendations for new artists, our platform offers a wealth of information to guide your musical journey.

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