Nothing Compares 2 U is a powerful ballad, but Who Originally Sang Nothing Compares To You? While Sinéad O’Connor’s rendition remains iconic, COMPARE.EDU.VN clarifies that Prince penned and his band, The Family, first performed it. We delve into the song’s history, exploring its multiple iterations and the lasting impact of O’Connor’s version, offering a complete perspective on this beloved anthem. Dive in to learn more about cover songs, musical compositions, and hit singles.
1. The Genesis of “Nothing Compares 2 U”: Prince and The Family
While Sinéad O’Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is arguably the most famous, the song’s origins lie with Prince.
1.1 Prince’s Composition and The Family’s Debut
Prince wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1985. He gifted it to The Family, a band he formed and signed to his Paisley Park Records label. The Family, featuring lead vocalist St. Paul Peterson, included the song on their self-titled debut album, which would be their only release under that name. According to data collected from allmusic.com, the album did not chart.
1.2 The Original Recording: A Synth-Pop Foundation
The Family’s original recording reflects the synth-pop sound prevalent in the 1980s. Synthesized strings and other electronic elements create a distinct sonic landscape for St. Paul’s vocals.
1.3 Lack of Initial Recognition
Despite Prince’s authorship, The Family’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” was not released as a single. It received little attention upon its initial release, remaining largely unknown until O’Connor’s cover propelled it to international fame.
2. Sinéad O’Connor’s Global Breakthrough
Sinéad O’Connor’s interpretation of “Nothing Compares 2 U” transformed the song into a global phenomenon.
2.1 O’Connor’s Rise to Fame
Prior to “Nothing Compares 2 U,” O’Connor had already gained recognition with her 1987 debut album, “The Lion and The Cobra.” This album showcased her powerful vocals and unconventional image, establishing her as a rising star in the music industry.
2.2 “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got” and the Ballad Cover
In 1990, O’Connor released her second album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.” The lead single was a stripped-down, emotionally raw cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” According to billboard.com, the song reached number one in multiple countries.
2.3 Commercial Success and Grammy Recognition (and Rejection)
O’Connor’s rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” became a massive commercial success, propelling her album to the top of the charts. The song earned her four Grammy nominations, and she won for Best Alternative Music Performance. However, in line with her outspoken views against commercialism in the arts, O’Connor famously declined the award, critiquing the Grammys as a commercially driven exercise.
2.4 Global Sales and Billboard’s Recognition
By the end of 1990, O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” had sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide. Billboard recognized its global impact by naming it the number one World Single of the Year.
3. The Impact of the Music Video
The music video for “Nothing Compares 2 U” played a crucial role in solidifying the song’s iconic status.
3.1 Visual Simplicity and Emotional Power
Directed by John Maybury, the video features O’Connor in a simple black turtleneck, her shaved head a striking visual. The video primarily consists of a close-up of O’Connor’s face, conveying a deep sense of pain and vulnerability.
3.2 The Single Tear: A Moment of Raw Emotion
The most memorable moment in the video is when a single tear rolls down O’Connor’s cheek. This authentic display of emotion resonated deeply with viewers, contributing to the video’s lasting impact.
3.3 Bel Canto and Traumatic Memories
O’Connor revealed that she channeled personal pain to create the raw emotion in the video, using a method acting technique called Bel Canto. She explained that she thought of her mother, who had passed away when O’Connor was 17, to access the necessary emotional depth.
3.4 MTV Recognition
At the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” video won three awards, including Best Music Video. This recognition further cemented its place in pop culture history.
4. Prince’s Reclamation and Posthumous Release
Following the success of O’Connor’s version, Prince revisited “Nothing Compares 2 U” several times.
4.1 Prince’s 1993 Version with Rosie Gaines
In 1993, Prince released his own version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” featuring Rosie Gaines on backing vocals. This version offered a different perspective on the song, showcasing Prince’s signature musical style.
4.2 The 1984 Demo Release After Prince’s Death
After Prince’s death in 2016, interest in his original version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” grew significantly. In 2018, his estate released the original 1984 demo recording, providing fans with a glimpse into the song’s early development.
4.3 Music Video Featuring Prince & The Revolution
The music video for the 1984 demo features unseen footage of Prince & The Revolution recording the song at Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, offering a valuable historical document for fans.
5. A Generational Impact and Covers
“Nothing Compares 2 U” has continued to resonate with artists and audiences across generations.
5.1 Toni and Chris Cornell’s Cover
Prior to the release of Prince’s 1984 demo, Toni Cornell, the daughter of the late Chris Cornell (Soundgarden frontman), shared a cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U” featuring her father. The recording, made before Chris’s death, was a poignant tribute to both Prince and her father.
5.2 A Father’s Day Tribute
Toni Cornell released the cover on Father’s Day, expressing her deep love and admiration for her father, stating that recording the song with him was a special and amazing experience.
6. Controversy and O’Connor’s Documentary
Despite her iconic association with the song, Sinéad O’Connor faced challenges in using her own recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
6.1 Prince’s Estate Blocks Use in Documentary
O’Connor released a documentary about her life titled “Nothing Compares.” However, Prince’s estate denied her the rights to use her recording of the song in the film.
6.2 Sharon Nelson’s Explanation
Prince’s half-sister, Sharon Nelson, explained that she didn’t feel O’Connor “deserved” to use the song in her documentary, stating that Prince’s version with Rosie Gaines was superior.
6.3 Documentary’s Critical Acclaim
Despite the absence of O’Connor’s recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” the documentary went on to win two British Independent Film Awards and was universally acclaimed by critics, highlighting O’Connor’s significant impact on music and culture.
7. Analyzing the Key Differences Between the Versions
The three main versions of “Nothing Compares 2 U”—Prince’s original, The Family’s debut, and Sinéad O’Connor’s iconic cover—each offer a unique interpretation of the song, shaped by the artist’s individual style and the era in which they were recorded. Here’s a comparison of their key differences:
7.1 Prince (Original)
- Vocal Style: Prince’s vocals are soulful and emotive, with a distinctive R&B flair. He uses vocal runs and embellishments to add depth and intensity to the song.
- Instrumentation: The original demo features a blend of live instrumentation and electronic elements, creating a sound that is both raw and polished. The arrangement includes prominent keyboard parts, a driving drum beat, and subtle guitar accents.
- Overall Feel: The overall feel of Prince’s version is introspective and melancholic, but also infused with a sense of hope and resilience. His performance conveys a sense of personal connection to the lyrics, as if he is singing from his own experience.
- Tempo: The tempo is moderate, allowing the song to breathe and build gradually. The rhythm is steady and danceable, reflecting Prince’s signature funk influence.
- Production Quality: The production quality is relatively lo-fi compared to later versions, but this adds to the song’s charm and authenticity. The raw sound captures the energy and passion of the recording session.
7.2 The Family
- Vocal Style: St. Paul Peterson’s vocals are smooth and polished, with a more restrained delivery than Prince’s. He focuses on conveying the melody and lyrics clearly, without adding too many embellishments.
- Instrumentation: The Family’s version is heavily reliant on synthesizers and drum machines, creating a slick and contemporary sound. The arrangement includes layers of keyboards, programmed drum beats, and processed guitar effects.
- Overall Feel: The overall feel of The Family’s version is polished and sophisticated, but also somewhat detached and impersonal. The smooth production and restrained vocals give the song a cool and detached vibe.
- Tempo: The tempo is slightly faster than Prince’s original, giving the song a more upbeat and danceable feel. The rhythm is tight and precise, reflecting the influence of 80s synth-pop.
- Production Quality: The production quality is high, with a clean and polished sound. The synthesizers and drum machines are well-programmed, and the vocals are expertly mixed and mastered.
7.3 Sinéad O’Connor
- Vocal Style: Sinéad O’Connor’s vocals are raw and emotive, with a distinctive Irish lilt. She sings with a sense of vulnerability and pain, conveying the lyrics with a deep sense of conviction.
- Instrumentation: O’Connor’s version features a sparse and atmospheric arrangement, with minimal instrumentation. The song is driven by a simple keyboard melody, a subtle bassline, and occasional percussion accents.
- Overall Feel: The overall feel of O’Connor’s version is haunting and melancholic, with a sense of profound loss and longing. Her raw vocals and minimal instrumentation create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, drawing the listener into the emotional core of the song.
- Tempo: The tempo is slow and deliberate, allowing the song to build gradually. The rhythm is loose and organic, reflecting the influence of traditional Irish music.
- Production Quality: The production quality is clean and spacious, with a focus on capturing the natural sound of O’Connor’s voice and the acoustic instruments. The reverb and delay effects add to the song’s atmospheric feel.
7.4 Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Prince (Original) | The Family | Sinéad O’Connor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocal Style | Soulful, emotive, R&B flair | Smooth, polished, restrained | Raw, emotive, Irish lilt |
| Instrumentation | Live & electronic, keyboards, drums, guitar | Synthesizers, drum machines, processed guitar | Sparse, keyboard melody, bassline, percussion |
| Overall Feel | Introspective, melancholic, hopeful | Polished, sophisticated, detached | Haunting, melancholic, vulnerable |
| Tempo | Moderate | Slightly faster | Slow |
| Production Quality | Lo-fi, raw, authentic | High, clean, polished | Clean, spacious, natural |
8. Why Sinéad O’Connor’s Version Resonated So Deeply
While Prince wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Sinéad O’Connor’s rendition struck a chord with a global audience for several reasons:
8.1 Stripped-Down Arrangement
O’Connor’s version is far simpler than both Prince’s original demo and The Family’s more synth-heavy take. This minimalist approach puts the focus squarely on her voice and the raw emotion of the lyrics.
8.2 Raw Vocal Delivery
O’Connor’s voice is full of pain, vulnerability, and a palpable sense of loss. She doesn’t hold back, allowing the listener to feel the full weight of the song’s emotion.
8.3 Authenticity
In an era of highly produced pop music, O’Connor’s authenticity was refreshing. She wasn’t afraid to be herself, both in her music and in her public image. This resonated with listeners who were tired of manufactured pop stars.
8.4 The Music Video
The iconic music video, with its close-up of O’Connor’s face and the single tear, amplified the song’s emotional impact. It was a simple yet powerful visual that perfectly captured the song’s essence.
8.5 Timing and Cultural Context
Released in 1990, O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” arrived at a time when audiences were craving authenticity and emotional depth. The song’s themes of loss, longing, and heartbreak resonated with a generation grappling with social and political change.
9. The Enduring Legacy of “Nothing Compares 2 U”
“Nothing Compares 2 U” remains a beloved and influential song, demonstrating the power of both songwriting and interpretation.
9.1 A Testament to Prince’s Songwriting Genius
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Prince’s genius as a songwriter. His ability to craft melodies and lyrics that resonate with audiences across genres and generations is undeniable.
9.2 O’Connor’s Iconic Interpretation
Sinéad O’Connor’s version has become the definitive interpretation of “Nothing Compares 2 U” for many listeners. Her raw emotion and powerful vocals transformed the song into a timeless classic.
9.3 Continued Influence on Music and Culture
“Nothing Compares 2 U” continues to influence music and culture, inspiring countless artists and touching the hearts of listeners around the world. Its themes of love, loss, and longing remain universally relatable.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about “Nothing Compares 2 U”:
10.1 Who wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
Prince wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
10.2 Who originally sang “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
The Family, a band formed by Prince, originally sang “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1985.
10.3 Why is Sinéad O’Connor’s version so famous?
Sinéad O’Connor’s version is famous due to her raw emotion, powerful vocals, and the iconic music video.
10.4 Did Prince ever perform “Nothing Compares 2 U” live?
Yes, Prince performed “Nothing Compares 2 U” live throughout his career.
10.5 Why couldn’t Sinéad O’Connor use the song in her documentary?
Prince’s estate denied her the rights to use her recording in the documentary.
10.6 Are there other covers of “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
Yes, many artists have covered “Nothing Compares 2 U,” including Chris Cornell.
10.7 What is Bel Canto?
Bel Canto is an acting method that calls for performers to use traumatic memories to create emotion.
10.8 What awards did Sinéad O’Connor win for “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
Sinéad O’Connor won three MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy Award for her performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” though she declined the latter.
10.9 Where can I find the original version of “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
The original version by The Family can be found on their self-titled debut album.
10.10 Is “Nothing Compares 2 U” considered one of the greatest songs of all time?
Many critics and fans consider “Nothing Compares 2 U” to be one of the greatest songs of all time, due to its emotional impact and enduring popularity.
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