Nothing Compares 2 U, a song synonymous with Sinéad O’Connor, actually has a rich history predating her iconic rendition; COMPARE.EDU.VN explores the origins, impact, and various versions of this timeless classic. Delving into the songwriter’s initial inspiration, the arrangement’s evolution, and the song’s cultural significance provides a comprehensive understanding of this deeply moving ballad. Discover the story behind the music, explore artistic interpretation, and learn which version resonates most with audiences through comparative analysis and expert insights into pop music analysis, vocal delivery nuances, and the importance of the music video in solidifying the song’s place in music history.
1. The Genesis of a Ballad: Prince and The Family
1.1. Prince’s Original Vision
“Nothing Compares 2 U,” a song etched in the hearts of millions thanks to Sinéad O’Connor’s emotionally charged performance, actually originated from the creative mind of Prince. Written in 1985, this ballad wasn’t initially intended for his own discography, but instead, was gifted to a band he had carefully assembled named The Family. This demonstrates Prince’s commitment to fostering talent and exploring musical diversity through his Paisley Park Records label.
1.2. The Family’s Interpretation: The 1985 Debut
The Family, a project nurtured by Prince, included the song on their self-titled debut album, released in 1985. This album would, unfortunately, become their sole offering under that band name, making “Nothing Compares 2 U” a hidden gem within their limited discography. This original recording, while penned by Prince, offers a distinctly 80s sound, characterized by heavy use of synthesizers. The arrangement gives the song a different feel compared to the raw, emotional delivery that would later define O’Connor’s version.
1.3. The Original’s Reception: A Quiet Release
Despite its origins from one of music’s most prolific songwriters, The Family’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” failed to ignite the charts upon release. It wasn’t released as a single and received very little radio airplay, leading to limited public recognition. The song remained largely unknown, a testament to how even the most brilliant compositions can sometimes be overlooked until the right artist and arrangement bring them to life.
1.4. Musical Style and Arrangement of The Family’s Version
The Family’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is heavily steeped in the synth-driven sounds that were characteristic of 1980s pop music. The song features prominent synthesized strings, keyboards, and drum machines. Vocalist St. Paul Peterson delivers a smooth, soulful performance, but the overall production is somewhat polished and lacks the raw emotional intensity that Sinéad O’Connor would later bring to the song.
1.5. Key Differences: The Family vs. Sinéad O’Connor
While both versions share the same core melody and lyrics, the differences in arrangement and vocal delivery are significant. The Family’s version is more upbeat and polished, suitable for the dance-pop sensibilities of the mid-80s. O’Connor’s version strips away the electronic elements, emphasizing the song’s melancholic core with a sparse arrangement and her incredibly expressive vocals. This transformation turned a relatively obscure album track into a global phenomenon.
2. Sinéad O’Connor: A Global Phenomenon
2.1. The Lion and The Cobra: O’Connor’s Arrival
Before “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Sinéad O’Connor had already established herself as a rising star with her debut album, The Lion and The Cobra, released in 1987. This album showcased her unique vocal style, which blended vulnerability with strength, and her willingness to tackle complex and often controversial subjects in her lyrics.
2.2. I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got: The Album That Changed Everything
In 1990, O’Connor released her second album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got. The lead single from this album was a stripped-down, emotionally raw cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” This decision would prove to be a turning point in her career, propelling her to international superstardom.
2.3. Chart-Topping Success: A Global Anthem
O’Connor’s rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The song reached number one in over a dozen countries, including Australia, becoming an instant classic and solidifying O’Connor’s place in music history. The success of the single catapulted the album to massive sales, establishing O’Connor as a major force in the music industry.
2.4. Grammy Recognition (and Rejection): A Statement of Principle
The success of “Nothing Compares 2 U” led to four Grammy nominations for O’Connor. She won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance. However, in a move that exemplified her unwavering principles, O’Connor declined the award, citing her belief that the Grammys were overly commercialized and did not truly represent artistic merit. This act further cemented her image as an artist who prioritized integrity over fame.
2.5. Sales and Accolades: A Song for the Ages
By the end of 1990, “Nothing Compares 2 U” had sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide. Billboard magazine crowned it the number one World Single of the Year. These accolades demonstrate the song’s profound impact on popular culture and its enduring appeal to audiences across generations.
3. The Iconic Music Video: A Visual Masterpiece
3.1. A Simple Yet Powerful Concept
The music video for “Nothing Compares 2 U” is arguably as iconic as the song itself. Directed by John Maybury, the video features O’Connor in extreme close-up, wearing a black turtleneck, her shaved head emphasizing the raw emotion conveyed on her face. The simplicity of the concept, focusing solely on O’Connor’s performance, amplified the song’s emotional impact.
3.2. The Tear: A Moment of Authenticity
One of the most memorable moments in the music video is the single tear that rolls down O’Connor’s cheek. This tear, far from being a contrived effect, was the result of O’Connor’s own personal experiences and emotions. She drew on memories of her mother, who had passed away when she was 17, to connect with the song’s theme of loss and longing.
3.3. Bel Canto and Method Acting: The Source of Emotion
O’Connor channeled her emotions for the music video using a method acting technique called Bel Canto. This technique encourages performers to tap into personal traumatic memories to create authentic emotional responses. By connecting with her own grief, O’Connor was able to deliver a performance that resonated deeply with viewers.
3.4. MTV Recognition: A Symbol of the Era
In 1990, at a time when music videos were gaining prominence as an art form, O’Connor won three MTV Video Music Awards for “Nothing Compares 2 U,” including Best Music Video. This recognition underscores the video’s artistic merit and its influence on the visual landscape of popular music.
3.5. A Timeless Visual Representation of Grief
The music video for “Nothing Compares 2 U” has become a timeless visual representation of grief and heartbreak. Its simplicity and emotional honesty have made it a cultural touchstone, resonating with audiences for over three decades. The video’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of authentic emotion and artistic vision.
4. Prince’s Reclamation: A Posthumous Re-evaluation
4.1. Prince’s 1993 Version: A Different Take
Following the massive success of O’Connor’s version, Prince released his own rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1993. This version featured Rosie Gaines, from The Family, on backing vocals. Prince’s version offers a more traditional rock arrangement, showcasing his signature guitar work and vocal style.
4.2. The 2018 Demo Release: Unearthing a Gem
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 original demo, providing fans with a glimpse into the song’s genesis and Prince’s initial vision for the track.
4.3. A Window into Prince’s Creative Process
The 1984 demo offers a fascinating glimpse into Prince’s creative process. The recording features Prince & The Revolution rehearsing the song at Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The raw energy and improvisational feel of the demo provide a stark contrast to both The Family’s polished studio version and O’Connor’s stripped-down rendition.
4.4. A Comparison of Prince’s Versions
Prince recorded “Nothing Compares 2 U” multiple times throughout his career, each version offering a unique perspective on the song. The 1984 demo is raw and energetic, while the 1993 version is more polished and features a duet with Rosie Gaines. Comparing these versions reveals the evolution of Prince’s musical style and his ability to reinterpret his own compositions in different contexts.
4.5. Prince’s Enduring Legacy: A Song Reclaimed
The release of Prince’s original demo has helped to solidify his legacy as the true author of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” While O’Connor’s version remains the most commercially successful and widely recognized, Prince’s version offers a valuable insight into the song’s origins and his own artistic genius.
5. A Generational Impact: The Song’s Enduring Power
5.1. Chris and Toni Cornell: A Father-Daughter Tribute
The enduring power of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is evident in the numerous covers and tributes that have emerged over the years. One particularly poignant example is the cover recorded by Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden, and his daughter Toni Cornell.
5.2. A Father’s Day Gift: A Touching Performance
Just days before the release of Prince’s 1984 demo, a 13-year-old Toni Cornell shared a cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U” featuring her father Chris Cornell. The elder Cornell, who fronted the 90s rock band Soundgarden, had passed away just one year earlier and was an avid fan of Prince.
5.3. “I Miss Your Love Everyday”: A Message of Loss
Toni Cornell shared the cover on social media, accompanied by a heartfelt message: “I miss your love everyday. Recording this song with you was a special and amazing experience I wish I could repeat 100 times over and I know you would too. Happy Father’s Day daddy, nothing compares to you.”
5.4. A Testament to the Song’s Universal Themes
The Cornell’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a testament to the song’s universal themes of love, loss, and longing. The song’s ability to resonate with artists and audiences across generations underscores its timeless quality and its enduring emotional power.
5.5. The Cycle of Grief and Remembrance
The story of the Cornell’s cover adds another layer of depth to the song’s already rich history. It highlights the cyclical nature of grief and remembrance, and the power of music to connect us to those we have lost.
6. Controversy and Legacy: O’Connor’s Stand
6.1. The Documentary: Nothing Compares
In 2022, a documentary about Sinéad O’Connor’s life and career was released, titled Nothing Compares. The film explored her rise to fame, her political activism, and her challenges navigating the music industry.
6.2. Rights Denied: A Dispute over the Song
Despite being the artist most closely associated with “Nothing Compares 2 U,” O’Connor was unable to use her own recording of the song in the documentary. Prince’s estate denied her the rights to use the song, sparking controversy and raising questions about artistic ownership and legacy.
6.3. Sharon Nelson’s Statement: A Family Perspective
Prince’s half-sister, Sharon Nelson, explained the estate’s decision in a statement to Billboard, stating: “Nothing compares to Prince’s live version with Rosie Gaines that is featured on the Hits 1album and we are re-releasing that album on vinyl on November 4th. I didn’t feel [Sinéad] deserved to use the song my brother wrote in her documentary so we declined. His version is the best.”
6.4. A Clash of Perspectives: Art, Commerce, and Legacy
The dispute over the use of “Nothing Compares 2 U” in the documentary highlights the complex interplay between art, commerce, and legacy. While O’Connor’s version brought the song to global prominence, Prince’s estate ultimately controlled the rights to the composition and had the power to decide how it was used.
6.5. The Documentary’s Success: A Story Told Regardless
Despite the absence of O’Connor’s recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” the Nothing Compares documentary went on to win two British Independent Film Awards and received widespread critical acclaim. The film served as a powerful testament to O’Connor’s artistic vision and her unwavering commitment to social justice.
7. Deeper Analysis: Comparing the Interpretations
7.1. Vocal Delivery: O’Connor’s Raw Emotion vs. The Family’s Smoothness
One of the most striking differences between the versions is the vocal delivery. O’Connor’s voice is full of raw emotion, conveying vulnerability and heartbreak. In contrast, The Family’s St. Paul Peterson delivers a smoother, more polished vocal performance.
7.2. Arrangement: Stripped-Down Ballad vs. Synth-Pop
The arrangement also plays a key role in shaping the song’s overall impact. O’Connor’s version features a sparse arrangement with minimal instrumentation, allowing her vocals to take center stage. The Family’s version, on the other hand, is more heavily produced, with a synth-pop arrangement that reflects the musical trends of the 1980s.
7.3. Emotional Impact: Which Version Resonates More?
Ultimately, the choice of which version resonates more deeply is a matter of personal preference. Some listeners may prefer the raw emotion and vulnerability of O’Connor’s rendition, while others may appreciate the smoother, more polished sound of The Family’s version.
7.4. Cultural Significance: O’Connor’s Version as a Defining Anthem
Regardless of personal preference, there is no denying the cultural significance of O’Connor’s version. Her rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” has become a defining anthem of heartbreak and loss, resonating with audiences for over three decades.
7.5. The Power of Interpretation: Transforming a Song
The story of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a testament to the power of interpretation. O’Connor took a relatively obscure album track and transformed it into a global phenomenon, demonstrating the ability of an artist to imbue a song with their own unique vision and emotional depth.
8. Who Truly Sang It First? Untangling the Timeline
8.1. Prince: The Original Songwriter and Composer
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Prince is the originator of the song. He wrote and composed “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1985. This makes him the original creator of the music and lyrics, irrespective of who performed it first or most famously.
8.2. The Family: The First Recorded Performance
While Prince conceived the song, The Family was the first to record and release “Nothing Compares 2 U” on their 1985 album. Therefore, they hold the distinction of being the first artists to bring the song to the public, even though it didn’t achieve widespread recognition at the time.
8.3. Sinéad O’Connor: The Artist Who Popularized the Song
Sinéad O’Connor’s 1990 rendition is undeniably the most famous and commercially successful version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Her emotionally charged performance and the iconic music video propelled the song to global stardom.
8.4. Prince’s Later Renditions: Reclaiming His Creation
Prince revisited “Nothing Compares 2 U” several times throughout his career, releasing his own versions that showcased his unique musical style and vocal interpretation. These renditions serve as a reminder that the song ultimately belongs to its creator.
8.5. A Collaborative History: A Song Evolving Through Different Artists
The history of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a collaborative one, with each artist contributing their own unique perspective to the song. Prince wrote it, The Family first recorded it, and O’Connor popularized it. Each version adds a layer of depth and meaning to this timeless classic.
9. The Lyrics: Exploring Themes of Loss and Longing
9.1. “It’s Been Seven Hours and Fifteen Days”: Measuring the Pain of Absence
The opening line of “Nothing Compares 2 U” immediately establishes the song’s central theme: the pain of separation and the longing for a lost love. The specific measurement of time – “seven hours and fifteen days” – adds a touch of realism and emphasizes the narrator’s obsessive focus on the absence of their loved one.
9.2. “Since You Been Gone I Can Do Whatever I Want”: The Illusion of Freedom
The lyrics “Since you been gone I can do whatever I want” initially suggest a sense of liberation. However, the subsequent lines reveal that this freedom is hollow and meaningless without the presence of the person they love.
9.3. “But Nothing Compares, Nothing Compares to You”: The Irreplaceable Nature of Love
The chorus of the song, with its repeated refrain of “Nothing Compares, Nothing Compares to You,” underscores the irreplaceable nature of true love. The narrator acknowledges that nothing else in the world can fill the void left by their lost partner.
9.4. “All the Flowers That You Planted in the Backyard All Died”: A Metaphor for Decay
The image of dying flowers serves as a powerful metaphor for the decay and stagnation that the narrator experiences in the absence of their loved one. The flowers, once a symbol of beauty and life, now represent the emptiness and despair that pervades their world.
9.5. “Nothing Compares to You”: A Universal Expression of Grief
The lyrics of “Nothing Compares 2 U” resonate with listeners because they express a universal experience: the pain of loss and the longing for what is gone. The song’s simple yet powerful language captures the raw emotions of grief, making it a timeless anthem of heartbreak.
10. FAQ: Unveiling More About “Nothing Compares 2 U”
10.1. Who originally wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
Prince wrote and composed “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1985. He originally gave the song to The Family, a band he created.
10.2. Who sang “Nothing Compares 2 U” first?
The Family first recorded and released the song on their self-titled debut album in 1985. St. Paul Peterson was the lead vocalist.
10.3. Why is Sinéad O’Connor’s version so famous?
Sinéad O’Connor’s emotionally charged vocal delivery and the iconic music video propelled the song to global stardom in 1990. Her stripped-down arrangement emphasized the song’s melancholic core, resonating deeply with audiences.
10.4. Did Prince ever perform “Nothing Compares 2 U” himself?
Yes, Prince released his own versions of the song, including a 1993 version with Rosie Gaines and a posthumously released 1984 demo.
10.5. Why couldn’t Sinéad O’Connor use her version in her documentary?
Prince’s estate denied O’Connor the rights to use her recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U” in her 2022 documentary, Nothing Compares.
10.6. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
The lyrics explore themes of loss, longing, and the irreplaceable nature of true love. They express the pain of separation and the emptiness that remains in the absence of a loved one.
10.7. What is Bel Canto method acting?
Bel Canto is a method acting technique that encourages performers to tap into personal traumatic memories to create authentic emotional responses. Sinéad O’Connor used this technique for the “Nothing Compares 2 U” music video.
10.8. How did the music video contribute to the song’s success?
The music video’s simplicity and emotional honesty amplified the song’s emotional impact. Sinéad O’Connor’s raw performance, particularly the single tear, resonated deeply with viewers.
10.9. What awards did Sinéad O’Connor win for “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
Sinéad O’Connor won three MTV Video Music Awards for “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1990, including Best Music Video. She also won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance, which she declined.
10.10. What is the legacy of “Nothing Compares 2 U?”
“Nothing Compares 2 U” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. It is a testament to the power of music to express universal emotions and connect people through shared experiences of love, loss, and longing.
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