Sinead O’Connor’s powerful rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is iconic. But did she write it? This article delves into the song’s origins, O’Connor’s turbulent relationship with Prince (the actual songwriter), and how she transformed the track into a global phenomenon.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” catapulted Sinead O’Connor to international fame in 1990, becoming a defining hit of the decade. However, the song wasn’t originally hers. It was penned and composed by the legendary Prince in 1985 for his side project, The Family. While The Family’s version existed, it was O’Connor’s raw, emotional performance that truly brought the song to life. Her shaved head, piercing gaze, and the single tear rolling down her cheek in the music video became synonymous with the song’s heartbreak and vulnerability.
O’Connor’s interpretation of “Nothing Compares 2 U” resonated deeply with audiences, topping charts worldwide and solidifying her place in music history. But her success with the song was intertwined with a complex and ultimately fraught relationship with Prince. While he initially granted her permission to record the song, accounts suggest a turbulent encounter between the two artists, leading to O’Connor feeling threatened and deeply affected by the experience. She openly expressed her anger towards Prince and a desire to distance herself from the song in later interviews.
O’Connor’s memoir, Rememberings, provides further insight into this period, detailing a harrowing late-night encounter with Prince that involved a physical altercation and a terrifying chase. This event, alongside the immense pressure of fame and her own personal struggles, contributed to a tumultuous career marked by both critical acclaim and controversy.
Beyond the personal conflicts, the core of “Nothing Compares 2 U”‘s impact lies in O’Connor’s ability to infuse the song with her own profound pain and experience. While Prince wrote the song about a breakup, O’Connor transformed it into a lament for her deceased mother. This deeply personal connection is palpable in her delivery, making the song not just a performance but a raw expression of grief and longing.
The stark simplicity of the music video further amplified the song’s emotional core. Unlike the visually busy videos common in the early 90s, the focus remained solely on O’Connor’s face, allowing her performance to speak for itself. The video’s minimalist aesthetic underscored the song’s vulnerability, creating an enduring image that continues to resonate with viewers today.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” remains a testament to the power of interpretation and the ability of an artist to transform a song into something entirely their own. While Prince created the foundation, it was Sinead O’Connor who built upon it, crafting a timeless classic that transcends its origins and continues to evoke powerful emotions in listeners worldwide.
