“Nothing Compares 2 U” is a song that resonates deeply with listeners worldwide, primarily known for Sinead O’Connor’s emotionally charged rendition. However, the song’s origins trace back to the legendary Prince, highlighting a fascinating journey from a Paisley Park project to global recognition. This exploration delves into the history of “Nothing Compares 2 U”, examining its creation by Prince, its initial release with The Family, and its subsequent rise to fame through O’Connor’s cover, and Prince’s own evolving relationship with the song.
Originally penned by Prince, “Nothing Compares 2 U” first appeared on the 1985 self-titled debut album by The Family, a band under Prince’s Paisley Park Records umbrella. While Prince was heavily involved in The Family’s project, writing seven of the album’s eight tracks, “Nothing Compares 2 U” stands out as the only song he officially credited to himself. This early version, while showcasing the song’s inherent power, remained relatively obscure until Sinead O’Connor’s interpretation took the world by storm in 1990.
Sinead O’Connor’s cover transformed “Nothing Compares 2 U” into a global phenomenon. Her version topped charts worldwide, becoming an anthem of heartbreak and longing for a generation. The music video, featuring O’Connor’s raw emotion, further cemented the song’s iconic status. Interestingly, this global success prompted Prince to reclaim “Nothing Compares 2 U” for his own live performances.
From 1990 onwards, Prince frequently included “Nothing Compares 2 U” in his concerts, demonstrating his acknowledgement of the song’s newfound popularity and his own connection to it. In 1993, a live rendition featuring Rosie Gaines on vocals was included on his compilation album “The Hits 1”. This version, recorded live at Paisley Park Studios in 1992, offered a different flavor to the song, highlighting Prince’s dynamic stage presence. He further solidified its place in his live repertoire by including another live version on his 2002 live album “One Nite Alone… Live!”.
The original Prince recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U” dates back to July 15, 1984. Basic tracking occurred at the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with Susannah Melvoin contributing backing vocals. Later, St. Paul Peterson and Susannah Melvoin added further vocals, and Clare Fischer enriched the track with orchestral overdubs. Interestingly, jazz legend Miles Davis expressed interest in recording an instrumental version, but Prince reportedly declined, feeling it would be “corny” to simply add a trumpet to the existing song. However, Prince revisited the song around 1991, re-cutting it with a different arrangement, showcasing his continuous artistic exploration of his own material.
The inspiration behind “Nothing Compares 2 U” is said to be partly drawn from Sandy Scipioni, Prince’s personal assistant in the 1980s. Scipioni’s sudden departure after her father’s death reportedly influenced the song’s themes of loss and longing. Despite not being romantically involved, the impact of her absence resonated with Prince and found its way into his songwriting.
In 2016, a poignant simulcast on US radio stations played Prince’s live version from “The Hits 1” exactly “7 hours and 13 days” after his death, serving as a tribute to the artist and his enduring music. Two years later, in 2018, a newly mixed version of Prince’s original 1984 recording was released. This 2018 mix, available on streaming platforms and as a limited edition vinyl, aimed to recapture the essence of the original while making subtle adjustments to the mix, including bringing Susannah Melvoin’s backing vocals and Clare Fischer’s orchestral elements to the forefront. This version was also included on the posthumous album “Originals” in 2019, further cementing “Nothing Compares 2 U” within Prince’s vast and influential catalog.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” stands as a testament to Prince’s songwriting genius. From its initial understated release with The Family to its global explosion through Sinead O’Connor and Prince’s subsequent embrace of the song in his own performances, its journey is as compelling as the song itself. Whether you prefer the raw emotion of O’Connor’s cover or the nuanced artistry of Prince’s versions, “Nothing Compares 2 U” remains a timeless classic, showcasing the power of a song to evolve and resonate across different artists and generations.
