Sinead O’Connor’s rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, an emotionally raw ballad that catapulted the Irish singer to global stardom. While the song’s profound impact is undeniable, understanding its journey, including the “Nothing Compares To You Release Date,” provides a deeper appreciation for its legacy. This article delves into the history of this iconic track, from its origins with Prince to its release as a career-defining single for O’Connor in 1990, and its enduring resonance in popular music.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” didn’t originate with Sinead O’Connor. Penned by the legendary Prince, it was initially recorded by his side project, The Family, in 1985. This first iteration, while showcasing Prince’s songwriting prowess, remained relatively obscure as an album cut. It wasn’t until Sinead O’Connor breathed new life into the song that it truly took flight. Her manager, Fachtna O’Ceallaigh, suggested she consider covering it, a suggestion that would alter the course of her career and popular music history.
The early 1990s were ripe for ballads, and “Nothing Compares 2 U” arrived at the perfect moment. Before its official release, Sinead O’Connor was already garnering attention within critical circles and college radio for her unique sound and artistry. However, it was this Prince-penned cover that propelled her into the mainstream. The release date of “Nothing Compares 2 U” as a single was in early 1990, and it quickly ascended the charts, becoming a global phenomenon. This wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural reset, showcasing the sheer force of O’Connor’s vocal talent and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
The recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is shrouded in the personal turmoil O’Connor was experiencing at the time. Her romantic relationship with her manager was dissolving, a pain that many believe infused her vocal performance with its signature rawness and vulnerability. Engineer Chris Birkett recounted how she delivered the song in a single take, immediately double-tracked, capturing a “perfect” rendition fueled by her emotional state. This authenticity resonated deeply with audiences. The opening lines, “It’s been seven hours and fifteen days/ Since you took your love away,” delivered with O’Connor’s powerful yet fragile voice, immediately gripped listeners, setting the stage for an emotional journey. Her vocal inflections, bending notes in unexpected ways on lines like “I can eat my dinner in a fancy REST-AU-RAAAAANT,” and “I went to the doctor, and guess what he told me, GUESS what he told me,” further cemented the song’s unique and unforgettable quality.
Comparing O’Connor’s version to The Family’s original highlights the transformative power of her interpretation. The original arrangement, while Prince-esque, was considered by some to be both sparse and cluttered, lacking in certain instrumentation while being overwhelmed by dated synth sounds and backing vocals. Nelle Hooper, known for his work with Soul II Soul, played a crucial role in reimagining the song for O’Connor. He introduced a subtle yet driving drum shuffle, softened the synth textures, and dialed back the backing vocals, creating a spacious and supportive soundscape for O’Connor’s voice to soar. Crucially, O’Connor herself added the emotional punctuation to the chorus that was missing in the original. Her delivery of “no-THING!” and the choked “…to you…” transformed the simple repetition of the title into a heart-wrenching expression of loss and longing.
The timing of the “Nothing Compares 2 U” release date in the pop landscape of early 1990 was also a significant factor in its success. Ballads dominated the top of the charts. The year began with consecutive No. 1 ballads, setting the stage for a year filled with emotionally charged hits. “Nothing Compares 2 U” rode this wave, building upon the success of late ’80s ballads that paved the way. The airwaves were receptive to powerful female vocalists and songs that explored themes of heartbreak and vulnerability, creating a fertile ground for O’Connor’s single to flourish.
However, the song’s artistic and commercial zenith was arguably reached with its accompanying music video. Directed by John Maybury, the video was a masterstroke of visual storytelling. Shot in the Parc de Saint-Cloud, the video interweaves hazy, dreamlike imagery with stark, intimate close-ups of O’Connor. Against a dark backdrop, wearing a simple black turtleneck, O’Connor’s face becomes the focal point, conveying a sense of raw emotion and vulnerability. The video’s minimalist aesthetic, focusing intensely on O’Connor’s performance, amplified the song’s emotional impact. The now-iconic moment when tears stream down her face during the third verse – genuinely triggered by thoughts of her late mother – added another layer of authenticity and pathos, making the video an unforgettable visual representation of the song’s heartache.
The combination of a ballad-friendly radio environment and the instant iconicity of the music video propelled “Nothing Compares 2 U” to meteoric success. Debuting on the Hot 100 in March 1990 at No. 63, it reached the coveted No. 1 spot in a mere five weeks, on the chart dated April 21st. This rapid ascent was particularly remarkable for an artist previously unknown on the Hot 100. The song reigned at No. 1 for four weeks, tying for the longest reign of the year, before being succeeded by Madonna’s “Vogue.” Further solidifying its cultural impact, the music video made history at the MTV Video Music Awards, becoming the first video by a female artist to win Video of the Year. It also earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year in 1991.
The album that housed “Nothing Compares 2 U,” I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, mirrored the single’s success, topping the Billboard 200 album chart for six weeks. While the album was a critical and commercial triumph, showcasing O’Connor’s diverse artistry, finding a suitable follow-up single proved challenging. The label’s choice, “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” while showcasing O’Connor’s lyrical wit and groove, lacked the immediate emotional resonance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” and stalled on the charts.
Despite the unparalleled success of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Sinead O’Connor’s relationship with mainstream fame was complex and ultimately short-lived. Her discomfort with the trappings of pop stardom became increasingly apparent through her controversial actions and outspoken views. These moments, while controversial, were integral to her identity as an artist who refused to compromise her beliefs for commercial success.
In retrospect, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” released in 1990, remains a singular moment in music history. It is a testament to the power of a song, a voice, and a video to converge and create something truly timeless. While Sinead O’Connor navigated a career path that diverged from mainstream expectations after this initial explosion of fame, “Nothing Compares 2 U” endures as her signature song, a ballad of heartbreak and raw emotion that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release date. It stands as a powerful reminder of O’Connor’s extraordinary talent and the enduring legacy of a song that, indeed, has few comparisons.
