“Nothing Compares 2 U” is a song that resonates deeply with millions, famously popularized by Sinead O’Connor. However, the soul-stirring ballad’s origin lies within the vast and eclectic catalog of Prince. Originally penned for his side project, The Family, this track was initially a hidden gem before its global explosion.
Penned by Prince, “Nothing Compares 2 U” first appeared as the sixth track on The Family’s eponymous debut album in 1985. While Prince discreetly crafted seven of the eight songs on this album, “Nothing Compares 2 U” stands out as the sole track officially credited to him. This initial version, while showcasing the song’s inherent emotional power, remained largely unknown to the wider public until Sinead O’Connor’s cover in 1990 catapulted it to international fame, reaching the number one spot worldwide.
Alt text: Prince passionately performs Nothing Compares 2 U live, sharing vocals with Rosie Gaines during a concert, highlighting his deep connection to the song.
Following O’Connor’s phenomenal success, Prince reclaimed “Nothing Compares 2 U” into his live repertoire from 1990 onwards. In 1993, a dynamic live rendition featuring Rosie Gaines on co-lead vocals, recorded at Paisley Park Studios on January 27, 1992, was included in his compilation album “The Hits 1.” This live version offered fans a powerful contrast to the original and O’Connor’s versions, emphasizing Prince’s evolving interpretation of the song.
Prince continued to champion “Nothing Compares 2 U” on stage, further cementing its place in his concert setlists. Another live iteration emerged in 2002 on his first live album, “One Nite Alone… Live!”, demonstrating its enduring significance to him and his audience. This live album featured a selection of tracks from the same show, showcasing the breadth of his performance abilities alongside “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
The genesis of Prince’s original studio recording dates back to July 15, 1984, at the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Basic tracking was laid down with Susannah Melvoin contributing backing vocals. Later, St. Paul Peterson and Susannah Melvoin added further vocal overdubs, and orchestral arrangements by Clare Fischer were incorporated to enrich the track’s sonic texture. Interestingly, jazz legend Miles Davis expressed interest in recording an instrumental version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” but Prince, feeling it would be redundant, declined the collaboration, opting to maintain the song’s vocal-centric essence. However, around 1991 Prince revisited the song, re-recording it with a slightly different arrangement, showcasing his continuous artistic exploration of his own compositions.
The emotional undercurrent of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is believed to be partly inspired by Sandy Scipioni, Prince’s personal assistant during the 1980s. Scipioni’s sudden departure due to her father’s passing deeply affected Prince, channeling this sense of loss into the song’s poignant lyrics, though their relationship was not romantic.
In a poignant tribute, Prince’s live version from “The Hits 1” was broadcast across US radio stations on May 4, 2016, marking precisely “7 hours and 13 days” after his death, a somber reminder of his absence and the enduring power of his music.
Alt text: Official cover artwork for Prince’s 2018 posthumous release of Nothing Compares 2 U, showcasing his iconic symbol and artistic legacy.
In 2018, a newly mixed version of Prince’s original 1984 recording was released posthumously, offering fans a fresh perspective on the song’s genesis. This version, mixed by Tony Maserati, aimed to recapture the original 1984 feel while subtly incorporating Clare Fischer’s orchestral overdubs and Susannah Melvoin’s backing vocals, elements not prominent in the initial 1984 mix. This release was made available on various digital platforms, including Tidal, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and YouTube, accompanied by a video featuring rehearsal footage from the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse. Limited edition physical releases, including purple and black vinyl singles and picture discs, were also issued, further celebrating this rediscovered Prince version. Subsequently, this 2018 mix was included as the final track on the posthumous album “Originals” in 2019, providing a definitive studio version within a collection of Prince’s original recordings.
This 2018 remix subtly differs from the initially known versions. While Maserati aimed to mirror the 1984 recording, the 2018 mix brings Clare Fischer’s orchestral elements slightly forward in the mix and includes Susannah Melvoin’s backing vocals, which were absent from the 1984 version. Additionally, the 2018 remix features a richer saxophone layering in the bridge, adding a nuanced sonic depth compared to the original 1984 mix. These subtle differences offer dedicated Prince fans a richer understanding of the song’s evolution and Prince’s meticulous approach to his music. “Nothing Compares 2 U,” in its Prince original form, reveals the raw emotion and musical genius behind a song that continues to touch hearts worldwide.
