Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” remains an iconic moment in music history. But when did this powerful ballad first grace the airwaves? This article delves into the song’s origins, its journey to becoming a global phenomenon, and the impact it had on both O’Connor’s career and popular culture.
From Prince’s Vault to Global Charts: The Song’s Journey
“Nothing Compares 2 U” wasn’t initially an O’Connor song. It began its life five years earlier, penned by the legendary Prince in 1985. Intended for The Family, a band signed to Prince’s Paisley Park Records, the song featured on their self-titled debut album. However, this initial release, heavily laden with 80s synth sounds, remained largely unnoticed.
O’Connor’s breakthrough came in 1990 with her second album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.” Her stripped-down, emotionally raw cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U” was chosen as the lead single. The song resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, reaching number one in numerous countries and propelling the album to multi-platinum success.
1990: The Year “Nothing Compares 2 U” Took Over the World
The song’s release in 1990 marked a pivotal moment in music history. It topped charts globally, earning O’Connor four Grammy nominations (including a win for Best Alternative Music Performance, which she famously declined). Billboard named it the number one World Single of the year, solidifying its place as a defining track of the decade.
The Iconic Music Video: A Visual Masterpiece
The song’s success was amplified by its unforgettable music video. O’Connor’s close-up performance, her shaved head and piercing gaze conveying intense vulnerability, became an enduring image of the era. The single tear rolling down her cheek, a result of channeling personal grief through the Bel Canto acting method, further intensified the emotional impact. The video garnered three MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Music Video, cementing its status as a visual masterpiece.
Prince’s Version and a Lasting Legacy
While O’Connor’s version achieved unparalleled fame, Prince himself released his rendition in 1993. However, it was the posthumous release of his original 1984 demo in 2018 that provided a glimpse into the song’s genesis. This demo showcased a rawer, more rock-oriented sound, contrasting with O’Connor’s more melancholic interpretation.
Even decades later, “Nothing Compares 2 U” continues to inspire. Toni Cornell, daughter of the late Chris Cornell, shared a poignant cover in 2018, further demonstrating the song’s enduring emotional resonance and cross-generational appeal. The song’s lasting impact is a testament to its powerful lyrics, unforgettable melody, and the raw emotion infused into it by both Prince and Sinéad O’Connor. The song’s release in 1990 marked the beginning of its journey into the cultural zeitgeist, forever linking O’Connor’s name with this timeless ballad.
