Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is an unforgettable classic. But when was “Nothing Compares 2 U” released, and what’s the story behind this iconic song? This article delves into the song’s origins, its journey to becoming a global phenomenon, and the complex relationship between O’Connor and the song’s writer, Prince.
From Prince’s Vault to The Family: The Song’s Beginnings
“Nothing Compares 2 U” wasn’t initially an O’Connor song. Five years before its global release, the song was penned by none other than Prince in 1984. He gave the track to The Family, a band he formed and signed to his Paisley Park Records.
The Family included the song on their eponymous debut album in 1985. However, this version, heavily influenced by 80s synth sounds, went largely unnoticed. It wasn’t released as a single and faded into obscurity.
1990: Sinéad O’Connor’s Breakthrough and Global Success
Already a recognized artist thanks to her 1987 debut album, O’Connor released her second album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” in 1990. The album’s lead single, a stripped-down, emotionally raw cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” propelled her to international stardom.
The song topped charts in over a dozen countries, including Australia, and earned O’Connor four Grammy nominations. She won for Best Alternative Music Performance but famously declined the award, protesting the commercialization of art. By year’s end, “Nothing Compares 2 U” had sold over 3.5 million copies and was Billboard’s number one World Single.
The Iconic Music Video and Its Emotional Impact
The song’s success was amplified by its unforgettable music video. The close-up shot of O’Connor’s face, her tearful expression conveying profound sadness, became an enduring image of the era. O’Connor later revealed she channeled the pain of losing her mother using the Bel Canto acting method.
The video garnered three MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Music Video, solidifying its place in music history. This simple yet powerful visual narrative significantly contributed to the song’s cultural impact.
Prince’s Versions and Posthumous Recognition
Following O’Connor’s success, Prince released his own live version of the song in 1993. However, it wasn’t until after his death in 2016 that his original 1984 demo recording was released, offering fans a glimpse into the song’s genesis. This demo showcased a more rock-oriented arrangement, contrasting sharply with O’Connor’s ballad version.
A Legacy Continued: Toni Cornell’s Tribute
In a poignant tribute, Chris Cornell’s daughter, Toni, released a cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 2018, shortly before the release of Prince’s demo. This moving rendition underscored the song’s enduring power across generations.
The Song’s Use in “Nothing Compares” Documentary and Prince Estate Dispute
Ironically, O’Connor’s 2022 documentary about her life, titled “Nothing Compares,” could not include her version of the song. Prince’s estate denied permission, sparking controversy and highlighting the complicated relationship between the two artists.
In conclusion, while Sinéad O’Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” was released in 1990, the song’s journey began much earlier with Prince. Its evolution from a little-known track to a global anthem, fueled by O’Connor’s powerful vocals and the iconic music video, cemented its place as one of the most significant songs of the 1990s and beyond.
