Original Artist and Songwriter
“Nothing Compares 2 U” was originally written and recorded by Prince for his side project The Family. The song appeared on their self-titled 1985 album and showcased Prince’s songwriting and vocal style before it became a global hit.
Sinead O’Connor’s Version
Irish singer Sinead O’Connor covered the song in 1990 for her album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got. Her rendition became a massive international hit, reaching number one in multiple countries and defining the track for a new generation of listeners.
Chart Success and Legacy
O’Connor’s version spent multiple weeks at the top of charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. The song is widely recognized as one of the defining ballads of the early 1990s and remains closely associated with O’Connor’s career.
For more background on the song’s history, see AllMusic’s song page.
