Who Originally Sang “Nothing Compares 2 U”: Artist Origins and Legacy

Answer-first summary

The song most commonly known as “Nothing Compares 2 U” was written by Prince and originally recorded by his band The Family in 1985 as the B-side “Nothing Compares” to the single “Money Don’t Matter 2 Night.” A separate, later version with different lyrics and the title “Nothing Compares 2 U” was recorded by Prince and released on his 1992 album Love Symbol Album. Sinead O’Connor’s 1990 release of “Nothing Compares 2 U” (produced by Nellee Hooper) is the best-known recording and the one that became a worldwide hit. This article explains the distinctions between the Prince-written songs, credits, and releases to clarify who can be said to have “originally” sung it.

The song’s origins and title variants

There are two distinct songs at the core of the question “Who originally sang Nothing Compares 2 U?,” both written by Prince but released with different titles, lineups, and lyrical versions:

• “Nothing Compares” — The Family recording (1985)
• “Nothing Compares 2 U” — Prince’s 1992 studio version and Sinead O’Connor’s 1990 release

Because titles and credits differ, identifying an original singer depends on which recording you mean. Below is a concise reference for the most salient verified details that distinguish them.

Quick comparison of key versions

The Family version: “Nothing Compares” (1985)

Before “Nothing Compares 2 U” became a global radio staple, the melody existed in an earlier form. In 1985, Prince wrote a song called “Nothing Compares” for his side project The Family. Released as the B-side to the single “Money Don’t Matter 2 Night,” this version features Prince, Sheila E., and other Family members. The lyrics and melodic outline are similar but not identical to the later “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Because this recording circulated mainly as a B-side and within Prince’s catalog, it did not reach a broad audience at the time.

Prince’s 1992 studio recording

On the 1992 Love Symbol Album, Prince revisited the song with updated lyrics and the now-familiar title “Nothing Compares 2 U.” This version reflects the lyrical tweaks that align with the better-known 1990 release. While Prince’s rendition appears on his albums and as a promo single, it is not the recording that became a chart-topping hit for a different artist. Its primary role in the song’s history is as the bridge between the original Family B-side and the mainstream cover that followed.

Sinead O’Connor: the definitive hit version

Sinead O’Connor’s 1990 recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” produced by Nellee Hooper, is the performance most listeners identify as the original hit. Released as a single in 1990 from her album I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss, O’Connor’s emotive vocal and the stark arrangement propelled the song to number one in the United Kingdom and number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100. Although she did not write the song, her interpretation is widely credited with making “Nothing Compares 2 U” a global anthem.

Credits, publishing, and legal documentation

Song credits for “Nothing Compares 2 U” consistently list Prince as the writer. On Sinead O’Connor’s release, publishing is administered by organizations affiliated with Prince’s catalog. Below is a simplified breakdown of credits for the most prominent versions:

Common questions and misconceptions

Because multiple recordings of “Nothing Compares 2 U” exist, a few points regularly cause confusion. Here are concise clarifications grounded in verifiable release data:

• Did Sinead O’Connor write “Nothing Compares 2 U”? No. The song is written by Prince; O’Connor’s performance is a cover made famous by her 1990 release.
• Which version was first: The Family or Sinead O’Connor? The Family’s “Nothing Compares” (1985) predates O’Connor’s 1990 recording, though the title and lyrics differ slightly.
• Did Prince’s own “Nothing Compares 2 U” chart as a single? Prince’s version received airplay and charted modestly on R&B charts, but it did not achieve the same chart impact as O’Connor’s Mercury release.
• Are the lyrics identical across all versions? The 1985 Family version uses earlier lyrics; both Prince’s 1992 track and O’Connor’s 1990 release share the updated “Nothing Compares 2 U” lyrics.

Why this song remains relevant

“Nothing Compares 2 U” endures because of its plainspoken lyrics about longing and connection and a vocal performance that emphasizes vulnerability. Sinead O’Connor’s reading, in particular, set a benchmark for emotional delivery in pop and alternative radio formats. New listeners continue to discover the song through streaming playlists and retrospective features, while its use in film, television, and tribute events sustains its public presence. Because the songwriting credits are clear and the release history is well documented, the track remains a stable reference point in discussions about 1990s music and Prince’s catalog.

Quick timeline of notable releases

Key takeaways

• Prince wrote the song; The Family first recorded it in 1985 as “Nothing Compares.”
• The 1990 version by Sinead O’Connor is the most commercially successful and widely recognized recording.
• Prince’s own “Nothing Compares 2 U” appeared on the 1992 Love Symbol Album and differs lyrically from the 1990 version.
• Songwriting credits belong to Prince across all recordings; performing artists vary by release.

Bottom line

When people ask “Who originally sang Nothing Compares 2 U?” the simplest accurate answer is: Prince wrote it, The Family first recorded a precursor titled “Nothing Compares” in 1985, and Sinead O’Connor’s 1990 release is the definitive chart-topping version most listeners mean when they refer to the song. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify credits, performances, and the song’s place in music history.