(Courtesy of Tidal)
Prince’s estate, along with Warner Bros. Records, has released the original version of the popular song, ”Nothing Compares 2 U.” Recorded back in the ‘80s, listen to the track as it was written, arranged, performed, and produced by Prince.
According to Esquire, back in 1984, Prince recorded a song called “Nothing Compares 2 U” but chose not to release it himself, Paul “St. Paul” Peterson of The Family band, recorded the track for Prince’s label, Paisley Park Records. Though the song appeared as a B-side on their debut, nothing much came from the single until Sinead O’Connor covered a version t in 1990.
5) How Inspiration Came!
Prince’s unreleased studio version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is now streaming on https://t.co/UYDhs52WAN pic.twitter.com/0PLdj3liyk
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) April 19, 2018
Prince’s sound engineer, Susan Rogers, recounts a relationship with the Family’s Susannah Melvoin and reminisces how the song came about to The Guardian, “One day, he went into a room with a notebook and, within an hour, emerged with the lyrics to ‘Nothing Compares 2 U.’ Rogers,adds, “The song came out like a sneeze.”
4) The Original Voice!
You can really tell the difference. This is Prince’s version of the version, which is more electronic. Though O’Conner sang the lyrics like a powerful ballad, Prince thought of his creation as a rock song.
3) The Lyrics!
Since you been gone I can do whatever I want
I can see whomever I choose
I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing
I said nothing can take away these blues
‘Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares to you
2) It’s Beautiful
With the anniversary of his death on April 21, 2016 coming up, let’s not forget how his legacy continues to live on.
1) A Worthy Collection
Prince’s original version will be released as two 7″ vinyl singles in picture disc and black vinyl formats.
Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” is available now as a stream and digital single.