Ah, “Nothing Compares 2 U”. A song that marked an entire generation and continues to captivate listeners today! But do you really know the story behind this timeless ballad sung by Sinéad O’Connor? Hold on tight, because this song’s journey is as fascinating as its melody… A look back at the most famous song by Sinéad O’Connor, who sadly passed away in 2023…
Sinead O’Connor – Bryan Ledgard – cc
The first surprise is that this song is not an original creation by Sinéad O’Connor. It was written by the famous artist Prince for his group The Family.
However, the title was first released in 1985, but didn’t really capture the attention of the general public at the time.
A complete flop, the song was about to be buried… but that was without counting on Sinéad O’Connor…
In 1990, 5 years later, Sinéad O’Connor covered the song, transforming it into a hymn to love and loss. With her melodic, emotional voice, she adds a new dimension to the track.
The song’s video clip, in which she appears in close-up crying, added a layer of emotion that left a lasting impression on viewers. It has to be said that everything is there to appeal to the audience: penetrating eyes, a voice of palpable pain, a shaven head: everything exudes authenticity and fragility.
All the ingredients for a worldwide hit!
The song was a commercial and critical success. It reached number one in several countries and won numerous awards in record time.
Everyone’s wondering. Who is the famous Sinéad O’Connor? So where does this UFO of a song come from, who refuses to fit into the mould of the classic music industry? How does she manage to sing of suffering so aptly?
What’s more, her vocal performance is particularly acclaimed, making “Nothing Compares 2 U” one of the most emblematic tracks of her career.
For his part, Prince seemed bitter about his success. The fact that an unknown Irish woman has succeeded where he has failed arouses jealousy in him… although he will never admit it.
What makes this song so special is its universality. Whether you’re in love, have lost a loved one or are just feeling nostalgic, “Nothing Compares 2 U” has that ability to touch each and every one of us. And perhaps that’s the secret of its continuing success.
Because the subject of the song remains a universal one: the break-up of love.
Sinéad O’Connor plays a heartbroken woman who can’t get over the grief of separation. As the song says,“nothing compares to you“.
The text shows the emptiness left by the absence of a loved one, and the suffering that takes place in the heart of the abandoned person. That’s why Sinéad O’Connor’s performance is so disarming: her voice oozes sadness and honesty.
In short, “Nothing Compares 2 U” is much more than just a love song. It’s an emotional anthem that has crossed time and borders, a true masterpiece of modern music. Just thinking about that iconic melody or video clip is enough to evoke a whole range of emotions, proving that truly, nothing can replace it.
The song has been covered and sampled by many artists over the years, each with their own interpretation. From Chris Cornell to Aretha Franklin, the covers of this title continue to perpetuate its legacy.
However, this song has never been interpreted so well as by Ireland’s Sinéad O’Connor.
It’s been seven hours and 15 days
Since you took your love away
I go out every night and sleep all day
Since you took your love away
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
It’s been so lonely without you here
Like a bird without a song
Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling
Tell me baby, where did I go wrong?
I could put my arms around every boy I see
But they’d only remind me of you
I went to the doctor, guess what he told me
Guess what he told me
He said, “Girl you better try to have fun, no matter what you do”
But he’s a fool
‘Cause nothing compares, nothing compares to you
All the flowers that you planted mama
In the back yard
All died when you went away
I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard
But I’m willing to give it another try
Nothing compares
Nothing compares to you
Nothing compares
Nothing compares to you
Nothing compares
Nothing compares to you
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