Core answer: Did Prince write Nothing Compares to You?
Yes, Prince wrote and originally recorded Nothing Compares to You (also styled Nothing Compares 2 U) in 1984 for his family band The Family. His demo was released officially in 2018 on Originals, and Sinead O’Connor’s 1990 version made the song a global hit. Prince wrote the lyrics and music, though the best known recording is O’Connor’s.
Key song facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Writer(s) | Prince | Copyright records, Prince estate releases |
| Year written | 1984 (demo); 1990 release via Sinead O’Connor | Album credits, official discography |
| Original recording | Prince demo released 2018 on Originals | Prince Estate, official release notes |
| Best-known recording | Sinead O’Connor, I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss (1990) | Album credits, chart documentation |
| Authorship confirmation | BMI/Warner Chappell lists Prince as sole writer | Performance rights organizations |
What Nothing Compares to You means and where it came from
Nothing Compares to You is a ballad about longing and relational distance, written and initially demoed by Prince in 1984 under the working title Nothing Compares 2 U. It was intended for his family band The Family and appeared on a rough demo release before broader circulation. The song entered wider awareness when Sinead O’Connor recorded it for her 1990 album I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss. Prince is listed as the sole writer in official publishing records, confirming his authorship of both music and lyrics.
Prince’s demo and later official release
Prince’s own demo of Nothing Compares to You remained largely private until the posthumous album Originals (2018), which presented early versions of his compositions. That release confirmed the song’s origins in his writing and arranging process. The track appears in the context of a familial, exploratory session, distinct from the heavily produced pop ballad associated with O’Connor. Originals clarified many catalog details and resolved lingering questions about authorship.
Originals track context (Nothing Compares to You)
| Detail | Information | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Album | Originals | Posthumous Prince demo collection |
| Release year | 2018 | Official source for early version |
| Writer credit | Prince | Confirms composition origin |
| Relation to O’Connor version | Demo basis for her recording | Shows lineage and interpretation shift |
Sinead O’Connor’s recording and its impact
Sinead O’Connor’s rendition transformed the demo into an international ballad, reshaping the song’s public identity. Her emotionally direct vocal and stripped arrangement highlighted the lyric’s vulnerability, leading to wide radio and MTV play. Though the recording is not by Prince, his writing credit remained central, and the success prompted broader recognition of his catalog’s breadth. O’Connor’s version has become the definitive recording in the public mind, but the composition itself is unequivocally Prince’s.
How to distinguish Prince’s songs from covers and related tracks
Because Nothing Compares to You is so closely associated with Sinead O’Connor, it is useful to verify authorship and origin quickly:
- Writing credit: Only Prince is listed as writer on official publishing and BMI records.
- Original release: Prince’s demo appeared on Originals (2018), not on any O’Connor album.
- Catalog placement: The song is cataloged under Prince’s songwriting repertoire, regardless of performing artist.
- Sound profile: Prince’s demo is more lo-fi and rhythm-oriented; O’Connor’s is a polished pop ballad.
Why the question persists and how to confirm authorship
The dominance of Sinead O’Connor’s version can create uncertainty about the song’s origins. Authoritative confirmation comes from performance rights organizations, publishing registrations, and Prince estate releases. Checking credits on streaming platforms, copyright databases, or reputable discographies will show Prince as writer and O’Connor as interpreter. Understanding this distinction supports accurate attribution and deeper engagement with both artists’ catalogs.