‘Nothing Compares 2 U’: Covers of Prince’s Classic

Name the song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and most people will immediately think of Sinead O’Connor‘s worldwide hit, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1990 and remained on the chart for 21 weeks. What some might not be aware of, however, is that the song is a cover, and was not penned by the Irish singer herself.

That honor goes to Prince, who wrote the emotional ballad in the ’80s for The Family, the short-lived group he put together in 1984 and signed to Paisley Park Records. The original recording of the song by The Family was included on their eponymous debut (and only) album.

Five years after that release, O’Connor dropped her popular cover, which went on to spawn even more covers, including one by Prince himself. Below, revisit their versions, along with other memorable takes on the song about the emotional aftermath of a breakup.