A single tear, a shaved head, and raw emotion turned a Prince deep cut into an unforgettable visual masterpiece.
The Song
"Nothing Compares 2 U" was originally written and composed by Prince for his side project The Family in 1985. However, it was Sinéad O'Connor's 1990 cover version that transformed it into a global phenomenon. Featured on her critically acclaimed album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, the song was produced by Nellee Hooper and rearranged to showcase O'Connor's powerful, emotive vocals. The track's stark, melancholic beauty and lyrical depth perfectly encapsulated the pain of loss and longing, resonating with audiences worldwide.
The Artist
Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor (born Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor) rose to international prominence with her distinct voice, shaved head, and uncompromising artistic and political stances. Prior to "Nothing Compares 2 U," she had already garnered attention with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra (1987). This video, however, catapulted her into superstardom, making her a household name and solidifying her image as a fierce, emotionally transparent artist unafraid to challenge norms.
Chart Performance
"Nothing Compares 2 U" was a massive commercial success, becoming a number one hit across the globe. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks. It also dominated the charts in O'Connor's native Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, and many other countries, becoming one of the best-selling singles of 1990 worldwide. The song's success earned her multiple Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Cultural Impact
The music video for "Nothing Compares 2 U" is as iconic as the song itself, largely due to its striking simplicity and O'Connor's raw, unadulterated performance. Directed by John Maybury, the video features almost exclusively a close-up shot of O'Connor's face as she sings directly to the camera. This intimate framing allows viewers to witness her emotional journey through the song, culminating in two tears that famously stream down her cheeks. This moment of genuine vulnerability, combined with her distinctive shaved head, created an enduring image that cemented the video's place in pop culture history. It was a powerful statement about emotional authenticity in an era often dominated by elaborate, high-budget music videos.
Fun Facts
- The video was shot in Paris, France, and primarily features Sinéad O'Connor in a black turtleneck against a dark background, with brief shots of her walking in Parc de Saint-Cloud.
- The famous tear was unplanned and genuine. O'Connor revealed that she cried during the shoot while singing about her mother, who had died five years prior.
- The video won three MTV Video Music Awards in 1990: Video of the Year, Best Female Video, and Best Post-Modern Video.
- Despite being a massive hit for O'Connor, Prince reportedly never warmed to her version of the song and was not a fan of her interpretation.
- The music video's impactful simplicity was achieved on a relatively low budget, proving that emotional depth could outweigh extravagant production.