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Nothing Compares 2 U#Prince version

{{Short description|1990 single by Sinéad O'Connor}}

{{Distinguish|Nothin' (That Compares 2 U)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{Infobox song

| name = Nothing Compares 2 U

| cover = Nothingcompares2u.jpg

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = Sinéad O'Connor

| album = I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

| B-side = Jump in the River

| released = {{start date|1990|1|8}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/4645-3468-1|title=BPI}}

| recorded =

| studio = *S.T.S (Dublin, Ireland)

  • Britannia Row (London, UK)
  • Westside (London){{cite web|last=Buskin|first=Richard|title=Classic Tracks: Sinéad O'Connor 'Nothing Compares 2 U'|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-sinead-oconnor-nothing-compares-2-u|website=Sound On Sound|date=February 2012|access-date=July 11, 2024}}

| genre = Pop{{cite web | url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/04/how-nothing-compares-2-u-endured/391122/ | title=How 'Nothing Compares 2 U' Endured | website=The Atlantic | date=April 21, 2015 | access-date=August 4, 2015 | author=Gilbert, Sophie}}

| length = {{duration|m=5|s=10}}

| label = Chrysalis

| writer = Prince

| producer = * Sinéad O'Connor

| prev_title = Jump in the River

| prev_year = 1988

| next_title = The Emperor's New Clothes

| next_year = 1990

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|0-EF60neguk|"Nothing Compares 2 U"}}}}

{{Audio sample|type=single|file=Nothing Compares 2 U sample.ogg}}

}}

"Nothing Compares 2 U" is a song written by the American musician Prince for his band the Family. It first appeared on their only album, The Family (1985). Its lyrics express the feelings of longing expressed by an abandoned lover.

The Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor recorded a version for her second studio album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (1990), co-produced with Nellee Hooper. It was released as the album's second single in early 1990 and became a worldwide hit. Its music video, directed by John Maybury, received heavy rotation on MTV. In December 1990, Billboard named "Nothing Compares 2 U" the "#1 World Single" of 1990 at its first Billboard Music Awards,{{cite web|url=https://www.billboardmusicawards.com/winners-database/?winnerKeyword=&winnerYear=&winnerCategory=1-world-single|title=Search Results|publisher=Billboard Music Awards|access-date=December 6, 2020}} and ranked it as the No. 3 song for 1990 in the United States.Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1990

In 1993, Prince released a live version of "Nothing Compares 2 U", with Rosie Gaines on guest vocals, on his compilation album The Hits/The B-Sides. His 1984 demo was released as a single in 2018 and included on the 2019 compilation Originals.

Background

"Nothing Compares 2 U" was written by the American musician Prince, who recorded a demo in 1984. In 1985, Prince's funk band the Family released their sole studio album, The Family, including "Nothing Compares 2 U". It was not released as a single and received little recognition. Prince's demo was released in 2018.{{cite web|title=Listen to Prince's Original Version of "Nothing Compares 2 U"|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-princes-original-version-of-nothing-compares-2-u|work=Pitchfork|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=April 26, 2018|language=en}}

Recording

The Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor recorded a version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" for her second album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (1990), with a new arrangement by her and the producer Nellee Hooper. O'Connor's version is in the key of F major.{{Cite web|last1=Prince|last2=Sinead|first2=O'Connor|date=August 2, 2010|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0082563|access-date=April 28, 2021|website=Musicnotes.com}}

Pre-production for the song was done at Hooper's house. Hooper enlisted Gota Yashiki, with whom he'd previously worked on Soul II Soul's debut studio album, to do arranging and programming of instrument and drum tracks for the song. Yashiki utilized an Atari ST computer running C-Lab Notator sequencing software and an Akai S1100 sampler. After recording sessions moved to Britannia Row Studios, live drum parts were overdubbed and the cello part, provided by the Akai sampler, was finalized.

O'Connor's vocals were recorded in a single take, then double-tracked with another subsequent take, using an AKG C414B-ULS large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Per the singer's demands, absolutely no compression was to be used on her vocals.

Music video

File:NothingCompares2U.PNG

= Concept =

Directed by John Maybury, the music video consists mostly of a closeup of O'Connor's face as she goes through stages of sadness and anger while singing the lyrics; the rest consists of her walking through the Parc de Saint-Cloud in Paris. Toward the end of the video, two tears roll down her face, one on each cheek. O'Connor has said that her tears were real. She did not intend to cry but then thought, "I should let this happen."{{cite web |title=Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O'Connor Songfacts |url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=642 |website=Songfacts.com}} She explained that the tears were triggered by thoughts of her mother, who died in a car accident in 1985. She said she learned to channel her emotions with the "bel canto" singing style, which she compared to extreme acting methods.{{cite web |last=Laurence |first=Rebecca |title=Prince's heartbreaking song about loss |date=April 22, 2016 |url=http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20160422-princes-heartbreaking-song-about-loss}} In the middle and at the very end of the video, there is a shot from O'Connor's photo session for the I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got album cover.

= Release and reception =

The video received its world premiere on MTV's late-night alternative rock program 120 Minutes on January 28, 1990.{{cite web|title=Sinead O'Connor 120 Minutes X-Ray|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95UEfYxW8I&t=23s&ab_channel=MarkPakula|website=YouTube|access-date=April 18, 2025|date=January 28, 1990}} It won three "Moonmen" at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards: Video of the Year (O'Connor was the first female artist to be awarded it), Best Female Video and Best Post-Modern Video. It was nominated for Breakthrough Video, Viewer's Choice and International Viewer's Choice during the ceremony. The video was also the subject of many parodies and spoofs, such as Gina Riley's parody "Nothing Is There" on Fast Forward, referring to the fact that O'Connor tended to shave her head bald.{{cite web |date=April 21, 2009 |title=Gina Riley - Nothing is There!!! From Fast Forward |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jYPrZ2PA88 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/8jYPrZ2PA88 |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

Reception

= Commercial =

O'Connor's version was a worldwide hit, topping charts in O'Connor's native Ireland, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States (plus top five in France). It was certified platinum in Austria and in the United Kingdom, and gold in Germany and in Sweden.

In the United States it spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100; in addition, it was number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and reached number two on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart (held off the top position by Rod Stewart's "This Old Heart of Mine" for three weeks). In terms of its chart performance on the Hot 100 it ranked number three for 1990. In April 1990, it was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. On the second of its four weeks at number one, the record's parent album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got started a six-week run at number one on the Billboard 200. In 2019, the single ranked 97 in a Hot 100 60th-anniversary Top 600 covering the period from 1958 to 2018.

In the United Kingdom the single ranked number two for the year, behind a re-release of the Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody".{{Cite magazine |date=January 5, 1991 |title=Best selling albums & singles of 1990 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/52265646176/in/album-72177720301080070/ |magazine=Melody Maker |volume=67 |issue=1 |page=2}} In July 2023, days after O'Connor's death, "Nothing Compares 2 U" reappeared on the UK Top 100 at number 45,{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 28 July 2023 - 3 August 2023|website=Official Charts|date=July 28, 2023|access-date=July 28, 2023}} and charted at number 1 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/20230728/7000/|title=Official Singles Downloads Chart on 28/7/2023 28 July 2023 - 3 August 2023|website=Official Charts|date=July 28, 2023|access-date=July 28, 2023}}

= Critical =

{{Quote box

| width = 30%

| align = right

| quote = "A few times each year a song comes along that deserves extra-special recognition. Here's the first such entry of 1990. Since I've been shouting the praises of Sinéad's remarkable interpretation of this Prince-penned tune to many of you for over a month, it was safe to assume it would eventually end up on this page. Absolutely brilliant—and if you haven't caught the video, do yourself a favor and check it out NOW!"

| source = —Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report talking about the song.{{cite magazine|first= Dave |last= Sholin |title= Gavin Picks > Singles |magazine= Gavin Report |issue= 1797 |date= March 9, 1990 |page= 52 |access-date= April 17, 2018 |url= http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Gavin-Report/90/90/Gavin-1990-03-09.pdf}}

}}

O'Connor's version received mostly positive reviews. Jodi Cleesattle from American Eagle felt that "there is pain in Sinéad O'Connor's voice, and there probably always will be". She remarked that "loneliness and longing" are highlighted on the song, adding that O'Connor's voice "fits the song perfectly. Her vocals soar and leap unexpectedly but gracefully, making, the ballad, the loveliest of love songs."{{cite magazine|first= Jodi |last= Cleesattle |title= Pain, power essence of O'Connor's voice |magazine= American Eagle |date= April 2, 1990 |page= 15 }} Bill Coleman from Billboard declared it as a "brilliant interpretation of the melancholic lament."{{cite magazine|first=Bill|last=Coleman|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1990/BB-1990-03-10.pdf|title=Single Reviews|magazine=Billboard|date=March 10, 1990|access-date=February 15, 2020|page=91}} Ernest Hardy from Cashbox called it a "genuine tear-jerker".{{cite magazine|first= Ernest |last= Hardy |title= Pop Reviews: Albums |magazine= Cashbox |date= March 31, 1990 |page= 18 |access-date= October 27, 2020 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1990/CB-1990-03-31.pdf}}

Greg Sandow for Entertainment Weekly felt that it is a song "about how to carry on after losing love".{{cite magazine|first=Greg|last=Sandow|url=https://ew.com/article/1990/03/16/i-do-not-want-what-i-havent-got/|title=I Do not Want What I Haven't Got|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 16, 1990|access-date=February 23, 2020|author-link=Greg Sandow}} Tom Moon from Knight Ridder said she "adapts the breathy approach of a torch singer."{{cite magazine|first=Tom|last=Moon|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z-4iAAAAIBAJ|title=Sinead O'Connor produces a stunning second album|magazine=Spokane Chronicle|date=March 23, 1990|access-date=March 13, 2020}} A reviewer from Los Angeles Times noted that the singer "match raw emotion with spare sounds" on "the quiet, desperate, lovelorn beauty".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-03-18-ca-757-story.html|title=Sinead O'Connor "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got"|magazine=Los Angeles Times|date=March 18, 1990|access-date=February 26, 2020}} Melody Maker wrote, "It should go without saying that her voice is brilliant, but this is a pointless and embarrassing over-sentimental paw. The zillions of strings don't help, they don't add poignancy, they merely serve to drag the momentum backwards. [...] A waste of talent."{{cite magazine|author=Push|magazine=Melody Maker|title=Singles|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/52014187340/|date=January 6, 1990|access-date=February 24, 2023}}

Pan-European magazine Music & Media stated that out of all the recent covers of Prince songs – Chaka Khan's "I Feel for You", Tom Jones' "Kiss" and Simple Minds' "Sign o' the Times" – "this is definitely the most convincing." The reviewer noted further that originally recorded by Minneapolis band the Family for their 1985 debut album, "O'Connor's emotionally charged version has immediate appeal", and is "destined to be her biggest hit to date."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-02-03.pdf|title=Previews: Singles|magazine=Music & Media|date=February 3, 1990|page=16|access-date=February 19, 2020}} David Giles from Music Week found that the song "is not one of Prince's finest moments, and O'Connor does little to disguise this fact bar a few token vocal somersaults. The string synths also have a dirge-like effect, dragging the rest of the arrangement along with them."{{cite magazine|first= David |last= Giles |title= Singles |magazine= Music Week |date= January 13, 1990 |access-date= October 29, 2020 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1990/MW-1990-01-13.pdf}}

The Network Forty{{'}}s reviewer wrote that "when Sinéad sang 'Nothing Compares 2 U', seas calmed, angels wept and Top 40 radio stood still to listen to this powerful expression of unrequited love."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Network-40/90/Network-40-1990-12-21.pdf|title=Musical Memories of 1990|magazine=The Network Forty|date=December 21, 1990|page=6|access-date=March 21, 2020}} James Brown from NME said, "Pining for a recently departed love, Sinéad hits the lyrics with an immense range of vocal ability and passion. From a gossamer thin whisper to a searing plea she shows just how much catching up Kate Bush has to do."{{cite magazine|first=James|last=Brown|magazine=NME|title=Singles|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/52027358238/|date=January 20, 1990|access-date=February 24, 2023}} Tom Doyle from Smash Hits felt that "it doesn't sound at all like any of her other stuff."{{cite magazine|first=Tom|last=Doyle|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/smashhits90s/35546288695/in/album-72157682695959053/|title=Review: LPs|magazine=Smash Hits|issue=294|page=55|date=March 7, 1990|access-date=March 8, 2020}}

= Retrospective =

In 2019, Bill Lamb from About.com wrote that O'Connor's "emotional, gutsy performance made it a classic. Painful loss meets stunning vocal beauty with a perfectly understated instrumental arrangement."{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Lamb|url=https://www.liveabout.com/top-songs-from-the-90s-3245307|title=The Best 100 Songs From the 1990s|publisher=About.com|date=September 7, 2019|access-date=March 21, 2020}} In their 2020 retrospective review, Matthew Hocter from Albumism described it as a song "deeply rooted in emotion and despair which would go on to certify O'Connor and that song as one of music history's most unforgettable moments."{{cite web|url=https://www.albumism.com/features/sinead-oconnor-i-do-not-want-what-i-havent-got-turns-30-anniversary-retrospective|title=Sinéad O'Connor's 'I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got' Turns 30: Anniversary Retrospective|publisher=Albumism|date=March 18, 2020|access-date=March 23, 2020}} AllMusic editor Steve Huey called the song "stunning" and noted its "remarkable intimacy".{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Huey|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/i-do-not-want-what-i-havent-got-mw0000654778|title=Sinéad O'Connor - I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=March 21, 2020}}

In 2010, Tom Ewing of Freaky Trigger noted it as a "very moving track", and added that it "captures the stasis, anger and devastation of a bad break-up with awful accuracy." He also complimented the music "whose stately, sympathetic pulse gives O’Connor the canvas she needs to be so devastating."{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Ewing|url=http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2010/10/sinead-oconnor-nothing-compares-2-u/#more-20020|title=Sinead O'Connor – "Nothing Compares 2 U"|publisher=Freaky Trigger|date=October 29, 2010|access-date=March 6, 2020}} In a 2000 review, Steven Wells from NME said "it remains one of the best 'boo-hoo, my bloke's left me' pop songs ever recorded", and a "stark reminder that O'Connor is blessed with an amazing and unique voice". He concluded with that it "remains the outstanding highlight of her career to date. She's more than capable of surpassing it in the future. Less Sade and more Aretha, please."{{cite web|first= Steven |last= Wells |title= Sinead O'Connor – So Far... The Best Of... Sinead O'Connor |url= http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/19980101000788reviews.html |work= NME |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20000817172905/http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/19980101000788reviews.html |access-date= December 4, 2020|archive-date= August 17, 2000 }}

In 2009, Mark Richardson from Pitchfork stated that "you have to look pretty hard to find a better expression in pop music of the void that exists when a relationship ends."{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12954-i-do-not-want-what-i-havent-got-limted-edition/|title=Sinéad O'Connor: I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (Limited Edition)|work=Pitchfork|date=April 24, 2009|access-date=March 7, 2020|last=Richardson|first=Mark}} In a 2015 retrospective review, Pop Rescue wrote that O'Connor "makes light work" of the track, and she's "having plenty of power to belt out the lyrics at the right points." The reviewer added that it is a "fantastic exhibit of 90s music".{{cite web|url=https://poprescue.com/2015/10/05/pop-rescue-i-do-not-want-what-i-havent-got-by-sinead-oconnor-cd-1990/|title=Review: "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" by Sinead O'Connor (CD, 1990)|publisher=Pop Rescue|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2020}} In 2004, Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine felt that it perhaps is O'Connor's "greatest vocal achievement" and described it as a "classic torch song she quite simply owns."{{cite magazine|first=Sal|last=Cinquemani|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=347|title=I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got|magazine=Slant Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930153643/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=347|access-date=February 26, 2020|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}

Prince versions

In 1993, Prince released a live version of "Nothing Compares 2 U", with Rosie Gaines on guest vocals, on his compilation album The Hits/The B-Sides. This version reached number seven on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart in 1993{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/hbu/ |title=Prince Chart History |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=October 3, 2021}} and number 66 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in the Billboard issue dated January 15, 1994.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FwgEAAAAMBAJ&q=prince+Nothing+Compares+2+U+billboard&pg=PA16 |title=Hot R&B Singles |magazine=Billboard |volume= 106|issue=3 |issn=0006-2510|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|via=Google Books|date=January 15, 1994|accessdate=October 3, 2021}} Following Prince's death in 2016, this version reached number 43 on the US Digital Songs Sales chart{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/hds/ |title=Prince Chart History |magazine=Billboard|via=Billboard.com |accessdate=October 3, 2021}} and number 31 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/rbt/ |title=Prince Chart History |magazine=Billboard|via=Billboard.com |accessdate=October 3, 2021}} Prince also released other live versions of the song on his concert film Rave Un2 the Year 2000, and on his 2002 live album One Nite Alone... Live!.{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}}

Prince's 1984 demo (albeit in newly mixed form by Tony Maserati){{cite AV media notes|title=Nothing Compares 2 U (limited edition 7" single)|year=2018}} was released as a single in 2018 by Warner Bros. Records in conjunction with his estate. It was accompanied by a music video, consisting of edited rehearsal footage shot in mid-1984.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpGA0azFdCs| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/cpGA0azFdCs| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live|work=YouTube|title=Prince - Nothing Compares 2 U [OFFICIAL VIDEO]|date=April 19, 2018}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a19863265/prince-nothing-compares-2-u-original-listen|work=Esquire|title=Prince's Only Recording of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' Has Finally Been Released. It's Incredible.|first=Matt|last=Miller|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=April 26, 2018}} The single reached number 21 on the US Hot R&B Songs chart{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/bst/ |title=Prince Chart History |magazine=Billboard|via=Billboard.com |accessdate=October 3, 2021}} and number eight on the US R&B Digital Song Sales chart in 2018.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince/chart-history/rdt/ |title=Prince Chart History |magazine=Billboard |via=Billboard.com|accessdate=October 3, 2021}} It was included as the final track on Prince's 2019 posthumous compilation Originals.

=Personnel (1984 version)=

Credits sourced from Duane Tudahl and Guitarcloud{{cite book|last=Tudahl |first=Duane |date=2018 |title=Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions: 1983 and 1984 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=9781538116432 |edition=Expanded }}{{cite web|title=Yamaha DX7|url=http://guitarcloud.org/equipment/yamaha-dx7|access-date=May 8, 2023|website=guitarcloud.org}}

Legacy

  • In 2003, Q magazine ranked "Nothing Compares 2 U" at number 242 in their list of the "1001 Best Songs Ever".{{Cite web|url=https://www.muzieklijstjes.nl/Q1001bestsongsever.htm|title=Q - 1001 best songs ever (2003)|website=Muzieklijstjes.nl|access-date=April 25, 2021}}
  • It was included at number 165 by Rolling Stone in its list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

{{cite magazine

| date = December 9, 2004

| title = The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time

| magazine = Rolling Stone

| issue = 963

| url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-500-greatest-songs-of-all-time-20110407

| access-date = March 17, 2011

}}

  • In 2007, VH1 ranked O'Connor's rendition number 10 of the "100 Greatest Songs of the 90s".{{cite web|author=Breaking Dawn Soundtrack: Posted |url=http://blog.vh1.com/2007-12-13/top-100-songs-of-the-90s/ |title=Top 100 Songs of the '90s | VH1 Blog |publisher=Blog.vh1.com |date=December 13, 2007 |access-date=November 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214035830/http://blog.vh1.com/2007-12-13/top-100-songs-of-the-90s |archive-date=February 14, 2012 }}
  • In September 2010, Pitchfork included the song at number 37 on their Top 200 Tracks of the 90s.{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7852-the-top-200-tracks-of-the-1990s-50-21/2/ |title=Staff Lists: The Top 200 Tracks of the 1990s: 50-21 | Features |website=Pitchfork |date=September 2, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2014 |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509001806/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7852-the-top-200-tracks-of-the-1990s-50-21/2/ |url-status=dead }}
  • The song was listed at number 77 on Billboard{{'}}s "Greatest Songs of All Time".[https://web.archive.org/web/20080913210022/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/specials/hot100/charts/top100-titles-80.shtml "The Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs (80-71)"].
  • Time magazine included "Nothing Compares 2 U" in its 2011 (unranked) list of "All-TIME 100 Songs".{{cite news|url=https://entertainment.time.com/2011/10/24/the-all-time-100-songs/#nothing-compares-2-u-sinead-o-connor |title='Tightrope' | 100 Greatest Popular Songs: TIME List of Best Music |publisher=Time |date=October 21, 2011 |access-date=March 30, 2014}}
  • In 2012, Porcys listed the song at number 60 in their ranking of "100 Singles 1990-1999", noting that "it's probably one of the noblest, most dignified slow songs of the decade".{{cite web|title=100 Singli 1990-1999|url=http://www.porcys.com/ranking/100-singli-1990-1999/6/|website=Porcys|date=August 20, 2012|language=pl|access-date=April 2, 2020}}
  • In October 2014, Aretha Franklin released her 38th and final studio album Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics in which she covered several songs by other female recording artists, including an upbeat, jazz version of "Nothing Compares 2 U".
  • On May 4, 2016, the song was simulcast on radio stations throughout the United States to commemorate Prince 15 days after his death. The simulcast was timed to reflect the song's opening lyric: "It's been 7 hours and 15 days since you took your love away."{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7356754/prince-nothing-compares-2-u-radio-simulcast | title=Billboard|first=Gary|last=Trust|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2018}}
  • Chris Cornell posted a link to his version the day after Prince's death. In an accompanying message, he wrote: "Prince's music is the soundtrack to the soulful and beautiful universe he created, and we have all been privileged to be part of that amazing world. I performed his song 'Nothing Compares 2 U' for the first time a couple months ago. It has a timeless relevance for me and practically everyone I know. Sadly, now his own lyrics in this song could not be more relevant than at this moment, and I sing them now in reverence as I pay tribute to this unequaled artist who has given all of our lives so much inspiration and made the world so much more interesting. We will miss you Prince!!!"{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chris-cornell-princes-music-is-the-soundtrack-to-the-soulful-and-beautiful-universe-he-created/|title=CHRIS CORNELL: 'PRINCE's Music Is The Soundtrack To The Soulful And Beautiful Universe He Created'|website=Blabbermouth|date=April 22, 2016}} On Father's Day 2018, Cornell's daughter Toni released a version of the song she recorded with her father before his death in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2018/06/chris-cornell-daughter-prince/|title=Chris Cornell and his daughter cover Prince's 'Nothing Compares 2 U': Stream|website=Consequence|date=June 17, 2018}} In 2020, the song was covered on Chris Cornell's No One Sings Like You Anymore, Vol. 1.{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/chris-cornell-no-one-sings-like-you-anymore-review-1101439/ |title=Chris Cornell's Historic Voice and Great Ear Take Center Stage on the Covers LP, 'No One Sings Like You Anymore'|first=Kory|last=Grow|website=rollingstone.com|date=December 11, 2020}}
  • In 2019, Stacker placed the song at number 20 in their list of "Best 90s pop songs".{{cite web|first= Jacob |last= Osborn |title= Best 90s pop songs |website= Stacker |url= https://thestacker.com/stories/2971/best-90s-pop-songs#10 |date= April 30, 2019 |access-date= April 22, 2020}}
  • In 2020, The Guardian ranked the song at number 12 in its list of the "100 Greatest UK No 1s"{{Cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/may/21/the-100-greatest-uk-no-1s-no-12-sinead-oconnor-nothing-compares-2-u|title=The 100 greatest UK No 1s: No 12, Sinéad O'Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U|date=May 21, 2020|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Rachel|last=Aroesti|access-date=April 25, 2021}}
  • In 2020, Cleveland.com ranked "Nothing Compares 2 U" the best Billboard Hot 100 number-one song of the 1990s in 2020, calling it "one of the greatest love songs ever written".{{cite web |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/10/every-no-1-song-of-the-1990s-ranked-from-worst-to-best.html|title=Every No. 1 song of the 1990s ranked from worst to best|first=Tony L.|last=Smith|work=Cleveland.com|date=October 21, 2020|access-date=February 5, 2021}}
  • Country artist Jon Pardi covered the song on his album Rancho Fiesta Sessions in 2020.
  • It was included at number 184 by Rolling Stone in its 2021 update list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/the-supremes-baby-love-3-1224838/|title=500 Best Songs of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=February 19, 2022}}
  • In 2024, Annie Lennox, accompanied by Wendy & Lisa sang this song at the 2024 Grammy Awards during the "In Memoriam" segment as a tribute to O'Connor. During the performance she had a tear painted on her cheek in homage to a similar scene in the song's music video.{{cite magazine |last1=Madarang |first1=Charisma |last2=Grow |first2=Kory |date=February 5, 2024 |title=Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, Tina Turner Honored During In Memoriam at 2024 Grammys |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grammys-2024-in-memoriam-tribute-1234956928/ |access-date=February 5, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} She ended the performance by saying "Artists for ceasefire! Peace in the world!" as a response to the 2023 Gaza war ceasefire and the Gaza war. The statement was also seen as a tribute to O'Connor's political outspokenness.{{cite magazine |last=Nichols |first=John |date=February 6, 2024 |title=And the Winner Is… Annie Lennox and Artists for Cease-Fire |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/annie-lennox-grammys-ceasefire/ |access-date=February 15, 2024 |magazine=The National}}
  • In 2025 at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special the song was performed by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard with backing by The Roots.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGrzWnT6NwY&feature=youtu.be |title=Miley Cyrus with Brittany Howard and The Roots: Nothing Compares 2 U (Live) – SNL50 |date=February 16, 2025 |last=Night Live |access-date=February 17, 2025 |via=YouTube}}

Track listings

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

  • 7" single
  1. "Nothing Compares 2 U" – 5:09
  2. "Jump in the River" – 4:13

{{col-2}}

  • CD maxi
  1. "Nothing Compares 2 U" – 5:09
  2. "Jump in the River" – 4:13
  3. "Jump in the River" (instrumental) – 4:04

{{col-end}}

Credits and personnel

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Nothing Compares 2 U

{{col-2}}

Jump in the River

  • Sinéad O'Connor – music and lyrics, lead vocals, producer, mixing
  • Marco Pirroni – music and lyrics
  • Chris Birkett – engineering, mixing
  • Fachtna O' Ceallaigh – mixing

{{col-end}}

Charts

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

=Weekly charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"

|+Weekly chart performance for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

! scope="col"| Chart (1990)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

{{single chart|Australia|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Austria|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Flanders|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Canadatopsingles|1|chartid=9051|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2019}}
{{single chart|Canadaadultcontemporary|1|chartid=9135|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2019}}
scope="row"|Denmark (IFPI){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-03-24.pdf|title=Top 3 Singles in Europe|magazine=Music & Media|volume=7|issue=12|page=11|date=March 24, 1990|access-date=March 22, 2018}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-03-03.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Music & Media|volume=7|issue=9|page=13|date=March 3, 1990|access-date=November 22, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

scope="row"|Finland (Suomen virallinen lista){{cite book | first= Jake | last= Nyman |year= 2005 | title=Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja | edition= 1st | publisher=Tammi | location= Helsinki| isbn= 951-31-2503-3| language= fi }}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

{{single chart|France|5|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
scope="row"|Iceland (Íslenski Listinn){{cite web|url=http://timarit.is/files/20094152.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|title=Íslenski Listinn (1990)|publisher=Dagblaðið Vísir|access-date=February 6, 2018|language=is|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211002105/http://timarit.is/page/2568861#navpanes=1&view=FitH|url-status=dead}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

{{single chart|Ireland2|1|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2019}}
scope="row"|Italy (Musica e dischi)

| style="text-align:center;"|1

{{single chart|Dutch40|1|year=1990|week=7|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2019}}
{{single chart|Dutch100|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|New Zealand|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Norway|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
scope="row"|Portugal (AFP){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-08-11.pdf|title=Top 3 Singles in Europe|magazine=Music & Media|volume=7|issue=32|page=10|date=August 11, 1990|access-date=November 22, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

scope="row"|Spain (AFYVE){{cite book|last=Salaverri|first=Fernando|title=Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002|edition=1st|date=September 2005|publisher=Fundación Autor-SGAE|location=Spain|isbn=84-8048-639-2}}

|align="center"|4

{{single chart|Sweden|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Switzerland|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|UK|1|date=19900203|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|1|artist=Sinead O'Connor|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|2|artist=Sinead O'Connor|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|Billboardalternativesongs|1|artist=Sinead O'Connor|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|West Germany|1|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|songid=2075|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2019}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+2010 weekly chart performance for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

!Chart (2010)

!Peak
position

{{single chart|Poland|1|chartid=35|year=2010|rowheader=true|access-date=August 3, 2012}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+2011 weekly chart performance for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

!Chart (2011)

!Peak
position

{{single chart|Denmark|19|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"

|+2023 weekly chart performance for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

! scope="col"| Chart (2023)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

{{single chart|Billboardglobal200|118|artist=Sinead O'Connor|rowheader=true|access-date=August 3, 2023}}
{{single chart|Ireland4|7|date=20230805|rowheader=true|access-date=August 5, 2023}}
scope="row"| Israel (Media Forest){{cite web|url=https://mediaforest-group.com/weekly_charts.html#!#menu2|title=Media Forest charts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731212757/https://mediaforest-group.com/weekly_charts.html|archive-date=July 31, 2023|publisher=Media Forest|access-date=August 1, 2023}}

|align="center"| 3

scope="row"| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/hot-singles/2023-09-01|title=NZ Hot Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=August 7, 2023|access-date=August 5, 2023}}

|align="center"| 20

{{single chart|Switzerland|47|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|song=Nothing Compares 2 U|rowheader=true|access-date=August 3, 2023|refname=SWI2023}}
{{single chart|UK|30|date=20230804|rowheader=true|refname=UK2023}}
{{single chart|UKindie|5|date=20230804|rowheader=true|access-date=August 3, 2023}}
{{single chart|Billboardrocksongs|10|artist=Sinead O'Connor|rowheader=true|access-date=August 3, 2023}}

{{col-2}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"

|+Year-end chart performance for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

! scope="col"| Chart (1990)

! scope="col"| Position

scope="row"|Australia (ARIA){{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1990/singles-chart|title=ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1990|publisher=ARIA|access-date=February 10, 2021}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

scope="row"|Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40){{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=s&id=1990|title=Jahreshitparade Singles 1990|language=de|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|2

scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop){{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1990|title=Jaaroverzichten 1990|publisher=Ultratop|language=nl|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|3

scope="row"|Canada Top Singles (RPM){{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9139&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.9139.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9139|title=RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1990|magazine=RPM|via=Library and Archives Canada|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|3

scope="row"|Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM){{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9139&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.9139.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9139|title=RPM Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks of 1990|magazine=RPM|via=Library and Archives Canada|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-12-22.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 1990|magazine=Music & Media|volume=7|issue=51|page=36|date=December 22, 1990|access-date=February 10, 2021}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

scope="row"|Germany (Media Control){{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-1990|title=Top 100 Single–Jahreschart 1990|publisher=GfK Entertainment|language=de|access-date=June 1, 2018}}

| style="text-align:center;"|2

scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40){{cite web|url=http://www.top40.nl/pdf/Top%20100/top%20100%20-%201990.pdf|title=Single top 100 over 1990|publisher=Top40|language=nl|access-date=April 12, 2010}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100){{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1990&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 1990|publisher=MegaCharts|language=nl|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|1

scope="row"|New Zealand (RIANZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-singles/1990-12-31|title=End of Year Charts 1990|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|access-date=December 3, 2017}}

| style="text-align:center;"|11

scope="row"|Sweden (Topplistan){{cite web|url=http://www.grammotex.se/topp90singlar.htm|title=Årstopplistan 1990, Singlar|publisher=Grammotex|language=sv|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010216102929/http://www.grammotex.se/topp90singlar.htm|archive-date=16 February 2001|access-date=7 April 2025}}

| style="text-align:center;"|3

scope="row"|Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade){{cite web|url=http://www.swisscharts.com/charts/jahreshitparade/1990|title=Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1990|language=de|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|6

scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC){{cite magazine|title=1990 Top 100 Singles|magazine=Music Week|publisher=Spotlight Publications|location=London, England|page=41|date=March 2, 1991}}

| style="text-align:center;"|2

scope="row"|US Billboard Hot 100{{cite web|url=http://billboardtop100of.com/1990-2/|title=Billboard Top 100 – 1990|website=Billboardtop100of.com|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

| style="text-align:center;"|3

scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1990/adult-contemporary-songs|title=Year-End Charts: Adult Contemporary Songs 1990|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128210425/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1990/adult-contemporary-songs|archive-date=January 28, 2021|access-date=March 10, 2021}}

| style="text-align:center;"|26

scope="row"|US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard){{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music 1990: Top Modern Rock Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=102|issue=51|page=YE-47|date=22 December 1990}}

| style="text-align:center;"|6

=Decade-end charts=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+Decade-end chart performance for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

! scope="col"| Chart (1990–1999)

! scope="col"| Position

scope="row"| US Billboard Hot 100{{cite magazine | first = Geoff | last = Mayfield | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=9w0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA4 | title = 1999 The Year in Music Totally '90s: Diary of a Decade - The listing of Top Pop Albums of the '90s & Hot 100 Singles of the '90s | magazine = Billboard | date = December 25, 1999 | access-date = October 15, 2010}}

| style="text-align:center;"|82

=All-time charts=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+All-time chart performance for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

! scope="col"| Chart (1958–2018)

! scope="col"| Position

scope="row"|US Billboard Hot 100{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100-60th-anniversary|title=Billboard Hot 100 60th Anniversary Interactive Chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 10, 2018}}

| style="text-align:center;"|97

{{col-end}}

=Ireland chart history=

"Nothing Compares 2 U" entered the Irish singles chart on January 11, 1990, reaching number one two weeks later. After a six-week run at the top, Sinéad O'Connor was replaced by "Love Shack" by the B-52's. The song left the chart on March 29, after twelve weeks.

=UK chart history=

In the UK Top 100 chart dated January 20, 1990, the single entered at number 30, then rocketed to number three, then to number one, where it stayed for four weeks, holding off a twin challenge from dance acts Technotronic and Black Box. The single slipped to number two in the chart dated March 3, replaced at the top by "Dub Be Good to Me" by Beats International. "Nothing Compares 2 U" completed its twelve-week run within the UK Top 40 in early April. "Nothing Compares 2 U" was Britain's biggest-selling new recording of 1990, ranking number two in the year-end chart behind a re-release of the Righteous Brothers' 1965 hit "Unchained Melody".

=US chart history=

The single entered the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 at number 33, in the issue dated March 24, 1990. "Nothing Compares 2 U" rose steadily over the next four weeks – no doubt bolstered by the increasing exposure of the song's video on MTV – before reaching number one in the issue dated April 21. The single took just six weeks to reach number one – tied with Madonna's "Vogue" and New Kids on the Block's "Step by Step" as the year's fastest climber to the top. It spent four weeks at number one, as it did in the UK, with Jane Child's "Don't Wanna Fall in Love" and Calloway's "I Wanna Be Rich" stuck at number two.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} Madonna's "Vogue" replaced "Nothing Compares 2 U" at number one. The single spent ten weeks in the Top Ten – one of only four 1990 releases to do so – and finished its 15-week run in the US Top 40 in late June.

Certifications and sales

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Nothing Compares 2 U"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1990|certyear=1990|access-date=July 17, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinead O'Connor|type=single|award=Platinum|certyear=1990|relyear=1990|access-date=October 10, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinead O'Connor|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2020|relyear=1990|id=9796|access-date=December 8, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=1990|relyear=1990|access-date=October 10, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1990|certyear=2021|note=sales since 2009|access-date=May 17, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|nocert=true|salesamount=175,000|relyear=1990|salesref={{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-01-12.pdf|magazine=Billboard|title=Nothing Compares To Sinead, Collins On Dutch Charts In '90|author=Willemm Hoos|via=World Radio History|page=65|date=January 12, 1991|accessdate=September 9, 2021}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1990|certyear=2023|id=2023-08-04|source=newchart|access-date=November 20, 2024|refname="rmnz"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|award=Platinum|certyear=2024|relyear=1990|access-date=November 12, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|award=Platinum|certyear=1990|relyear=1990|access-date=October 10, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|award=Platinum|certyear=1990|relyear=1990|id=4645-3468-1|note=1990 sales + post 1994 sales|salesamount=1,457,384|salesref={{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-top-40-best-selling-songs-of-1990__33128/|title=Official Top 30 best-selling songs of 1990|publisher=Official Charts|author=Rob Copsey|date=May 14, 2021|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/sin-ad-o-connor-s-nothing-compares-2-u-could-go-top-20-for-first-time-in-33-years/088280|publisher=Music Week|title=Sinéad O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U could go Top 20 for first time in 33 years|date=July 31, 2023|first=Andre|last=Paine|accessdate=September 12, 2023}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|award=Platinum|note=1990 sales|certyear=1990|relyear=1990|access-date=October 10, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Nothing Compares 2 U|artist=Sinéad O'Connor|type=single|nocert=true|note=digital sales|relyear=1990|salesamount=1,015,608|salesref={{cite news|url=http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-9-14-17.pdf|title=Nielsen SoundScan charts – Digital Songs – Week Ending: 09/14/2017|work=Nielsen SoundScan|access-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919211714/http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-9-14-17.pdf|archive-date=September 19, 2017}}}}

{{Certification Table Summary}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|nocert=true|salesamount=3,500,000|note=1990 sales|salesref={{cite web|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1990/MM-1990-09-22.pdf|title=Sinead|date=September 22, 1990|magazine=Music & Media|access-date=October 10, 2019}}}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

Release history

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+ Release history for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

! Country

! Release date

scope="row"| United Kingdom

| January 8, 1990

scope="row"| Various

| February 4, 1990

scope="row"| United States

| February 11, 1990

See also

References

{{Reflist}}

{{Prince singles}}

{{Sinéad O'Connor}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Awards for "Nothing Compares 2 U"

| titlestyle = background: lightblue

| list1 =

{{MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

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Category:European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles

Category:Irish Singles Chart number-one singles

Category:MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video

Category:MTV Video of the Year Award

Category:Music videos directed by John Maybury

Category:Number-one singles in Australia

Category:Number-one singles in Austria

Category:Number-one singles in Belgium

Category:Number-one singles in Denmark

Category:Number-one singles in Finland

Category:Number-one singles in Germany

Category:Number-one singles in Iceland

Category:Number-one singles in Italy

Category:Number-one singles in New Zealand

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Category:Number-one singles in Portugal

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Category:Number-one singles in Poland

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Category:Pop ballads

Category:Prince (musician) songs

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Category:Song recordings produced by Nellee Hooper

Category:Songs about loneliness

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Category:Torch songs

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Category:1990s in Irish music