10 Greatest UK No.1 Singles Of The 1990s
2. Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
We have a lot to thank Prince for.
Not only did he provide us with some of the most unique pop songs of all time, he also penned several hits for other people. He wrote Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You", The Bangles' "Manic Monday" (no, seriously), and Sinead O'Connor's weepy wonder, "Nothing Compares 2 U".
O'Connor's floating ghost head first performed the song in early 1990. It would become a huge hit for the Irish star through its combination of soft production ghostly vocals, and beautiful lyrics on the topic of love and loss.
The song's iconic music video was directed by John Maybury, who also dreamt up the video for "West End Girls" by The Pet Shop Boys. It won Sinead "Video of the Year" at the VMAs, making her the first woman to achieve such an accolade.
"Nothing Compares..." is a great example of a singer putting their own stamp on someone else's song. O'Connor's ethereal vocals suit this version of the track perfectly and the subject matter is enough to grab at the heartstrings and pluck at the mind in equal measure.
If you fancy a good cry, then this song should be top of your playlist.