Hear Prince’s Original 1984 Version of ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’—A Long-Lost Gem Revealed!

In an exciting revelation for music lovers everywhere, Prince’s estate has unveiled the long-lost original 1984 version of the iconic song “Nothing Compares 2 U.” While the song is best known for Sinead O’Connor’s groundbreaking 1990 cover, which became a global hit, the original rendition recorded by Prince himself offers a fascinating glimpse into the genius behind the song—and now, fans can hear it for the first time.

Recorded in 1984 at the Flying Cloud Drive ‘Warehouse’ in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Prince’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” was initially intended for his side project, The Family, and appeared on their self-titled debut album. However, it wasn’t until O’Connor’s powerful cover that the song truly gained worldwide fame, reaching No. 1 on charts in over a dozen countries.

The newly unveiled version of the song comes with a twist: it’s accompanied by previously unseen rehearsal footage of Prince and The Revolution, offering fans a rare look at the creative process that went into the song’s development. This is a treat for fans of both Prince and O’Connor, as it reveals the raw emotional energy and the unmistakable style that Prince poured into this timeless track.

Michael Howe, the official vault archivist for Prince’s estate, shared his excitement about discovering the original multitrack recording while doing an inventory of 1984-era material. “After retrieving my jaw from the floor,” Howe recalled, “we took the reel upstairs, analyzed it, put it up on the Studer 24 track machine, and digitized it to 24/192. Even our ‘faders up’ rough mix was compelling enough to indicate that this was something very special indeed.”

This version of the song offers a unique perspective on the beloved track, showcasing Prince’s signature blend of soul, funk, and melancholy. It’s a rare opportunity to hear the song as it was originally envisioned by its creator, giving fans new insight into his creative process.

In addition to streaming and downloading, Prince’s original version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” will also be available as two 7-inch vinyl singles, allowing collectors and vinyl enthusiasts to add this remarkable piece of musical history to their collections.

The release of this track is just one of many exciting projects from Prince’s estate, which has also launched an interactive fan experience website called Prince2Me. This platform allows fans to share their personal connections to Prince and his legacy, celebrating the artist’s profound impact on music and culture.

With the unveiling of the 1984 version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Prince’s estate continues to honor his enduring legacy while providing fans with a deeper connection to his music. This never-before-heard version of the song is a true gem, offering a fresh perspective on one of Prince’s most iconic compositions. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to his music, this release is a must-listen—and a testament to the timeless brilliance of Prince.