What makes Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O'Connor notable?

The album is best known for its lead single, which topped the charts in numerous countries and became a defining anthem of the era. Its success brought O'Connor critical acclaim, including nominations at the Grammy Awards, and it sparked conversations about the portrayal of women in music due to its intense emotional content and O'Connor's striking visual presentation. Released in January 1990, 'Nothing Compares 2 U' was Sinéad O'Connor's breakthrough single, following her debut album 'The Lion and the Cobra' from 1987. This album marked a significant moment in her career, as it catapulted her to international fame and showcased her unique voice and powerful emotional range.

How many songs are on Nothing Compares 2 U?

Nothing Compares 2 U has 3 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Nothing Compares 2 U

Sinéad O'Connor · 1990

13 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of orchestral pop and raw emotional vocal delivery that transcends genre boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nothing Compares 2 U — This track became an international hit, characterized by its poignant lyrics and O'Connor's haunting vocal performance that delivers a profound sense of loss and longing.
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Jump in the River — As a B-side to the iconic single, this track exemplifies O'Connor's versatility and ability to blend introspective lyrics with rich instrumentation.
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Jump in the River (instrumental) — This instrumental version allows listeners to appreciate the lush arrangement and emotional weight of the music without vocal distraction, highlighting O'Connor's artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and emotional delivery, with distinct contrasts between tracks.

What we noticed

The lead track features a sparse arrangement that highlights O'Connor's vocal performance, with strings swelling during the chorus.
The second track introduces a more upbeat tempo and a fuller instrumental backing, contrasting sharply with the first.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Nothing Compares 2 U 5:12
2 Jump in the River 4:16
3 Jump in the River (instrumental) 4:11

What to play next

Listen next

Am I Not Your Girl?

1992

Go back to

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

1990

Full Sinéad O'Connor discography Where to start with Sinéad O'Connor Artists like Sinéad O'Connor

alternative rock folk rock indie pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata