For years after this album was released Prince tried to reclaim the lead single from this album – Nothing Compares 2 U. He kept releasing his own versions of the song. He’d release his original version. He’d re‑record it. He’d try all matter of tricks. No matter how hard he tried, nothing could take away from this, the definitive version. Yes, Prince, you wrote it. But it belongs to Sinead now. She owns it.
Nothing Compares 2 U is still quite a remarkable song and acts as a bit of a Trojan horse for the rest of the album. Sinead isn’t a one trick pony. The other songs on the album are great – Emperor’s New Clothes, Black Boys on Mopeds are among the best. But overall, it’s hard to imagine most people who bought the album for the sad and mournful ballad listening to the rest of the album on repeat. I think you have to remember that back in the day you’d have to buy the whole album to listen to one song.
It’s not an album of love songs, they’re a bit spikey and have a bit of an edge to them. Much like Sinead herself.
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