The Family - Nothing Compares 2 U

From The Family self-titled album, 'The Family' (Paisley Park/Warner Bros. 1985)

[timothysullivan]

I knew this version before Sinead O’Connor covered it. Still have this album. I remember being 17 or 18 years old when this came out. My best friend at the time turned me on to this album. At that time we were obsessed with Prince. My friend died in 1992 at the age of 25. This song and entire album reminds me of him. This is a masterpiece. A gem

[johnstubbs]

U can feel Prince's fingerprints all over this song. I'm gonna miss that musical genius, R.I.P.

[mikejames]

One of the most beautifully complex pop songs ever written. The movement of the strings over the pulsating drums is pure genius. Honestly I am not mad that it is oft overlooked as we all know most great things often are. But those who know, know!

[bebgirl]

This was the first version I heard, back in 1985. This album is SO good. Sinéad O'Connor's version is just as good - but a different tone. May she rest in peace.

[eileenpizarro]

This whole album has Prince all over it. This is a classic album. It’s truly special. A treasure. I love the original version sung by St. Paul ( The Family ). I am listening in 2024 going into 2025.

[biged]

I am just living in my own mortality over this. RIP Prince, Michael, Whitney...Lord...Bless them all.

[hoosierfanlife]

St Paul was on the tour with us of Paisley Park. He played this song on one of Prince’s pianos in Studio B. It was jaw dropping. Both my wife and I cried our eyes out. He’s really talented.

[NoNo-ksgg]

No doubt this was a great song from the first time it was heard --- but Prince was just all over the place (with music just spewing out of him)! And this was a first time band without much fanfare . . . and the song just got lost in the mix, but primarily in the aura of the Purple One.
And when their first song, "Screams of Passion" only made it to 17 on the Black Charts . . . this follow-up song was doomed from the start and the Family, as a group just disintegrated!
And there you have it . . . a perfect history lesson from someone who was a DJ . . . and lived it!
#facts
#ifyadontknow
#nowyaknow

[justintime]

This is my favorite version, the original, the strings are epic .The whole family album was epic Prince was always a genius .This is the song of a true broken heart.

[lincoln]

Prince was not only a musical genius, he was also a mentor and a "Kickstarter" to many talented young musicians. He wrote this song and gave it to The Family to record and, under his tutelage, it sounds great! Still have the cassette and it is all superb and dripping with Prince's influence. It amazes me at how MANY songs he wrote and gave to other artists to help them get a push in the industry. I've heard that there are hundreds of unpublished songs in his vault and hours of video that he never released. Hopefully, one day we get to hear those as well. Until then, keep listening to St. Paul and the Family.

[lepoetress]

LOVE this song!!! St Paul sang the hell outta this!!

[anthonyanderson]

Bought this bomb music on cassette in the spring of 85. A girl I had a crush on borrowed it. I guess you know I never saw that cassette again. Thanks to YouTube for giving this great music back.

[janeedwards]

Best version of this song. I wish they would release this album again. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[leejordan]

This was the first version of this song I ever heard. And it still haunts me. I LOVE IT!!

[patricktomkins]

this will always be the original for me. I I remember buying every Prince protege album in the 80's. I remember hearing this for the first time and I couldn't believe Prince just gave it away, it would have been a surefire number one single for him.

[stevedail]

Hauntingly-good song with a hauntingly-good sax solo. Thank you Prince for this gem.

[larryblack]

This is by far the best version of this classic. My father died when this came out. Even though the song in no way represents our relationship, it reminds me of that time in my life. I was 21 then. I'm almost 60 now. Sometimes I feel like Prince wrote the soundtrack of my young life.

[michaelwolf]

Yes, had this album before Sinead, such a beautiful version. Loved listening to this in my bedroom so long ago. From Mpls and came of age during this period, amazing.

[kellynncarter]

before Sinaed. this is the original. it was beautiful then and even more powerful and beautifully done by Prince and Rosie Gaines.

[wj]

Just visited Paisley Park for a tour. It’s was just as Prince was UNBELIEVABLE!!! So glad I had a chance to have this experience!!! Thank you Prince for everything!!!