The Original Unreleased Version Of “Nothing Compares 2 U” Has Just Been Revealed & It’s Unbelievable

May 15, 2018 by apost team

Recently the Prince Estate released the original recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U” and we couldn’t be happier. It’s so unbelievable, but—really—what else would you expect from Prince? The original version of the song is much different than the version that would be released featuring Rosie Gaines.

Instead of being drenched in reverb, the original version straps you into an incredibly intimate atmosphere. There is a smaller band than in the recording that was released, but there’s no detriment to the overall sound. It’s smaller, but explosive when it needs to be.

Strong, but delicate. Shimmery, but colorful. In other words, it’s just classic Prince.
 

This is maintained to the point where even at the end the saxophone solo can be heard fading out with a very intense trill and one can hear the key clicks from the instrument itself. That’s not to say there’s no reverb and presence on this recording at all, but the different, intimate atmosphere makes it feel like Prince is singing directly into your ear as opposed to recording in an expensive studio.
 

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The keyboard intro that stays throughout the verses also provides different textures from the final version. There’s a certain amount of glimmer in the repetitive pattern that’s almost quelled by the crunchy, dry guitar tones.
 

Also included with the newly released recording is archival footage from 1984 of Prince & the Revolution rehearsing.

In the video, you can see just how dedicated to his craft Prince was, teaching extensive choreography to the other performers while seamlessly transitioning from playing, singing, dancing, and running around the stage like a true performer.
 

It’s amazing that even after his passing, Prince is able to inspire and release heartbreaking music!

Check out this video ASAP and let us know what you think! Do you prefer this version to the version he eventually released? How about Sinéad O’Connor’s worldwide hit version? Let us know your opinion.