Song: Nothing Compares 2 U
Album: The Hits / The B Sides
Year: 1993
Ah, the tortured history of Nothing Compares 2 U. Initially included on The Family's sole, self-titled 1985 album, it went on to become a huge breakthrough hit for Sinead O'Connor in 1990. Both versions had been unavailable on Spotify for some time; Sinead's has now been restored while The Family's version, though available for a short period, seems to be missing once again.
It was never a secret that this was a Prince composition, but that's what it should have remained . . . a Prince composition . . . not a Prince recording. Prince does everything he can here to rob this tune of it's power by making it not only a duet with Rosie Gaines, but allowing it to be a duet where Rosie shows off her vocal talents which, though considerable, just don't convey the pathos this song warrants. Whereas Sinead's vocals were alternately quiet, loud, somber and angry, Rosie retains her gospel stylings throughout. And why a duet? If both singers are this sad about their breakup then why did they break up in the first place? And don't even get me started on the instrumentation and recording quality - both are substandard. One listen to this version and you are going to jump straight back to Sinead's recording, guaranteed.
Verdict: 2/5 stars
Would I sing it at karaoke? Not this version.
Song: A Better Future (Air Remix)
Album: Heathen
Year: 2002
This minimalist electro track demands solutions to the ills of our world. Or perhaps it's just a snapshot of a dystopian future. Whatever the case it's bleak, stark, noisy and uncomfortable with the screeching instrumentals and occasional robotic voices. It's not a track that I'd put on intentionally; it's more suited to a background mix on a rainy afternoon.
Verdict: 2/5 stars
Would I sing it at karaoke? Nah . . . too boring vocally
Winner: A Better Future (Air Remix)
Running score: Bowie 7, Prince 6
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