In 1984, Prince recorded a song called "Nothing Compares 2 U," which, rather than release it himself, he sent to Paul "St. Paul" Peterson of The Family. The band, which Prince had assembled, recorded the track for Prince's label, Paisley Park Records, and it appeared on their debut album. But the song remained a largely unheard B-side until Sinead O'Connor covered it in 1990—a version that remains the best known recording of the song.
Even though Prince played the song live occasionally, the studio version that he originally recorded has never been heard—until Thursday, that is. Prince's estate, along with Warner Bros. Records, has released the original version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" written, arranged, performed, and produced by Prince.
Source: Esquire