This song is a high source of interest to me, so much so it has almost got to the point of obsession. There are so many different versions flying around of this, different live versions, different artists versions, but I really want to find the ultimate prince version of it, and I still don't think I have.

I think the song is one of the most powerful hes ever done, and it just seems a shame that he didnt record it in 1985, instead it wiill be remembered for being a sinead o'connor song.

I must admit, the main thing I hate about prince's live act currently is the way he plays this song...I hate it. Im not overly keen on the Hits version of it, and whilst i like the original Family version, I find Sinead O'connors hits the melancholly vibe of song the best.

The best prince version i have heard is the one from the Nude tour rehersals. He sings it brilliantly, with feeling, and the sound is stripped down with no sax solo, just a piano one, but he ad libs a little too much on the chorus.

Is there a demo he did for the Family circulating at all? Ive found the Mutiny and High Fashion demos, but as of yet the others have alluded me.

Prince said in an interview once that he doesn't regret not recording his own studio version. He's been so content all these years playing it live, so I think we'll just have 2 live with that.

I also strongly dislike his Hits version of the song. He took the best parts of the understated melody and put it over the top. Yuck.

Give me the Family's version anyday. Skinhead O'Conner comes in a close second.

For a good cover of the song that's danceable, check out the MXM version on the Street Buzz compilation. It's pretty cool...

I love The Familys version and their bootlegged semi different take one of those boot 3 cds ( Fantasia? Cosmos?). But one thing that makes it great isnt just the singing but the strings and Erics' badass sax playing that happens in the bridge breakdown...so perfect. These are the definitive versions imho BUT Prince puts some church into it when he doe s it live...especially when he gets the growl to say this part real emotional " but Im willin ot give it another try, DO YOU KNOW WHY!!??" like Al Green would do.
[This message was edited Fri Oct 25 11:07:39 PDT 2002 by rdhull]

The Family's version bugs me to no end. Can't listen to it.

Sinead's is incredible. As is Prince's.

Their different deliveries make it 2 entirely different songs. Hers has a resigned sense that her lover is gone forever, while Prince's over the top gospel take says he'll do whatever it takes to get U back.

There is an early version of 'The Family's' original version 'about' which has a bit more instrumentation (and drums). Even though there's no original 'Prince' version, I'm sure the Family's mastertape would at least have a Prince guide vocal on it.

Sinead's version is the sorriest fucking thing I have ever heard in my life. She can't hit a note to save her life and it drones on forever. The Family's version was histrionic - like Prince intended it to be. That's his real version.

I think Sinead did a superb job. And it's my favorite so far (haven't heard the Nude tour rehersal)

Compared to prince´s version on "the hits and the b-sides" the family´s version sounds a bit synthetically to me. i think prince´s version on the hits-album is extremely touching.

That's interesting - I can't stand neither The Family's nor Sinead's version, but I love the way he plays it now.
I think the lyrics are really moving, but none of the studio versions do this song justice.

Goin' against the grain here... Sinnead's version blows them all away. The heart and soul she demonstrated in it captures the essence of what Prince was laying down... his soul.

Hey, Prince still wrote it... but Sinnead made it hers.

Late reply, but has anyone heard a dance version by "Chyptonic" or something like that...

I assume it's crap, but I wanted to mention it...

This is my favorite Prince song. The words and music are outstanding.

squirrelgrease said:

Right on dude!!

Prince could go back to the original mastertape and produce a killer version.

Use his guide vocals instead of St.Pauls
(or re-record them if he didn't think they were up to scratch)
Mix it so it's structured like Sinead's version
(leave it almost acapella at the start)
Leave in the Sax solo.

I'd be happy..