Ann Marie Nacchio – Nothing Compares 2 U (2023)
Self-described as “your favourite dark Disney princess”, singer-songwriter Ann Marie Nacchio tips Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid on their side oozing a Beauty and the Beast profoundness with a Hercules insanity. She might not bring the jeepers creepers blues-inspired tension of The Princess and The Frog, but there is a true darkness revolving around her melodies. Leaning toward a heavier pop tone in her music, the Disney vibes certainly linger beneath; however, Nacchio’s essence of hard rock, metal, folk, soul and pretty much everything else proves she is not to be pigeon-holed.
Some certain songs and artists should be avoided when opting to do a cover, and I believe ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ stands tall in this category. Sinead O’Connor brings such uniqueness to ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ that few will succeed in covering it; however, Ann Marie Nacchio stood to attention and decided to tackle the track. Joined by long-time friend and producer Adam Tilzer, the cover began as “just for fun”. When O’Connor passed away, it was time to take this “fun” to the masses.
Unlike the original version, Nacchio and Tilzer adopt an electronic pop style driven by synths and bold beats on the cover of ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’. A contemporary flair of dream-pop soothing carries you through the melody adding a synth-inspired edge; however, the core of the original ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ is evident from the outset.
One aspect of ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ that hits me in the chest is the obscurity of O’Connor’s spine-chilling voice. In her contemplative but simultaneously light-hearted manner, there lies the pain of a breakup, the despair of not moving on, and the angsty frustration of realising that “nothing compares” to the past lover. Ann Marie Nacchio’s off-kilter lilt effortlessly replicates O’Connor’s haunting effect with Tilzer’s male vocals adding another dimension to its duet.
So, overall, what is my opinion of this cover? One of my favourite songs, it is difficult to change my mind about the original version’s brilliance. Instead, I find Ann Marie Nacchio and Adam Tilzer bring a twist to a breathtaking single delicately clinging to the original passion with a modern-day slant. Awesome, simply awesome.
Find out more about Ann Marie Nacchio on her Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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