By 2004, digital mastering techniques had advanced significantly from the early days of compact discs in the late 1980s. The 2004 Greatest Hits album serves as a definitive sonic blueprint of O'Neal's golden era with Tabu Records.
: Iconic duets with Cherrelle that defined the era's sophisticated soul sound.
Another iconic, high-energy track that shows the incredible synergy between O'Neal and the Jam/Lewis production team. The backing vocals are layered brilliantly, a detail that shines through in high-resolution audio. 3. "If You Were Here Tonight" Alexander O-Neal - Greatest Hits -2004- Flac
: Later hits like "All True Man" (1991) and "Love Makes No Sense" (1993) track his progression through the New Jack Swing transition. Tracklist Table Overview Song Title Primary Producer(s) Notable Highlight "Never Knew Love Like This" (w/ Cherrelle) Jam & Lewis Grammy-nominated chemistry "Innocent / Alex 9000 / Innocent II" Jam & Lewis 10+ minute progressive R&B suite Jam & Lewis #1 Billboard R&B/Dance hit "All True Man" Jam & Lewis Smooth, mature New Jack Swing "Criticize" Jellybean Johnson Peaked at #4 on the UK Singles Chart "Saturday Love" (w/ Cherrelle) Jam & Lewis An international dancefloor staple "If You Were Here Tonight" Monte Moir Masterclass in quiet storm balladry "Hearsay '89" Jam & Lewis High-energy title remix "(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me" Jam & Lewis Punchy horn arrangements "The Lovers" Jam & Lewis Driving synthesized baseline "What's Missing" Jam & Lewis Slap-bass heavy club groove "A Broken Heart Can Mend" Jam & Lewis Emotive, stripped-back slow jam "What Is This Thing Called Love?" Jam & Lewis Richly layered backing vocals "You Were Meant to Be My Lady" Jam & Lewis Mid-tempo classic funk groove "Love Makes No Sense" Lance Alexander / Prof T Striking post-Jam & Lewis era single Why the 2004 Mastering Demands FLAC
For fans and audiophiles looking to experience this legacy in the highest fidelity, the collection is the definitive digital compilation. Released in 2004, this remastered collection brings together the best of his work, offering a superior listening experience over standard compressed audio. Why the 2004 "Greatest Hits" FLAC Matters Another iconic, high-energy track that shows the incredible
Though track listings vary by region, the core 2004 FLAC edition typically features 14 to 16 essential cuts. Here are the standouts:
Below, we dissect why this specific release—paired with lossless audio—matters more than streaming or MP3s ever could. "If You Were Here Tonight" : Later hits
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Late-night listening, hi-fi demonstrations, 80s soul purists, and anyone who’s ever wanted to shout, “Why must you criticize?”
: Notably, it includes "Saturday Love," the iconic 1986 duet with Cherrelle that was often missing from earlier solo compilations. Definitive Tracklist (2004 Edition)
Upon its release, Alexander O’Neal – Greatest Hits (2004) was met with moderate commercial success in the US (peaking at #23 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums) but went Top 10 in the UK. Critics praised the track selection, though some lamented the omission of “In the Middle” (1991) or the Christmas favorite “My Gift to You.” The FLAC edition, sold via early lossless download stores like MusicGiants and Linn Records, was a niche product—priced higher than MP3s, aimed squarely at hi-fi enthusiasts. Today, it remains a sought-after digital artifact, especially as streaming services still favor lossy formats.