The Best Of Fourplay 2020 Remastered - Vinyl Evosound

In this review the 2020 remastered vinyl edition of The Best Of Fourplay is assessed for smooth jazz fans and vinyl collectors. The bottom line: this compilation is best for listeners who want a concise, well-sequenced introduction to Fourplay's late 90s material and appreciate improved audio fidelity from a careful remaster. The release presents ten tracks, including standout guest-led covers, pressed on 180gram vinyl and remastered from original analog master tapes, which makes the listening experience noticeably cleaner and more present than many older pressings.

Key Features

• Remastered from original analog tapes: Preserves the warmth of the original recordings while improving clarity and detail across instruments and vocals.
• 180gram vinyl: Higher weight pressing reduces resonance and provides a steadier playback surface for better tracking and dynamic response.
• Ten-track compilation: Collects signature Fourplay cuts and guest appearances into a compact sequence that flows well as a single listening session.
• Notable guest vocalists: Features memorable performances like El DeBarge on After The Dance and Chaka Khan on Between The Sheets, adding soulful highlights to the set.
• First-time vinyl release: Makes the compilation accessible to collectors who previously only found these tracks on CD or digital formats.

Who It's For

The Best Of Fourplay 2020 Remastered is ideal for listeners who enjoy smooth jazz arrangements, tasteful melodies and veteran session musicianship. Audiophiles who prefer vinyl will appreciate the remastering from the original analog masters and the 180gram pressing for a fuller, cleaner sound than many earlier issues.

Collectors seeking exhaustive discography details or bonus tracks should look elsewhere, as this is a ten-track compilation rather than an expanded deluxe edition. Listeners wanting modern electronic production or more experimental jazz will find the material intentionally conservative and melody-driven.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sound quality benefits from hi-resolution transfers and careful remastering for clearer instrumentation.
• 180gram vinyl manufacturing gives a substantial physical product that reduces surface noise and improves playback stability.
• Guest appearances by El DeBarge and Chaka Khan add distinctive vocal moments that broaden the album's appeal.
• The ten-track sequence provides an approachable introduction to Fourplay's late 90s repertoire.

Cons

• The compilation is concise and does not include bonus tracks or extended liner notes for collectors seeking extras.
• Quality impressions vary slightly among listeners, so expectations for a drastically different sound should be tempered.

Specifications

Artist	Fourplay
Title	The Best Of Fourplay 2020 Remastered
Format	180gram vinyl
Tracks	10-track compilation
Source	Hi-resolution digital transfers from original analog master tapes
Notable guests	El DeBarge, Chaka Khan
First-time on vinyl	Yes

Our Verdict

The Best Of Fourplay 2020 Remastered is a strong pick for smooth jazz fans and vinyl listeners who value clear, warm mixes and a compact collection of the group's memorable tracks. It represents good value as a first-time vinyl release with careful remastering, though dedicated collectors seeking extras should note the straightforward, ten-track compilation format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a new recording?
This is a remastered compilation of previously released Fourplay material, not new studio recordings.

What makes the vinyl edition different?
The release was remastered from the original analog master tapes and pressed on 180gram vinyl for improved playback quality.

Are there guest vocalists on the album?
Yes; notable guest performances include El DeBarge on After The Dance and Chaka Khan on Between The Sheets.