"If You Were Here Tonight" is a song written by Monte Moir and recorded by American recording artist Alexander O'Neal. It is the second single from the singer's self-titled debut solo album, Alexander O'Neal (1985). Following the successful chart performances of the single "Innocent", "If You Were Here Tonight" was released as the album's second single. "If You Were Here Tonight" is a melancholy ballad about the break-up of a relationship. It is the only song out of three songs on the album written and produced by Monte Moir to be released as a single.

Chart performance

The song was O'Neal's first successful solo single in the United Kingdom, reaching No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart in March 1986. It had originally peaked at No. 81 in August 1985, but following the top ten success of the Cherrelle duet "Saturday Love", the single re-entered the charts in early 1986. It remains one of his most aired songs on British radio. In the US, the song became his second R&B hit, reaching No. 17 on the Hot Black Singles chart. It was also one of his only two hits to chart in Ireland (reaching No. 20).

Track listing

12" maxi (TBUA 12.6391, A 12.6391) 12" single (TA 6391) 7" single (A 6391)

Sales chart performance

Peak positions

Cover versions

Sampling