It was a time of innocence, when many people looked to the future with hope. The songs from 1998 reflect that spirit, and remain popular to this day. They provide a snapshot of the year, capturing the mood and feelings of those who listened to them.
Whether you were a teenager then or not, these songs will bring back memories.
Contents
- 1. “Believe” by Cher
- 2. “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith
- 3. “The First Night” by Monica
- 4. “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy and Monica
- 5. “Heartbreak Hotel” by Whitney Houston
- 6. “Have You Ever?” by Brandy
- 7. “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
- 8. “All My Life” by K-Ci and JoJo
- 9. “I’m Your Angel” by R. Kelly and Celine Dion
- 10. “Ray of Light” by Madonna
- 11. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
- 12. “Because of You” by 98 Degrees
- 13. “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” by Deborah Cox
- 14. “Friend of Mine” by Kelly Price
- 15. “Intergalactic” by Beastie Boys
- 16. “One Week” by Barenaked Ladies
- 17. “Slide” by Goo Goo Dolls
- 18. “Closing Time” by Semisonic
- 19. “Frozen” by Madonna
- 20. “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals
- Final Thoughts
1. “Believe” by Cher
Skyrocketing to the top of the Billboard 100, Cher’s remarkable voice on this pop ballad was a sensation. It showed that Cher had staying power and the song remains an anthem for many to this day. It helped Cher win the Grammy for Best Dance Recording.
2. “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith
Will Smith was a one man pop culture force in 1998. This track took him to the top of the charts and was one of the most iconic songs of the year. It has become a timeless classic, providing an anthem for any generation looking to get their groove on.
3. “The First Night” by Monica
Monica’s incredible vocal range and soulful delivery made this song a classic. The song’s complex blend of R&B, soul, pop and hip-hop landed it a spot at number one on the Hot 100. The lyrics are about first love and it has become a timeless anthem for young people in love.
4. “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy and Monica
Next on the list is a classic collaboration between Brandy and Monica. This R&B song became the most successful single of 1998 and was recognized as the best-selling single in the US of the same year. It also earned them a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
5. “Heartbreak Hotel” by Whitney Houston
“Heartbreak Hotel” is a classic power-ballad from Whitney Houston. The song quickly became a signature of hers and has been covered by many artists since its release in 1998. It’s about the pain of heartbreak and remains an anthem for those going through a tough time in love.
6. “Have You Ever?” by Brandy
This next track was a huge hit for Brandy, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It’s an R&B track that tackles love and relationships and is full of emotion.
The song remains one of her biggest hits to this day. It now has over 42 million views on Youtube and can be streamed on all music platforms out there.
7. “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
Britney Spears is a pop icon and this song is an iconic pop hit. From the moment “Baby One More Time” was released, it instantly topped charts all over the world. This catchy tune has captivated audiences everywhere and is one of the biggest selling singles in history.
The accompanying music video featured Spears as a schoolgirl who daydreams about spending time with her crush. This classic track is sure to have you singing along with Spears’ irresistible vocals.
8. “All My Life” by K-Ci and JoJo
“All My Life” by K-Ci and JoJo is a romantic R&B anthem about loving someone. This hit single from the duo’s album Love Always was an instant success, spending weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming their longest running R&B number one track of their career.
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and passionate performance by K-Ci and JoJo made it a timeless classic that has withstood the test of time.
9. “I’m Your Angel” by R. Kelly and Celine Dion
Another track that will give you those warm and fuzzy feelings is the duet “I’m Your Angel” between R. Kelly and Celine Dion. This song was released as a single from their respective albums.
The track combines both of their powerful voices to create a powerful and emotional ballad. The song’s themes of love, hope, and faithfulness touched the hearts of millions of listeners everywhere when it was released.
10. “Ray of Light” by Madonna
Next on the list is “Ray of Light” by Madonna. This song is a perfect example of Madonna’s experimental style, combining elements of techno and classical music. It was critically acclaimed upon its release and earned the singer four Grammy Awards.
11. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
Here’s a song that you would instantly remember after hearing it once: “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. This rock ballad was released as a single from their album Dizzy Up the Girl and was featured as the soundtrack for the film City of Angels. It’s a hit track that can still be heard today on radio stations and in movies.
12. “Because of You” by 98 Degrees
Next, we have “Because of You” by 98 Degrees. This track is an acoustic love song that was released as a single from their album 98 Degrees and Rising.
The tender vocals and heartfelt lyrics made it one of the group’s most successful hits at the time, with its popularity still standing strong to this day.
13. “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” by Deborah Cox
“Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” by Deborah Cox is a soulful R&B love song that was released in 1998. The track went on to top two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Cox’s biggest hits to date. Its tantalizing rhythms and passionate vocals make it an unforgettable classic.
14. “Friend of Mine” by Kelly Price
A pop hit in ’98, “Friend of Mine” by Kelly Price is a mid-tempo R&B track about the complicated feelings that come with loving someone. Its soulful vocals and beautiful melody make it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.
15. “Intergalactic” by Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys are undeniably one of the most influential hip hop groups in history. It’s hard to narrow down their greatest songs, but this classic from 1998 definitely has to be near the top.
This track is a perfect demonstration of Beastie Boys’ signature sound, combining elements of punk and rap with catchy beats and clever wordplay.
16. “One Week” by Barenaked Ladies
“One Week” is a fun, quirky pop song from Canadian rock group Barenaked Ladies. The upbeat melody and humorous lyrics make it one of the catchiest songs of 1998. You can find it on the Stunt album which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.
17. “Slide” by Goo Goo Dolls
Another entry from the Goo Goo Dolls, “Slide” is a classic rock song that remains popular to this day. It was featured on their Dizzy Up The Girl album and with its catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics, it’s easy to see why this track has stood the test of time.
18. “Closing Time” by Semisonic
Semisonic’s “Closing Time” has to be one of the most recognizable songs of 1998. The track is an ode to the idea that all good things must come to an end and was featured on their Feeling Strangely Fine album. Its melancholic yet uplifting sound makes it a timeless classic.
19. “Frozen” by Madonna
This next song on the list is a classic from Madonna. Released in January of 1998, Frozen became a huge hit and charted number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
It was also her highest-charting single in the UK, reaching number one there. The song has a hauntingly beautiful sound and some intense lyrics that make it truly mesmerizing to listen to.
20. “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals
Wrapping up the list is another classic from the 90s, You Get What You Give by New Radicals. It’s an upbeat song with a positive message that still resonates to this day. With its catchy lyrics and upbeat sound, this song is sure to get stuck in your head.
Final Thoughts
The 90s was a great time for music and 1998 was no exception. From powerful anthems to soft ballads, there’s something for everyone on this list of the greatest songs from 1998. So take a trip down memory lane and enjoy all the classic tunes!
Baby One More Time Music Video Still Featured Image (Bottom) by: Fair use, Link
