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98 Degrees- 98 Degrees and Rising: Top 10 Singles in US and UK and Memorable Chorus of a Song

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98 Degrees- 98 Degrees and Rising

United States- 98 Degrees scored their very first top 10 single though “98 Degrees and Rising” album which scored at least two top 10 hit. The album had a total of four singles released. Here are the top 10 hits from the record:
Because of You- #3
The Hardest Thing- #5
98 Degrees’ biggest single from the album has been “Because of You” after peaking at number 3. While “The Hardest Thing” even charted higher than Backstreet Boys’ most popular song “I Want it That Way”, which both songs were in top 10 at the same time. “I Do (Cherish You)” almost reached the top 10 after peaking at number 13.

United Kingdom- 98 Degrees failed to reach the top 10 with any of their singles from “98 Degrees and Rising”. Nevertheless, three songs from the album charted with “The Hardest Thing” as the highest peak as it reached number 29. “Because of You” only peaked at number 36.

Among the boyband’s hits, “Because of You” seemed to be the biggest hit in the US, while “The Hardest Thing” in UK. But I found “The Hardest Thing” a very meaningful and heratbreaking song. In YouTube, its music video was viewed more than 5 million times. Checked the beautiful chorus of the song below and watch the video and see how Nick Lachey became a boxer.

The Hardest Thing (Chorus)
It’s the hardest thing, I’ll ever have to do
To look you in the eye , And tell you I don’t love you
It’s the hardest thing, I’ll ever have to lie
To show no emotion, When you start to cry
I can’t let you see, What you mean to me
When my hands are tied And my heart’s not free
We’re not meant to be
It’s the hardest thing, I’ll ever have to do
To turn around and walk away, Pretending I don’t love you

Credits: Billboard / OCC / Wikipedia
Lyrics from azlyrics.com and songwriters of the song
Video from YouTube / 98Degrees VEVO

Music

Album’s Singles Review: 98 Degrees “98 Degrees” and “98 Degrees and Rising”

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98 Degrees (album)
98 Degrees released this debut album during the popularity of boybands such as Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and FIVE. But the group’s sound is different from the sound of other boybands who were known for pop tunes. 98 Degrees album has R&B sounds as heard in its singles. The album was awarded by RIAA with Gold Record.

Invisible Man
The song is a pop and R&B song not similar to other boybands. It talks about being invisible and unnoticed by the girl you love. It was a hit in the US reaching number 12.
Rate: 8.0 out of 10

Was it Something I Didn’t Say
I can sense the similarity of this song to “Invisible Man”. It is still a good song but never charted the Billboard Hot 100.
Rate: 6.5 out of 10

98 Degrees and Rising (album)
98 Degrees immediately released their second album after their debut. It attained their R&B sound with more depth. The album became the group’s biggest seller after going multiplatinum.

True to Your Heart (with Stevie Wonder)
This song was used for the movie “Mulan” which the lads sang with Stevie Wonder. It charted in some countries but didn’t work that much in music charts.
Rate: 6.5 out of 10

Because of You
This beautiful song was released for their second album which you can hear other boyband sound in it. It is about experiencing happiness because of the girl. It became a hit in the US peaking at number 3.
Rate: 8.25 out of 10

The Hardest Thing
This is my favorite single from this album because of its simple R&B sound. The music video was memorable for its member Nick Lachey who portrayed being a boxer. The song became a top 5 hit in the US.
Rate: 8.75 out of 10

I Do (Cherish You)
This can be a perfect wedding song for many, but the music video is quite far from its meaning. The song was also featured in British film “Notting Hill”. It reached the top 15 in Billboard Hot 100.
Rate: 8.0 out of 10

Still
The song is about loving someone no matter what. It is pop song with R&B influence in it. It was not released as a single though it charted well in Philippine radio charts.
Rate: 8.0 out of 10

Credits: Billboard / Wikipedia

Video from YouTube

Music

Battle of Same Song Titles: 98 Degrees vs Lisa Loeb / Westlife vs Justin Timberlake

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The battle continues for same song titles. This time it is the battle of “I Do” and “My Love Songs”. Likewise, in this battle, it’s boyband and solo artists battle. Check then below:

98 Degrees vs Lisa Loeb
“I Do”
98 Degrees‘ “I Do” song has “Cherish You” on it. It still passed for the battle though. “I Do (Cherish You)” is a ballad and a good song for weddings. Actually, some people may not know this but it was already a remake by the guys. The song charted high in US and Canada for hitting the top 15. It was also part of the soundtrack of “Notting Hill”.

If the 98 Degrees version is a good song for weddings, the Lisa Loeb song was the opposite as it is about strained relation and in a pop/rock mode. The song was a top 20 hit in the US and had chart success in some territories.

Verdict:
98 Degrees- I Do (Cherish You)
Melody and Lyrics- 3.75 / Success- 2.75 = 6.50

Lisa Loeb- I Do
Melody and Lyrics- 3.25 / Success- 2.50 = 5.75

Winner: 98 Degress takes the champ for “I Do” battle.

Westlife vs Justin Timberlake
“My Love”
Westlife came out with this love song in a ballad in 2000 which is about long distance relationship. The song charted high in some European countries including the United Kingdom. In Asia, it became a huge success reaching the top of pop radio and MTV.

Justin Timberlake came out with this beautiful R&B and hip-hop song with synth and beats. The song was of course about love. In this song, rapper T.I. was featured. It became a worldwide hit and the second biggest single off Justin’s second album. It is also Justin Timberlake’s second number one hit single in the US.

Verdict:
Westlife- My Love
Melody and Lyrics- 3.75 / Success- 3 = 6.75

Justin Timberlake ft. T.I.- My Love
Melody and Lyrics- 3.5 / Success- 4.0= 7.5

Winner: Justin Timberlake defeats the Westlife for “My Love” battle.

Credits to Wikipedia / Billboard

Music

Top R&B Hits 2000-2004

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Since 2000, many R&B songs released were upbeat and it is common for rappers and R&B to collaborate and create good songs. Remixes are very common too. Here are the top R&B hits during this period I listed based on its impact and success.

Mariah Carey ft. Joe and 98 Degrees- Thank God I Found You
This song has become Mariah’s last chart-topper before successful comeback in 2005. The beautiful ballad also included R&B singer Joe and US boy band 98 Degrees. The remix version sounds good too, but excluded 98 Degrees.

Sisqo- Thong Song
One of the best upbeat R&B hits during the first half of 2000, Sisqo gained a fanbase through this song. Oh wait, you might’ve heard “livin’ la vida loca”, you heard it right, it was interpolated.

Outkast- Ms. Jackson
This is the first and biggest hit internationally by the hip-hop duo, the song was also one of the best hip-hop songs since 2000s.

Destiny’s Child- Independent Women Part 1
The group just became a trio and it played big success for their career as this ‘girl power’ themed song became one of the longest number 1 hits.

Janet Jackson- All For You
It was a huge comeback for Janet after a high debut and long weeks at number one with this danceable R&B tune.

Destiny’s Child- Survivor
One of the successful “I Will Survive”” songs, this R&B track became one of the biggest hits of 2001.

Alicia Keys- Fallin’
This remains the most memorable song for Alicia Keys for topping the charts. This soulful ballad was one of the best love songs of 2001.

Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland- Dilemma
How about falling in love with someone even committed with someone? This love song just became a 10-week holder at top spot in the US.

Mary J. Blige- Family Affair
This is one of the catchiest and most memorable upbeat R&B tune during the decade. Just hearing the beat, you will know what song is that. It is the biggest hit of Mary J. ever.

Beyonce ft. Jay-Z- Crazy in Love
This song brought Beyonce’s career to great heights as it became her first hit as lead artist. It has become a global hit in 2003.

Aaliyah- Miss You
This was released posthumously and remained one of the top R&B ballads during the period. It is also one of the most known song by Aaliyah.

50 Cent- In Da Club
50 Cent’s success can be attributed to this club hip-hop hit. It helped his LP to go multiple platinum.

Beyonce ft. Sean Paul- Baby Boy
Incorporating Arabic sound in its music, this is how this second chart-topper from Bey was known.

Usher- Yeah!
Consider as Usher’s biggest hit, this helped his “Confessions” LP sell a million in a single week. This is one of the club-ready hip-hop songs during 2000s.

Usher and Alicia Keys- My Boo
Usher’s team up with the talented Alicia Keys has become one of the best and successful duets of 2004.

Some facts from Wikipedia.

Music

Top 15 Boyband Hits of 2000s to Present

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Boybands may have gone hiatus during the first half of 2000s but some of them remained while others existed during the last five years. Here are the biggest hits from them during the said period.

One Direction- Live While We’re Young
Being dubbed as the biggest boyband of their time, this song carried their second album which was a big seller. It hit the top 10 of many countries as well as UK and US both peaking at number 3.

NSYNC- This I Promise You
One of the most romantic ballad from a boyband, this song which was Richard Marx penned, propelled to US top 5 in late 2000.

Five- Let’s Dance
This may be from the last album of the group but it still became a huge dance hit topping UK’s official chart.

One Direction- One Thing
This song was from 1D’s debut LP and hit the top 40 and top 10 in US and UK, respectively. But it was a bigger hit accross Asia. Also, the video is among any boyband and 1D’s most watched videos on YouTube.

Westlife- Uptown Girl
This song topped UK and parts of Europe and Asia in 2001. The Billy Joel original was intended for Comic Relief in UK for 2001 and eventually became the group’s seventh UK chart-topper.

NSYNC- Girlfriend
This is officially the last single from the boyband and was huge closing for them as it was hit as it hit topped 5 in several territories including US and UK.

98 Degrees- Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)
The guys tried something different incorporating Latin music is a success for them when this song peaked inside the top 5 in the US and some countries.

Blue ft. Elton John- Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word
This song failed the US charts but the impact in Europe is too wide and even stretched to Asia. It was the biggest hit from the pop/R&B group which featured the original singer of the song.

Backstreet Boys- Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely
Taken from their 1999 album, this one was released during the wake of 2000. It was a top ten hut in many territories which was a good opening for the decade for BSB.

NSYNC- It’s Gonna Be Me
Following the success of “Bye, Bye, Bye”, this song never failed and even became the group’s first number one hit on Billboard. It was top ten hit in major charts worldwide.

The Wanted- Glad You Came
When this song was released, it seems another boyband will break records. But this song was not duplicated by The Wanted. Still, it was multiple platinum in the US after number 3 peak and number 1 hit in UK.

Backstreet Boys- Shape of My Heart
As a carrier single for BSB, this song will surely be a big hit for them. It was huge in major charts but was a number 9 hit in US. Lowest among their top 10 hits.

One Direction- Story of My Life
Due to incorporating folk in this song, it was well received by many people. Even non-Directioners loved the song which was a top ten hit globally.

NSYNC- Bye, Bye, Bye
Who can forget the fastest selling album of all time in US? This song propelled the album’s sales as it was a top ten hit worldwide. The video was very iconic that made it a big impact in music industry.

One Direction- What Makes You Beautiful
The song was the boyband’s first single and yes, it topped their native UK and top 4 of US. It was a sleeper hit as the song eventually became the biggest selling boyband single ever. It is also the most watched boyband video on YouTube ever.

Music

Top 16 Boyband Hits of 1990s

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Boybands became very popular during 1990s, particularly in the second half despite boybands already existed during the first half. It is the time when the term ‘boyband’ became known. Boybands were hated by many especially those rock fans and they were even stereotype in music. Other boybands even deny themselves as boybands. In the list below were the top 15 boyband hits during 1990s. It is not according to sales, rather, how much a song made impact.

98 Degrees- The Hardest Thing
The group made big hits in 1999 which included this R&B ballad that hit the top 5 of Billboard. Guess what? It even peaked higher than Backstreet Boys’ biggest worldwide hit.

Five- When the Lights Go Out
The five (apparently with their band name) hit the charts with this song and shown a potential to come on par with Backstreet Boys. However, it was not sustained and this song became their biggest and only top 5 in US. While internationally, it was huge especially in Asia and Europe.

Backstreet Boys- As Long As You Love Me
This is a top 5 hit in majority of the countries but did not made it in Billboard Hot 100, though it was an airplay success. It remains one of BSB’s signature mid-tempo hits.

98 Degrees- Because of You
This was 98 Degrees’ first top 5 hit and was cool enough for the ears with its R&B melody. The song was also successful in Asia.

Westlife- Swear it Again
This was the Irish lads’ first ever single and started a string of number 1 hits in the UK. In the US, it remained their only hit as it reach the top 20.

New Kids on the Block- Hangin’ Tough
Before Backstreet Boys, NKOTB already made a handful of hits and this upbeat track is one of their staple hits.

NSYNC- I Want You Back
With the song’s sound, you will think it’s a BSB song. But wait, they eventually became rival of BSB when this song hit top 10 in many countries.

Backstreet Boys- Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
This upbeat track is one of the most memorable song and video of the band because of its horror theme. It was a top ten hit in many countries.

Boyz II Men- On Bended Knee
One of the biggest ballads of early 1990s and followed the 2 number one hits of the band.

Boyzone- No Matter What
The song only charted in component charts of Billboard and did not made a huge impact in the US, but it was huge elsewhere and one of the biggest selling boyband singles.

New Kids on the Block- Step By Step
This is the memorable hit of the band. Once I heard the words “step by step”, the song comes to my mind. It was a big number 1 hit then.

Backstreet Boys- Quit Playing Games
This is officially the group’s first big hit as it hit top 10 elsewhere it charted, which included a top 2 position in the US.

Boyz II Men- I’ll Make Love to You
This song about romance is a brother of the group’s previous hit at the time with its sound. It eventually became the longest number 1 hit in Billboard Hot 100 by a boyband.

Take That- Back for Good
This beautiful ballad became a big hit anywhere and finally their entrance to US market for hitting the top 10. Nevertheless, it is their only hit there.

Backstreet Boys- I Want it That Way
This song hit number 1 or top 5 in every country it charted. Yet, in the US, it failed the top 5 and only sat at number 6. Still, it remained their biggest hit due to huge impact on people.

Boyz II Men- End of the Road
This is one of the biggest boyband hit ever. It topped the US for 12 weeks! Wow! It was an achievement that only Boyz II Men only achieved! Their succeeding song topped for 13 weeks but this song was a bigger hit internationally.

Music

10 Male and Female Duets of the Last 20 Years

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When a male and female singer intertwined in a song, they can make a good love song. Hopeless romantic people fall in love with these songs which contributes to their successes. However, there are some duets about broken hearts.

10. Ricky Martin and Christina Aquilera- Nobody Wants to Be Lonely

When you’re longing for someone you love, then this will be a good song for you. It’s Latin power when the two artists as Latin roots. As expected, it was huge in Spanish-speaking countries. It was huge in Asia too.

9. Mariah Carey ft. Joe and 98 Degrees- Thank God I Found You

Mariah did several duets before, while in this song, she’s with Joe and included boyband 98 Degrees to sing in the chorus. This song reminded me of a song by Asian singers, Jackie Cheung and Philippines’ Regine Velasquez because of similar melody of the chorus. Still, this number 1 song Mariah is good to listen to and fall in love to its message.

8. Jennifer Lopez ft. LL Cool J- All I Have

This rap-sung collab from J.Lo and LL may be a sad love but it fits to be in this list. It was about leaving despite loving the person because of mistreatment from the partner. It was number 1 in the charts during first quarterof 2003.

7. Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran- Everything has Changed

It’s romantic when a girl and a guy can play guitar and made a great folk, pop, country love song. Taylor and Ed did a pretty good job with this UK top ten hit.

6. R. Kelly and Celine Dion- I’m Your Angel

This can be considered as a holiday song since this was released during the last quarter of 1998 and included in Celine’s holiday album. But this song is a promise of protection for loved ones. It was huge in US during the holidays.

5. Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland- Dilemma

Falling in love with another one despite in a relationship with someone? This song talks about that. Well, that’s Kelly’s dilemma. The song went to number 1 elsewhere in the world.

4. Pink ft. Nate Ruess-Just Give Me a Reason

This is a great love song about learning to love again despite all the flaws. The combination of Pink’s strong voice and Nate’s fragile voice is perfect. It has dominated the charts and radio and became like an anthem to many.

3. Beyonce ft. R. Kelly- If I Were a Boy (Remix)

It’s not the usual love song you hear, as it is about a relationship of a woman with a man and reversing her role as a man and how to treat the woman. R. Kelly answered in this great duey remix of the song.

2. Alicia Keys and Usher- If I Ain’t Got You

This is one of the best love songs released in 2004. Before Usher invited Alicia for “My Boo”, Alcia took Usher’s assistance to do the male part for this song’s remix. The song talks about everything in this world is nothing without her or his love.

1. Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight- Whenever You Call

This song was not released as an official single but reach the airwaves of some Asian countries. It was a solo of Mariah in the album version, however, recorded as a duet with Brian McKnight since it was co-written by him. It sounds better as a duet with this “I’ll Be There”-esque song. The reason why I picked this as number one because of its lovely lyrics and vocals of the 2 artists.