The Number One Hits Of 1998

October 11, 1997 – January 16, 1998
Elton John
Candle in the Wind ’97

Elton’s first major hit, “Your Song,” was released in 1970. His songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin began in 1967 and has continued for over five decades. Elton John has had over 50 Top 40 hits in the United States and the United Kingdom.

January 17, 1998 – January 30, 1998
Savage Garden
Truly Madly Deeply
Savage Garden was an Australian pop duo of Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones. They gained international fame in the late 1990s with their hit singles and emotive ballads.
Truly Madly Deeply is a romantic pop ballad with heartfelt lyrics that became a major hit for the duo and has since been covered by numerous artists.
January 31, 1998 – February 13, 1998
Janet Jackson
Together Again
Janet began her career as a child actress, appearing in the TV series “Good Times,” “Diff’rent Strokes,” and “Fame.”
Together Again is an upbeat dance-pop song that showcases Janet’s vocal range and pays tribute to friends and loved ones lost to AIDS. The song’s positive message resonated with fans and became a chart-topping hit.
February 14, 1998 – February 27, 1998
Usher
Nice And Slow
Usher is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer who rose to fame in the 1990s with his smooth vocals and R&B hits. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is considered one of the best-selling music artists ever.
Nice And Slow is a sultry R&B ballad with a catchy melody that showcases Usher’s smooth vocals and solidifies his status as a leading R&B artist.
February 28, 1998 – March 13, 1998
Celine Dion
My Heart Will Go On
The youngest of 14 siblings, CĂ©line Dion was born on March 30, 1968, in Charlemagne, Quebec, Canada. She has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.
My Heart Will Go On is the theme song for the 1997 blockbuster film “Titanic.” The power ballad became synonymous with the movie and became one of Celine Dion’s signature songs, earning her an Academy Award and several Grammys.
March 14, 1998 – April 3, 1998
Will Smith
Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It
Will Smith is an American actor, rapper, and producer who initially gained fame as a rapper before becoming a successful actor in television and film.
Gettin’ Jiggy Wit is a catchy, upbeat hip-hop track showcasing Will Smith’s fun and family-friendly rap style. The song became a chart-topping hit and remains one of his most well-known.
April 4, 1998 – April 24, 1998
K-Ci & JoJo
All My Life
K-Ci & JoJo is an American R&B duo consisting of brothers Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey and Joel “JoJo” Hailey, previously members of Jodeci.
All My Life is a heartfelt R&B ballad that became a wedding staple and a major hit for the duo, showcasing their powerful vocals and emotional lyrics.
April 25, 1998 – May 22, 1998
Next
Too Close
Next is an American R&B trio consisting of brothers R.L. Huggar, Terry “T-Low” Brown, and their cousin Raphael “Tweet” Brown.
Too Close is a danceable R&B track with catchy lyrics that became a chart-topping hit for the group and a popular song at clubs and parties in the late ’90s.
May 23, 1998 – June 5, 1998
Mariah Carey
My All
With African-American, Venezuelan, and Irish ancestry, Mariah Carey was born on March 27, 1970, in Huntington, Long Island, New York.
My All is a sensual R&B ballad that showcases Mariah Carey’s impressive vocal range and ability to convey deep emotions through her music. The song became another chart-topping hit for the superstar singer.
June 6, 1998 – September 4, 1998
Brandy & Monica
The Boy Is Mine
Brandy is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her distinctively husky voice and versatile talents. Monica is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who gained fame in the 1990s with her powerful voice and emotional R&B ballads.
The Boy Is Mine is a catchy R&B duet between Brandy and Monica about two women competing for the same man. The song became a massive hit, showcasing the vocal talents of both singers and marking a memorable collaboration between the two artists.
September 5, 1998 – October 2, 1998
Aerosmith
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in 1970, featuring Steven Tyler as the lead vocalist. The band has sold over 150 million records worldwide and is considered one of history’s best-selling American rock bands.
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing is a powerful rock ballad written by Diane Warren and featured on the soundtrack of the 1998 film “Armageddon.” The song became Aerosmith’s first number-one hit and remains one of their most iconic songs.
October 3, 1998 – October 16, 1998
Monica
The First Night
Discovered by music producer Dallas Austin at the age of 12, Monica Denise Arnold was born on October 24, 1980, in College Park, Georgia, USA.
The First Night is an upbeat R&B track with catchy lyrics that reflect the excitement and anticipation of a new relationship. The song became a chart-topping hit for Monica, further establishing her as a prominent R&B artist.
October 17, 1998 – November 13, 1998
Barenaked Ladies
One Week
Barenaked Ladies is a Canadian rock band formed in 1988, known for their eclectic mix of pop, rock, and humorous lyrics. The band has released numerous successful albums and singles throughout their career.
One Week is a quirky, fast-paced pop-rock song with rapid-fire lyrics and a catchy chorus. The song became a hit for the band and remains one of their most well-known tracks.
November 14, 1998 – November 27, 1998
Lauryn Hill
Doo Wop (That Thing)
Lauryn Hill is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress who initially gained fame as a member of the Fugees before launching a successful solo career.
Doo Wop (That Thing) is a soulful hip-hop track that combines elements of doo-wop and R&B. The song features insightful lyrics about self-respect and became a chart-topping hit for Lauryn Hill.
November 28, 1998 – December 4, 1998
Divine
Lately
Divine was an American R&B girl group formed in the late 1990s, consisting of Kia Thornton, Nikki Bratcher, and Tonia Tash.
Lately is an emotional R&B ballad that showcases the group’s powerful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. The song became a hit and marked the group’s most successful single.
December 5, 1998 – January 15, 1999
R. Kelly & Celine Dion
I’m Your Angel
R. Kelly is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his distinctive voice and contributions to R&B and hip-hop music. Celine Dion is a Canadian singer known for her powerful vocals and numerous hit songs.
I’m Your Angel is a heartfelt duet between R. Kelly and Celine Dion. The song features uplifting lyrics and showcases the vocal talents of both artists. It became a chart-topping hit and remains a beloved collaboration.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1998 include:
Aaliyah, Aerosmith, Backstreet Boys, Blackstreet, Brandy, Brian McKnight, Celine Dion, Destiny’s Child, Dixie Chicks, Janet Jackson, Goo Goo Dolls, K-Ci & JoJo, Kenny Chesney, Lauryn Hill, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Mase, Master P, Matchbox Twenty, Monica, Montell Jordan, Mya, Natalie Imbruglia, Next, *NSYNC, R. Kelly, Puff Daddy, Redman, Savage Garden, 702, Shania Twain, Silkk the Shocker, Spice Girls, Usher, Will Smith, Wyclef Jean

(HPS music data is compiled from charts, including Billboard’s Pop, Rock, Airplay, R&B/Dance, and Singles Charts. The Hot 100 is the primary chart used for this list.)

 

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