Billboard Hot 100 Top #1 Singles of 1997 – RANKED

Every year, songs shoot to the top of the charts, either for just one week, or for multiple weeks in a row. In a series of posts, we’re going to rank the hot 100 number one singles from the Billboard chart for each year of the 1980s and 1990s. Today, we’re looking at the year 1997.

Note: “Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton started the year at number one, but it had previously also reached number one in 1996, and as is our rule, we will not include it here, since it was already included in our list for 1996.

As always, these lists are subjective, we’re not claiming to be the definitive ranking here. We’re not that important, but you are, so we hope seeing the below songs conjures up a friendly memory or two.

But first, to get you in the mood for the year 1997…

The Hale-Bopp comet had its closest approach to Earth in April, though it was visible for 18 months.
The first Harry Potter book was released in the UK in June, and would be released in the US in September 1998.
Princess Diana was killed in a car crash on August 31st in Paris after being chased by paparazzi.
Madeline Albright was the first woman to be sworn in as the Secretary of State in the US.
Titanic smashed into the box office on December 19th, and stayed afloat at the number one spot for 15 consecutive weeks in North America.

The Hale-Bopp comet had its closest approach to Earth in April, though it was visible for 18 months.
The first Harry Potter book was released in the UK in June, and would be released in the US in September 1998.
Princess Diana was killed in a car crash on August 31st in Paris after being chased by paparazzi.
Madeline Albright was the first woman to be sworn in as the Secretary of State in the US.
Titanic smashed into the box office on December 19th, and stayed at the number one spot for 15 consecutive weeks in North America.

10. Boyz II Men - 4 Seasons of Loneliness

As of 2021, this single is the last chart-topper for Boyz II Men. It was the first single from their Evolution album.

9. Puff Daddy ft. Mase - Can't Nobody Hold Me Down

The debut single from Puff Daddy, now known as P. Diddy — this song was the beginning of his chart domination in 1997.

8. Elton John - Something About the Way You Look Tonight

This song was released both as a standalone single and a double-A side single with “Candle in the Wind,” dedicated to Princess Diana.

7. Elton John - Candle in the Wind 1997

A re-written and re-recorded version of the original song, which was released in 1973, this song is often called “Goodbye England’s Rose,” and was a tribute to Princess Diana.

6. The Notorious B.I.G. - Hypnotize

This was the last of B.I.G.’s songs to release before he was killed. Puff Daddy was the producer, and it is often called one of the best hip hop songs of all time.

5. Hanson - MMMBop

Hanson’s most popular song was their very first single. This catchy tune is so very ’90s, but the band still plays it in their concerts today.

4. Mariah Carey - Honey

You know you remember this video – James Bond-esque, escaping from a villain via watercraft. Oh yeah, and Puff Daddy had a hand in this one too.

3. Puff Daddy with Faith Evans ft 112 - I'll Be Missing You

Recorded in memory of B.I.G., the song sampled from “Every Breath You Take” by The Police, and Sting even performed with the group at the Grammys.

2. Spice Girls - Wannabe

The debut single from the Spice Girls, “Wannabe” became synonymous with the group and their girl power philosophy, and was recorded in less than an hour.

1. The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Puff Daddy and Mase - Mo Money Mo Problems

B.I.G. became the only artist to have two posthumous singles reach number one (the other was “Hypnotize” featured above). The song sampled “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross and is still popular to this day.

What was your top song of 1997? Let us know in the comments!

Bianca Paris

Managing Editor