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 Billboard’s “The Hot 100” number one singles for each year of the 1980s and 1990s. Today, we’re looking at the year 1998.
Strangely, “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls never made it to the top spot in the Billboard Hot 100, only climbing to the number 9 spot, but it was number one on the top 40 radio play chart. If we could include it, let’s just say, it would be pretty high on the list.
Note: The double A-side single with “Candle in the Wind 1997” / “Something About the Way You Look Tonight” by Elton John started the year at number one, but it had previously also reached number one in 1997, and as is our rule, we will not include it here, since it was already included in our list for 1997.
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 1998…
- Sony could have bought the rights to make films for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe this year, but only bought the rights to Spider-Man.
- Dr. Phil first appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in late February after his firm helped her in a lawsuit, and she liked him so much she gave him his own segment.
- The XVIII Winter Olympics were held during February 1998 in Nagano, Japan. These games saw the introduction of snowboarding and women’s ice hockey as new sports, along with the re-introduction of curling.
- On April 10th, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland signed the Good Friday agreement to bring peace between the nations.
- The Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal came to light (“I did not have sexual relations with that woman”), leading to Clinton’s impeachment trial later in the year.
- Sony could have bought the rights to make films for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe this year, but only bought the rights to Spider-Man.
- Dr. Phil first appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in late February after his firm helped her in a lawsuit, and she liked him so much she gave him his own segment.
- The XVIII Winter Olympics were held during February 1998 in Nagano, Japan. These games saw the introduction of snowboarding and women’s ice hockey as new sports, along with the re-introduction of curling.
- On April 10th, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland signed the Good Friday agreement to bring peace between the nations.
- The Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal came to light (“I did not have sexual relations with that woman”), leading to Clinton’s impeachment trial later in the year.
5. Aerosmith - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing
This power ballad was written specifically for the Armageddon soundtrack, which lead singer Steven Tyler’s daughter Liv starred in.
4. Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On
This song from Titanic was everywhere — it became Dion’s signature song, and indeed one of the best-selling singles of all time.
3. Brandy and Monica - The Boy is Mine
The music video for this song was on constantly on MTV, and is just as memorable as the song itself at this point.
What was your favorite number one hit from 1998? Let us know in the comments!
