98° - 98° and Rising

Released in 1998, 98° and Rising is the multi-platinum second studio album from the American boy band 98 Degrees. The record marks a significant commercial peak for the group—consisting of brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons—solidifying their place in the late-nineties pop explosion. Produced by a diverse team including Anders Bagge and Dane DeViller, the album seamlessly blends contemporary R&B harmonies with radio-ready pop production. It features some of the band's most enduring hits, notably the romantic ballads I Do (Cherish You) and Because Of You, both of which became staples of the era. The album also includes the upbeat collaboration True To Your Heart with Stevie Wonder, originally featured in Disney’s Mulan, and the chart-topping single The Hardest Thing. With its emphasis on vocal chemistry and heartfelt lyricism, 98° and Rising remains a definitive document of the boy band phenomenon, showcasing the group's ability to balance soul-influenced grooves with mainstream appeal.

Tracklist