31 Best Songs From 1998

“The Way” by Fastball

Song year: 1998

Fastball was an unknown band when bassist Tony Scalzo got the idea for “The Way.” An elderly couple in Austin went missing on their way to a local festival, and they weren't found for ten days.

During the search, Scalzo wrote a song about a couple escaping their normal life to go on a grand adventure. The couple was found and had died in a car wreck, but the song was already written.

“You're Still the One” by Shania Twain

Song year: 1998

Twain was already a successful country star when she released “You're Still the One,” but the song quickly solidified her status, and it also became a crossover hit. The album became one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Twain wrote the song with her then-husband, a music producer. They wrote separately, then joined their lyrics together to form one song.

“Inside Out” by Eve 6

Song year: 1998

The members of Eve 6 were still in high school when they formed a band and wrote their first album. Lead singer Max Collins's songs were mostly fueled by his teenage angst over a girl who cheated on him.

“Inside Out” featured powerful imagery and catchy hooks that made the song an instant hit. It spent four weeks at number one on Billboard's Modern Rock chart.

“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

Song year: 1998

During the making of Titanic, director James Cameron hired James Horner to compose the soundtrack. He intended it to be instrumental, as the film was already over budget and couldn't afford a vocalist.

Horner tried to make it work, but one of his melodies just didn't seem to work. He played it for Céline Dion, who eventually fell in love with it. The iconic song was added to the equally-iconic film and is one of the greatest love songs of all time.

“You Make Me Wanna…” by Usher

Song year: 1998

Usher's hit song was inspired by real-life events. He had a girlfriend and a friend he'd talk to about his relationship problems. He eventually fell in love with his friend.

He wrote the song with legendary R&B producers Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal, Jr. The song broke records when it spent 71 weeks on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart.

“How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes / Trisha Yearwood

Song year: 1998

Diane Warren was hired to write a song for the film Con Air. She initially wrote it for Rimes, but she was 14 and deemed too young. She then gave it to Trisha Yearwood, but Rimes had already recorded it. They both released it at the same time.

The song was a hit for both artists. The two made history by being the first artists to be nominated in the same category for the same song.

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawumba

Song year: 1998

The story behind “Tubthumping” is a good one. Guitarist Boff Whalley and his wife witnessed their neighbor drunkenly singing “Danny Boy” while trying to get inside his house. They wrote the song about never giving up. As a punk anarchist band, the song's chorus embodied their working-class spirit.

“One Week” by Barenaked Ladies

Song year: 1998

“One Week” was a breakthrough hit for Canadian college rock band the Barenaked Ladies. Lead singer Ed Robertson wrote the chorus about a couple in the middle of a fight. He couldn't come up with verses and eventually just freestyled.

The nonsense lyrics and cultural references made the song a hit. Ironically, it only spent “one week” and number one.

“Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind

Song year: 1998

If ever there was a song that's music didn't match its lyrics, it's Third Eye Blind's “Semi-Charmed Life.” The music is upbeat and catchy, but the lyrics tell the story of a man's descent into drug use, particularly crystal meth.

Singer Stephen Jenkins's juxtaposition was intentional. He wanted the music to represent the high one feels while taking drugs while the lyrics tell the story of what it's like to crash.

Top Songs From 1998, Final Thoughts

So there you have it, some of the best songs from 1998. They have left a lasting imprint on the music industry and people of all ages. We’ve hopefully reminded you of long-forgotten favorites or introduced you to new ones that you can add to your 90s playlist.