1998 was a seismic year in music, marked by unforgettable hits and the resurgence of iconic artists. Dominating the charts and airwaves was Cher’s anthemic “Believe,” a track that not only became the Number One Song In 1998 in the UK but also redefined the pop landscape with its innovative use of Auto-Tune. This wasn’t just a chart-topper; it was a cultural phenomenon, signaling a powerful comeback for Cher and setting the stage for a year of diverse and dynamic musical triumphs.
“Believe”‘s reign at the top of the Official Singles Chart was nothing short of spectacular. It debuted at Number 1 and held its ground for an impressive seven weeks, becoming Cher’s best-selling single in the UK to this day. To put its success into perspective, “Believe” achieved over 1.5 million copies sold in 1998 alone, reaching a total of 1.8 million overall and earning the prestigious title of the UK’s best-selling single of the year. Furthermore, it made history as the first song by a female solo artist to be certified Triple Platinum, cementing its place as a record-breaking hit and the highest-selling single by a female act ever on the Official Charts. This monumental success was a testament to Cher’s enduring appeal and the song’s undeniable catchiness, proving that she was still a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
While Cher claimed the top spot with “Believe”, 1998 boasted a wealth of other chart-dominating singles. Securing the second position was Celine Dion’s emotionally resonant ballad, “My Heart Will Go On.” Synonymous with the blockbuster film Titanic, the song mirrored the movie’s colossal success, reaching Number 1 on the Official Singles Chart and staying there for two weeks. It sold 1.3 million copies that year, becoming an instant classic and further solidifying Celine Dion’s global superstar status. The enduring popularity of both Titanic and “My Heart Will Go On” made it a cultural touchstone of the late 90s.
The musical diversity of 1998 is further highlighted by the third best-selling single: Jason Nevins’ remix of Run DMC’s “It’s Like That.” This high-energy rework of the hip-hop classic took Europe by storm before conquering the UK charts. Its ascent to Number 1 was particularly noteworthy as it broke the Spice Girls’ streak of consecutive chart-topping hits. “It’s Like That” sold 1.09 million copies, demonstrating the broad appeal of dance remixes and the enduring influence of hip-hop within mainstream pop culture. This unexpected chart battle showcased the dynamic and ever-changing nature of music trends in 1998.
Irish artists also left an indelible mark on the 1998 charts. Boyzone continued their boyband dominance with their cover of “Whistle Down The Wind”‘s “No Matter What.” Becoming their fourth UK Number 1, it landed as the fourth most popular song of the year with 1.07 million sales. Meanwhile, B’Witched, often seen as the successors to the Spice Girls, made a massive splash with an impressive three entries in the year-end Top 40. Their debut single “C’est La Vie” reached number five (851k), alongside “Rollercoaster” (21) and “To You I Belong” (33), all of which peaked at Number 1. B’Witched’s instant success underscored the continued popularity of girl groups and their significant impact on the pop charts.
Beyond the top contenders, 1998’s charts were filled with memorable hits across various genres. Chef, a character from the animated series South Park, injected humor into the charts with “Chocolate Salty Balls (P.S. I Love You),” reaching number seven for the year (682k). The Spice Girls, despite being momentarily displaced from the top spot earlier in the year, still secured the Christmas Number 1 with “Goodbye” (680k), their third consecutive Christmas chart-topper, a feat not seen since The Beatles. Other notable entries in the Top 10 included LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live,” Pras Michel featuring ODB and Mya’s “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are),” and Savage Garden’s “Truly Madly Deeply,” showcasing the diverse sounds that captivated audiences in 1998.
1998 was undeniably a golden year for pop music, defined by iconic comebacks, movie soundtrack sensations, and the emergence of new pop sensations. But above all, it was Cher’s “Believe” that resonated most profoundly, capturing the zeitgeist and ultimately becoming the definitive number one song of 1998. Its groundbreaking sound and Cher’s undeniable star power ensured its place in music history and cemented 1998 as a year of unforgettable chart-topping hits.
