before I start this review, I must let it be known that I was not a big champion of the late 90's TRL pop invasion. I did like Aqua and Spice Girls, but to me, both of those were more Europop than TRL. I've never thought Britney was a particularly good singer, and I only think N'Sync had a handfull of good songs in them. Plus, I was 19-20 when 98 Degrees hit their peak. Yet I loved them!!! Their music was irresistable, and looks-wise, they were by far the hottest of all the boy acts (tho 98 wasn't a boyband, they were lumped in with them) of the day.

This collection covers their entire recording career, from 1997's top 20 Invisible Man to their 2002 Why (Are We Still Friends). These guys walked a thin line between r&b and pop music that is rarely seen these days. Unlike Backstreet Boys and N'Sync (Justin solo is another story, but both BSB and N'Sync proclaimed themselves r&b influenced), 98 Degrees actually scored on the r&b chart as well. And at the same time, 98 Degrees were able to reach a pop audience that wasn't really into Boyz II Men, Next or K-Ci And Jo-Jo. While Backstreet Boys and Ricky Martin were the biggest selling artists of 1999, I think it's hardpressed to say that 98 Degrees didn't rule the year 1999. They were everywhere for those 12 months. All of the hits they had that year (Because Of You, The Hardest Thing, I Do, This Gift) are collected here.

The four-part harmonies of Nick Lachey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre are already proving to be timeless. 5-6 years on, these songs are still great.

98 Degrees had a nice run from 97-01, but they took an extended break after their summer 2001 tour, a lot of us believe they've broken up as Jeff is now listed as "FORMER 98 Degrees vocalist". Nick Lachey and Jeff Timmons have both gone solo (Jeff's album is available exclusively through JeffTimmons.com), and Nick's probably unfortunately better known now as "Mr. Jessica Simpson" than for his music, and it's a shame.

I recommend this collection to anyone who has the least casual of interest to 98 Degrees. If you're just learning who Nick Lachey is through Newlyweds, pick up this cd and you'll understand why so many of us are kinda disapointed that he's now playing Jessica Simpson's second banana.

98 Degrees, 1997-2002

This Collection includes hits of both 98 Degrees R&B styling and pop influences...

98 DEGREES -
With hits such as "Invisible Man" and "Was It Something I Didn't Say", the 4 guys from Ohio turn out soulful tunes that cry for the likes of BoysIIMen and other R&B groups of the late 80's and early 90's. If this was a collection of their greatest songs vs. greatest "hits", then it would most certainly include "Heaven's Missing An Angel" and "I Wasn't Over You".

98 DEGREES AND RISING -
Moving on to their sophmore album, 98 Degrees move towards more mainstream pop with hits such as "The Hardest Thing", "Because Of You", and crossover hit "I Do" also performed by country artist Mark Wills. If anyone has a doubt about the acapella ability of this foursome, stop and listen to "She's Out of My Life". Other notable songs include "Still" and "If She Only Knew".

THIS CHRISTMAS -
Before this album, I wasn't a fan of Christmas music. Of course, I knew the classics such as "Silent Night" and "Ave Maria", but 98 Degrees perfect harmony bring a new light to the classics. Originals such as "This Gift" and "Christmas Wish" add spice to this record, but the true gift is the 4-part harmonies that bring soul and spirit to each song. For example, on "Oh Holy Night", Jeff Timmons brings his tenor voice to all time highs to make this song very memorable. The Latin,acapella "Ave Maria" showcases their excellent harmonies and arrangments are untouchable.

REVELATION -
This album demonstrates the writing ability of 98 Degrees and moves back towards R&B. This excellent grouping of romantic ballads and few uptempo numbers show their production ability and winning combination. From hits such as "Give Me Just One Night" to "My Everything", this album is another destined classic.

Back to the Collection...notable additions are the acoustic version of "Was It Something I Didn't Say" and "Never Let Go" (bearing the same name as a Revelation song) penned by Justin Jeffre. However, the downside to the Collection is the lack of marketing and production involved. From the lackluster packaging to the missing hit "Where You Are" from Nick Lachey/Jessica Simpson makes this album less appealing to true 98 Degrees fans. Unfortunately, I believe lack of marketing and production has kept this excellent group out of the spotlight too long. Hopefully, they will reunite soon for another go-round and a 5th studio album.

Jeff Timmons, Nick Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Drew Lachey's excellent harmonies and soulful voices fill a void in music today that is plagued by overproduced hip-hop and lackluster, generic pop music. Good luck to all the guys and to Nick on his solo album!!

As a devoted 98 Degrees fan, I was pleased with this record. Simply stated, the music is beautiful. The guys have a rare talent and have not recieved the recognition they deserve.

Invisible Man- WOW! I can not get over how their voices blend on this song, definitely one of their best.

The Hardest Thing- This song is so addictive. Of course, how can you resist those voices?

I Do- Such a calm, beautiful song. Love it!

Why (Are We Still Friends)- I will admit that this is not a great song. The only thing that saves it is the guy's harmonies, which, as always, are wonderful.

Thank God I Found You- Although you only hear Nick, it's a great song. Gotta love Mariah!

Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)- This song has a sexy vibe to it, and the video is awesome.

My Everything- Sung straight from the heart. I love this song because it applies to so many people. For me, it represent God's role in my own life. Definitely not just another love song.

The Way You Want Me To- A little different for 98 Degrees, but they have the talent to sing whatever genre they choose.

This Gift- Love this one! A great, romantic Christmas song. Of course, the guys sound awesome.

Was It Something I Didn't Say- An acoustic version, this one definitely shows off the guy's vocal abilities.

Never Let Go- This might just be my favorite 98 Degrees song of all time. Written by Justin and sung primarily by Jeff, it is one of their best. Jeff's voice just shines. I can listen to it over and over again.

True To Your Heart- This is a really cool song from the Disney movie "Mulan". To sing with Stevie Wonder and hold your own is quite a accomplishment,and trust me, they do! Very up-beat and inspirational.

98 Degrees has great talent. Whatever the guys choose to do, I know they will be successful. I can only hope that they bring us some new material so we can continue to enjoy their exceptional voices.

I thought this CD was a perfect collection of their best hits! I don't own any other 98 Degrees CDs so I bought this one to have their hits and it is great!! All of the songs you will know right away if you listen to pop music at all. I highly recommend this CD, especially if you don't own any others and want to have thier greatest hits in one CD!

98 Degrees is such a talented group that it's hard not to love their music. They have been constantly compared to certain boy bands out there when they are something totally different. Just because their songs didn't make up on the charts doesn't mean they aren't hits. Their music appeals more to the older crowd instead of the teenagers which is the age that mostly determines what are hits and hwat are not.