The soul-tinged harmonies 98 Degrees showcased in the top 10 hit "Because of You" are far more credible than those of other late-'90s teen-beat groups, but then there's plenty of star-making power behind the scenes: producers Trackmasters and Pras provide the funk on the '70s-esque "Heat It Up" and "Fly with Me," respectively; Stevie Wonder cameos on "True to Your Heart"; and the powerful ballad "I Do (Cherish You)" is a remake of Mark Wills's country hit. Their best weapon, though, is the soul in lead singers Jeff Timmons and Nick Lachey's vocal cords. Occasional 'N Sync-like pop ("The Hardest Thing," "To Me You're Everything") can be forgiven thanks to an impressive a cappella version of Michael Jackson's "She's Out of My Life" and the disco-happy "Do You Wanna Dance?" --Rebecca Wallwork Amazon.com
98 Degrees albums have R&B influences and the 98 Degrees (BTW: It is 98 Degrees out here now) albums are Pop and R&B fans will love.
August 7, 2007 I really do not see what people see in this. They are no different the the backstreet boys, and n'sync. You can find a son about love any day, any time. Trust me, this is nothing even remotely close to special, or original. This is just another band that got caught up in the trend of "boy bands" or whatever you guys call it. 98 degrees will just be forgotten like any other band that sold out.
July 1, 2006 I had listened to a couple of their albums prior to this one, and I remember, none of them were bad at all. Yes, they are "pop", but they aren't annoying, something that usually comes with being a pop star. I enjoyed listening to 98 Degree's album, "98 Degrees and Rising". They are just so cute! They have nice voices, and they sound really good together. The lyrics are nice, but nothing complex, which is understandable since they sing pop music, and that type of music typically caters to a teen audience. "Do You Wanna Dance", "Heat it Up" and "Fly With Me" are all faster tempo songs, and any of them have the potential to get a party started! I like the lyrics to "Heat it Up". "Baby, let me love you to the 98th degree..." They did a nice job of covering Michael Jackson's "She's Out of My Life". They used to instrumentation, they did it a capella. They included harmony and had a very listenable finished product.
These boys know how to croon as well. "Still", "Because of You" and oh my goodness, "(I Do) Cherish You" are all so sweet. "(I Do) Cherish You" is sensational. "Hardest Thng" is one of my favorite pop songs. It used to come on the radio all the time, so they forced it on the public.
I recommened this CD to r&b and pop fans. This album definitely contains some r&b elements, so I feel fans of both types of music would enjoy it. And ladies, these men are not at all har don the eyes. hehe
Mikeisha's Top 5
1. (I Do) Cherish You
2. Hardest Thing
3. Heat it Up
4. Still
5. If She Only Knew
June 1, 2006Wow! If they keep doing this to me, i am going to have to get a boyfriend soon. This group is not a boyband, but a collection of voices that get you through your rough day. Drew and Nick keep leaving me hot and bothered. Thanks Guys!
March 10, 2006Although I am not a musical expert by any means, I do love music. I have an eclectic taste in music, and I know what I like. My friend and I were at our local Wal-Mart scanning the music section when I came across this record. I was immediately flustered the first time I laid eyes upon Mr. Lachey. I knew that this man had some special talent to tap raw human emotion by means of his larynx. I listened to some samples, and I broke down in tears in that aisle. My friend and a Wal-Mart employee had to help me to my feet. I cradled this CD to the counter, where I promptly purchased it. I arrived home, and put this disc into my player, and wept because of the purity of each and every tone. Listening to this CD is more satisfying than a fine wine, a robust cigar, or a beautiful woman. Days would pass where all I would only sit and listen. I began to skip meals, and I lost my job because I would not come to work due to this, or I would listen to it at work. I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to know what dreams are made of. I have sent numerous letters to Mr. Lachey explaining to him my feelings, but between touring and composing more beautiful magnum opuses, he more than likely has not had the change to get back to me. Oh, Mr. Lachey! I cry blood and bleed tears for thine!
November 18, 2005More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(362 reviews)
