History's Best Selling Music of 1998

Hats off to 1998! Few music commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Moon Safari. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Pilgrim and Hello Nasty, consumers eagerly embraced the radical 90s attitude and millennium anticipation. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Air and Eric Clapton set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Moon Safari

   Released in 1998 by Air, Source, Virgin Records

   On January 16, 1998, the musical landscape was subtly yet permanently altered with the release of "Moon Safari," the debut studio album by French duo Air. At a time when the airwaves were dominated by the tail-end of grunge and the height of Britpop, this Parisian release offered a completely different sonic palette. It arrived not with a bang, but with a dreamy, atmospheric whisper, providing a sophisticated and cinematic alternative. "Moon Safari" became the definitive soundtrack for the turn of the millennium's chic lounges and coffee tables, establishing a new benchmark for the burgeoning downtempo and electronic music scenes and proving that quiet, meticulously crafted soundscapes could achieve global commercial success.

2. Pilgrim

   Released in 1998 by Eric Clapton, Reprise Records

   On March 10, 1998, Eric Clapton released "Pilgrim," his thirteenth studio album. This date marked a significant moment in the legendary guitarist's career, as it was his first album of new, original material in nearly a decade, following 1989's "Journeyman." The album arrived after a period of immense personal tragedy and subsequent artistic reinvention, particularly the massive success of his 1992 "Unplugged" album. "Pilgrim" was a deeply personal and contemplative work, exploring themes of grief, loss, and spiritual searching, heavily influenced by the death of his son, Conor. Its release was highly anticipated, representing a new chapter for one of rock's most enduring figures.

3. Hello Nasty

   Released in 1998 by Beastie Boys, Capitol Records

   On July 14, 1998, the Beastie Boys unleashed their fifth studio album, "Hello Nasty," a kaleidoscopic explosion of sound that immediately reaffirmed their status as musical pioneers. Released four years after their punk-infused "Ill Communication," the album arrived at a time when hip-hop was dominating the charts, but often with a more polished, commercial sound. "Hello Nasty" defiantly bucked trends, reintroducing the world to the trio's eclectic and experimental genius. It was a triumphant return that not only topped the charts but also showcased a mature yet still playful group at the peak of their creative powers, seamlessly blending genres and proving their enduring relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape.

4. Blue Wonder Power Milk

   Released in 1998 by Hooverphonic, Epic Records

   On August 11, 1998, the Belgian band Hooverphonic released their second studio album, "Blue Wonder Power Milk," a pivotal record that saw them further explore and refine their trip-hop sound. Arriving two years after their debut, this album was a significant step for the group, showcasing a more polished and expansive sonic palette. It was released during a period when the trip-hop genre, popularized by artists like Portishead and Massive Attack, was at its peak of influence. The release of "Blue Wonder Power Milk" cemented Hooverphonic's place within this movement while also demonstrating their unique orchestral and cinematic approach, setting them apart from their contemporaries.

5. Celebrity Skin

   Released in 1998 by Hole, Geffen Records

   Released on September 8, 1998, Hole's third album, "Celebrity Skin," arrived at a pivotal moment in music. The raw, unfiltered grunge era that the band had helped to define was fading, giving way to a more polished and diverse alternative rock landscape. This album represented a deliberate and dramatic reinvention, shedding the abrasive sound of their previous work for a glamorous, sun-drenched, and distinctly Californian power-pop sheen. The release was intensely anticipated, coming after a four-year gap since their breakthrough "Live Through This" and following the immense public and media scrutiny surrounding frontwoman Courtney Love. This date marked not just a new collection of songs, but the public unveiling of a more refined, ambitious, and commercially savvy version of one of the 1990s' most provocative bands.

6. Americana

   Released in 1998 by The Offspring, Columbia Records

   On November 17, 1998, the landscape of mainstream rock was jolted by the release of The Offspring's fifth studio album, "Americana." Arriving at the peak of the 90s punk revival, the album captured a moment of cultural satire and suburban ennui. It built upon the massive success of their previous album, "Smash," but catapulted the band to an even higher level of global stardom. The date marks the moment a sharp, sarcastic, and incredibly catchy critique of American culture was unleashed upon an eager audience, perfectly encapsulating the ironic and disillusioned spirit of the late 20th century through its high-energy punk rock anthems.

7. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood

   Released in 1998 by DMX, Ruff Ryders, Def Jam Recordings

   On December 22, 1998, the hip-hop world was shaken for the second time in a single year by Earl Simmons, better known as DMX. With the release of his sophomore album, "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood," DMX achieved a historic feat. It was his second album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the same calendar year, following his May release "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot." This unprecedented move solidified his status as a rap superstar, capping off a monumental year for both the artist and his Ruff Ryders crew. The release date, just before Christmas, was a bold power play by Def Jam, flooding the market with DMX's raw, aggressive energy during a typically festive season and cementing 1998 as the year of the Dog.