UK number 1 singles 1998 – a Look Back
The year 1998 was a wild and eclectic ride for UK music fans. From pop sensations to dance floor anthems, the charts reflected a changing musical landscape. As the millennium approached, listeners embraced catchy hooks, bold production, and rising new acts. In this blog, we’ll dive into the UK number 1 singles 1998, answering the biggest questions about the chart-toppers that defined the year.
How many number 1 singles were there in the UK in 1998?
In total, 36 different tracks topped the UK charts in 1998. This made it one of the busiest years ever. UK number 1 singles 1998 changed almost weekly, showing how fast tastes shifted. Although some songs enjoyed multiple weeks at the top, most had short reigns. Therefore, artists needed to release standout tracks to make an impact. Pop and dance genres drove many chart changes. Moreover, competition among major labels grew intense during this period. Fans bought singles in droves, helping turnover remain high. As a result, very few songs held on for long. This made UK number 1 singles 1998 an exciting mix of styles and surprises.
Who had the Christmas number 1 in the UK in 1998?
The Spice Girls scored the Christmas number 1 with Goodbye. This emotional ballad marked Geri Halliwell’s departure from the group. Because Christmas number 1s hold special status, the achievement cemented their place in pop history. Despite fierce competition, they won public support with heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals. Fans loved the message of change and unity. Additionally, the Spice Girls had already dominated the charts in previous years. With Goodbye, they proved their staying power yet again. Among the UK number 1 singles 1998, this one had a sentimental edge. Furthermore, it was their third consecutive Christmas number 1, a rare accomplishment.
Which artist had the most number 1s in the UK in 1998?
BWitched, All Saints, and Boyzone each scored two number 1 singles in 1998. No artist topped the chart more than twice that year. This showed how competitive the music scene had become. Among the UK number 1 singles 1998, many came from debut or emerging acts. However, these three groups managed consistent success across different releases. All Saints led the way with Never Ever and Under the Bridge/Lady Marmalade. Meanwhile, BWitched reached number 1 with C'est La Vie and Rollercoaster. Boyzone also impressed with No Matter What and When the Going Gets Tough. Together, they defined the sound of UK number 1 singles 1998.
What was the first number 1 single in the UK in 1998?
The first UK chart-topper of 1998 was "Never Ever" by All Saints. Released in late 1997, it carried over into the new year. As a result, it dominated the charts in January. With smooth harmonies and confessional lyrics, the track resonated with listeners. All Saints stood apart from the bubblegum pop dominating the late ’90s. Because they offered an edgier vibe, fans quickly embraced their sound. "Never Ever" spent two weeks at number 1 in 1998. As one of the defining UK number 1 singles 1998, it launched the year with a soulful, sophisticated tone. Even today, it remains one of their most iconic songs.
What was the last number 1 single in the UK in 1998?
The final number 1 of 1998 was "Goodbye" by the Spice Girls. Their emotional farewell single captured public attention in December. Though released close to Christmas, it held the top spot into early January 1999. Therefore, it closed the year with powerful nostalgia. "Goodbye" combined heartfelt lyrics with lush production, appealing to longtime fans. While many UK number 1 singles 1998 came and went quickly, this track lingered. Importantly, it marked the group’s final number 1 as a quartet. Among the UK number 1 singles 1998, it offered a memorable end to a pop-heavy year. The Spice Girls once again ruled the festive season.
Which number 1 single in 1998 spent the longest at number 1 in the UK?
"Believe" by Cher held the top spot for seven weeks, the longest run in 1998. This dance-pop anthem introduced autotune into the mainstream. With bold vocals and futuristic effects, it dominated clubs and airwaves. Few UK number 1 singles 1998 matched its staying power or cultural impact. Although released late in the year, it left a lasting mark. Cher became the oldest female solo artist to top the UK chart. Fans embraced her comeback with enthusiasm. Furthermore, "Believe" revived her career and inspired countless imitators. It remains one of the most influential UK number 1 singles 1998 ever released.
Were there any one-hit wonders at number 1 in the UK in 1998?
Yes, several one-hit wonders claimed number 1 status in 1998. Notably, "It's Like That" by Run-D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevins was a standout. Although Run-D.M.C. had charted before, this remix marked their only UK number 1. The same goes for Jason Nevins. Additionally, Chef (voiced by Isaac Hayes) hit number 1 with Chocolate Salty Balls. This novelty single, from the South Park soundtrack, shocked many with its success. Moreover, "Feel It" by The Tamperer featuring Maya topped the charts but failed to spark lasting careers. These tracks added variety to the UK number 1 singles 1998, even if their artists faded quickly.
What genre of music dominated the UK charts in 1998?
Pop music dominated the UK charts in 1998. From the Spice Girls to B*Witched, pop acts consistently scored top spots. Dance music also made major waves throughout the year. Tracks like Music Sounds Better with You and Horny became anthems. Boy bands and girl groups reigned supreme. Yet R&B, hip-hop, and even novelty tracks claimed their moments. Overall, the UK number 1 singles 1998 reflected a pop-forward, radio-friendly aesthetic. However, the diversity of genres kept things fresh. Dance remixes gained popularity alongside traditional pop. Thus, the charts in 1998 felt vibrant, unpredictable, and extremely commercial. These elements defined the UK number 1 singles 1998 landscape.
What were the hits?
Too Much – Spice Girls
Number 1 for 2 weeks - starting in December 1997
Various Artists - Perfect Day
Number 1 for 1 week
All Saints - Never Ever
Number 1 for 1 week
Oasis - All Around the World
Number 1 for 1 week
Usher - You Make Me Wanna
Number 1 for 1 week
Aqua - Dr Jones
Number 1 for 2 weeks
Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On
Number 1 for 2 week (non-consecutively)
Cornershop - Brimful Of Asha
Number 1 for 1 week
Madonna - Frozen
Number 1 for 1 week
Run DMC vs Jason Nevins - It's Like That
Number 1 for 6 weeks
Boyzone - All That I Need
Number 1 for 1 week
All Saints - Under The Bridge / Lady Marmalade
Number 1 for 2 week
Aqua - Turn Back Time
Number 1 for 1 week
Tamperer & Maya - Feel It
Number 1 for 1 week
B*witched - C'est La Vie
Number 1 for 2 weeks
Baddiel & Skinner & The Lightning Seeds - Three Lions '98
Number 1 for 3 weeks
Billie - Because We Want To
Number 1 for 1 week
Another Level - Freak Me
Number 1 for 1 week
Jamiroquai - Deeper Underground
Number 1 for 1 week
The Spice Girls - Viva Forever
Number 1 for 2 weeks
Boyzone - No Matter What
Number 1 for 3 weeks
The Manic Street Preachers - If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
Number 1 for 1 week
All Saints - Bootie Call
Number 1 for 1 week
Robbie Williams - Millennium
Number 1 for 1 week
Mel B & Missy Elliott - I Want You Back
Number 1 for 1 week
B*witched - Rollercoaster
Number 1 for 2 weeks
Billie - Girlfriend
Number 1 for 1 week
Spacedust - Gym And Tonic
Number 1 for 1 week
Cher - Believe
Number 1 for 7 weeks
B*witched - To You I Belong
Number 1 for 1 week
The Spice Girls - Goodbye
Number 1 for 1 week
Chef - Chocolate Salty Balls
Number 1 for 1 week
The UK number 1 singles 1998 chart truly reflected a vibrant and ever-changing musical landscape. From the pop power of the Spice Girls to the timeless anthem Believe by Cher, the variety was impressive. Every week brought something new, keeping fans excited and the charts unpredictable.
Throughout the year, 36 unique singles reached the top spot. That rapid turnover showcased how competitive and dynamic the UK singles market had become. Trends shifted quickly, yet certain artists—like All Saints, B*Witched, and Boyzone—managed to dominate more than once.
Notably, 1998 delivered its fair share of surprises. Chart battles became cultural moments, and even one-hit wonders grabbed headlines. Tracks like It’s Like That and Brimful of Asha added global flavor to the UK scene. Meanwhile, homegrown talents rose alongside international stars, proving the UK charts had global reach and local depth.
When we revisit the UK number 1 singles 1998, we don’t just hear the hits—we remember the moments. Every song tells a story of its time. The year offered love ballads, club tracks, girl groups, and indie rockers, all sharing the same stage. Importantly, the Christmas number 1—Goodbye by the Spice Girls—closed the year with a perfect pop farewell.
Ultimately, 1998 remains one of the most diverse years in UK chart history. Whether you're a fan of pop, dance, or R&B, the UK number 1 singles 1998 had something unforgettable for everyone. And today, those hits still bring back vivid memories for many music lovers.
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