What makes The Hardest Thing by 98 Degrees notable?

The album features the title track, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant moment in the band's commercial success. Additionally, the album's polished production and catchy melodies helped define the sound of late '90s boy bands, influencing a generation of pop artists. Released as the group's third studio album, The Hardest Thing came after their successful sophomore effort, 98 Degrees and Rising. At this point in their career, 98 Degrees was solidifying their status in the contemporary R&B scene, with growing popularity following hit singles like 'Invisible Man.'

How many songs are on The Hardest Thing?

The Hardest Thing has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

The Hardest Thing

98 Degrees · 1999

11 min · 3 tracks · contemporary R&B

A smooth blend of heartfelt ballads and danceable tracks showcasing lush harmonies and polished production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Hardest Thing (radio edit) — This track is not only the title song but also encapsulates the emotional core of the album, showcasing the group's vocal harmonies and lyrical vulnerability.
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Because of You (Hex Hector dance mix) — This remix highlights the group’s versatility, blending contemporary R&B with upbeat dance elements that appealed to club-goers at the time.
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Invisible Man (album version) — As one of their most recognized hits, this track's narrative about longing and self-reflection showcases their ability to connect emotionally with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

41 /100

Lowland

Higher than 0% of albums we've rated

The title song’s polished ballad writing and the club remix give the disc contrast, but this single package has little sequencing logic beyond collecting different versions and tr…

What we noticed

The radio edit of “The Hardest Thing” leads with a slow ballad arrangement; the second track recasts “Because of You” as a Hex Hector dance mix.
“Invisible Man” closes in its album version, so the three-track sequence moves from a radio single to a club remix and back to a standard album track.

Composition 25% of the score: 5/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 4/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 4/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 3/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Hardest Thing (radio edit) 3:48
2 Because of You (Hex Hector dance mix) 3:07
3 Invisible Man (album version) 4:42

What to play next

Listen next

Revelation

2000

Go back to

This Christmas

1999

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contemporary R&B

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