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AOL Artist Bio
Drew
/ Jeff /
Justin /
Nick / Group
98º have always had a simple philosophy
about success: persevere, work hard, have faith and eventually you'll reach your
goal. For the quartet, who've sold millions of albums and earned a devoted fanbase
since they arrived on the music scene in 1997, that humble way of looking at things
has helped make them four of the hottest singing sensations in pop music.
But their ultimate aspiration has
always been clear-having people recognize that their talent goes beyond just their
amazing harmonies. With their new album, Revelation, they've achieved that goal.
Revelation is an impressive step for members NICK and DREW LACHEY,
JEFF TIMMONS and JUSTIN JEFFRE, who've always had a hand in writing and producing
their albums: The group cowrote 11 of the album's 13 tracks. "That's why we're so
excited about this project," DREW explains. "We were able to contribute so much
to it. I think it's going to reflect on the album-we feel so close to the songs."
From the opening chords of the
album's Latin-flavored first single, "Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)," it's
clear that 98º have reached yet another plateau. Long known for being premier balladeers,
the pulsating track shows a more rhythmic 98º. The minute the guys heard the song
(written by producers Anders Bagge and Arnthor Birgisson), they knew it was destined
to be their inaugural release off the album. "It's so energetic and intense," says
NICK. "We've never had an uptempo single so that in itself was a departure for us."
Fueled by Spanish-sounding guitar, killer percussion and a groove-filled melody,
"Give Me Just One Night" is a dancefloor smash in-the-making. And to reflect the
album's infectious energy and South of the Border vibe, the group traveled down
to Mexico's Mayan Ruins with director Wayne Isham to film the song's mysteriously
sensual video.
Revelation is an eclectic and ambitious mix of intricate harmonies,
symphonic strings, R&B grooves, pop melodies and hip-hop-inflected rhythms. Recorded
in Los Angeles and produced by Anders Bagge and Arnthor Birgisson (who produced
their holiday album, This Christmas, and their Top 3 hit, "Because of You" from
98º And Rising), Carl Sturken & Evan Rogers (the team behind N'Sync's "God Must
Have Spent"), Rhett Lawrence (Mariah Carey, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Monica) and Sam
Watters & Louis Biancaniello (who produced the NICK LACHEY-Jessica Simpson duet,
"Where You Are"), Revelation is a cornucopia of sounds. "The theme of this
album is really about us growing musically," JEFF says. NICK concurs: "We tried
not to have any boundaries, try different stuff. The album is so versatile, there's
so many different types of songs." Case in point: NICK even raps on the track "Dizzy,"
though he jokes that that definitely won't become a 98º staple. "I enjoy rhyming.
I wrote it in five minutes and just put it down. It was something fun to do."
From the romantic balladry of tracks
like "Stay The Night" and the Seal-inspired "Yesterday's Letter" (cowritten by DREW
and JEFF), to the danceable funk of "You Should Be Mine"(cowritten by and Rhett
Lawrence), the Southern hip-hop flavor of "Dizzy" (cowritten by DREW and Rhett Lawrence)
and the Earth Wind & Fire-sounding "Never Giving Up" (cowritten by JEFF and JUSTIN),
it's clear that 98º have reached a new level of artistry. And they've also become
supreme storytellers. Revelation percolates with songs about love and loss-and
living life to the fullest.
And the guys' personal experiences
found their way onto the album. NICK reveals that the tender track "My Everything"
is inspired by his relationship with Jessica Simpson. "That song is purely dedicated
to her and she knows that. That's special for both of us."
Revelation is yet another impressive step for the quartet. Building
on the promise of their 1998 multi-platinum sophomore smash, 98º And Rising (which
spawned hit singles "Because of You," "The Hardest Thing" and "I Do (Cherish You)")
and their gold-selling 1997 debut self-titled album (which spawned the hit track
"Invisible Man"), it demonstrates the maturity they've achieved as singers and songwriters.
Having time off from their hectic touring schedule gave them a chance to truly devote
their energies to crafting the stellar album. "I felt like this was the first time
we got to catch our breath, get our creative vibe going and grow," JUSTIN explains.
"We came back with fresh ideas and fresh ears. The hardest part of making this album
was picking and choosing the songs, because there was a lot of material to choose
from."
Since emerging on the music scene
three years ago, 98º have been regarded as a vocal group to contend with. But being
recognized was the result of group's determined efforts to get discovered. Their
story began with JEFF, a native of Massillon, Ohio, who moved out to Los Angeles
to pursue a singing career. When his first attempts at putting together a group
didn't work out, he ultimately ended up meeting Cincinnati, Ohio native NICK through
a mutual friend. Their musical chemistry was instant and soon NICK called on his
longtime pal JUSTIN (the two attended the Cincinnati School for the Creative and
Performing Arts) to head out to California and try his hand at singing with them.
The last piece of the puzzle to fit was DREW, NICK'S younger brother, who was working
in Brooklyn as an Emergency Medical Technician. He took his chances on the fledgling
group.
The newly christened 98º endured
their fair share of odd jobs and tight living conditions while struggling to get
their big break. That break finally came backstage at a Boyz II Men show when they
met a manager who saw a spark in the quartet. Soon, 98º were touring with R&B star
Montell Jordan and before long were drawing raves for their dynamic performances.
In 1997, they scored a recording deal with Motown Records (and signed to Universal
Records in 1999).
Looking back at the struggles they
endured to make a splash on the music scene, all four guys admit that the tough
times only bonded them more tightly as a unit. The album title reflects the hard-earned
lessons they've learned along the way. "We've learned about the business together,
we've learned about hardships together," JEFF says. "We're like a family.
We've dealt with everybody's setbacks
and have also had the highest of highs together."
Some of those highs include singing
with their musical idol, Stevie Wonder, on the song "True To Your Heart," which
appeared on Disney's Mulan soundtrack (as well as on 98º And Rising), performing
the rousing duet "Thank God I Found You" with Mariah Carey and Joe, and performing
at the White House for President Clinton. But their happiest memories also involve
making an impact on their loyal fans. "I think the most exciting thing is the reaction
we've gotten from people who've been inspired by our music," JUSTIN explains.
And with Revelation, the
group is destined to keep on inspiring people. "To see how it's accepted and what
people think about it, that's the most exciting part," DREW says. NICK agrees: "All
we ever wanted to do was be recognized for the music and have people enjoy our music.
My hope for this album is that people will continue to appreciate it and have respect
for what we do." |
