The iconic pop trio, 98 Degrees, has taken a page from Taylor Swift’s playbook by announcing their decision to re-record their classic hits. Comprised of Justin Jeffre, Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, and Jeff Timmons, the beloved boy band recently shared their plans with E! News, revealing their intent to embark on this significant musical journey.
“We’re going to rerecord five of our classic hits as part of the re-recording process to regain control of our masters,” explained Nick Lachey. “In addition to revisiting our classic tunes, we’re also in the midst of crafting five brand-new songs, with a new single slated for release at the start of the upcoming year.”
The decision to rerecord their catalog has been brewing within the group for some time, primarily due to opportunities tied to their songs and challenges with their record label. However, it was the trailblazing example set by pop sensation Taylor Swift that finally pushed them to take the leap.
“We had been considering re-recording our masters for a while, given the various opportunities surrounding our songs and the hurdles we’ve faced with our label,” Jeff Timmons shared. “Taylor Swift was instrumental in bringing the idea of re-recording to the forefront. Her fans have wholeheartedly embraced this move, and it signaled to us that the time was right to embark on this journey.”
During the late ’90s and early ’00s, 98 Degrees enjoyed monumental success in the music industry, marked by their debut album, “98 Degrees,” released in 1997. However, the group decided to take a hiatus in 2003, only to reunite in 2012.
The decision to re-record their hits aligns with a growing trend in the music industry where artists are seeking to reclaim control over their original recordings, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the music business and artists’ rights. 98 Degrees’ bold move is not only a tribute to their enduring connection with fans but also a nod to the transformative impact of artists like Taylor Swift who have reshaped the industry’s dynamics. Fans can eagerly anticipate a new era of 98 Degrees music as the group reimagines their classics and prepares to unveil fresh tracks in the near future.