Ep 3. 1998

As the third season of A Year In Music continues to explore the most iconic moments in music history, episode 3 takes us back to the year 1998. This was a year of musical experimentation and genre-defying hits, as artists pushed the boundaries of what was possible in popular music.

The episode begins by exploring the impact of Lauryn Hill's groundbreaking debut solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," which blended R&B, hip-hop, and soul into a powerful and introspective work of art. Hill's album would go on to win numerous awards, including Album of the Year at the 1999 Grammys, and remains a landmark release that paved the way for many female artists to come.

1998 also saw the rise of electronic dance music, or EDM, with the release of Daft Punk's "Homework" and The Prodigy's "The Fat of the Land." These albums showcased the power and appeal of electronic music, and helped bring it into the mainstream. The episode explores the origins of EDM, from the early days of Kraftwerk to the rave scene of the 1990s, and how it has evolved into one of the most popular genres of music today.

Hip-hop also continued to dominate the charts in 1998, with the release of DMX's "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" and Jay-Z's "Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life." These albums brought a raw and edgy energy to the genre, and helped establish DMX and Jay-Z as two of the most important voices in hip-hop at the time. The episode explores the history of hip-hop, from its roots in the Bronx in the 1970s to its global impact today, and how it has continued to evolve and change over the years.

1998 was also a year of pop domination, with hits from artists like Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and *NSYNC taking over the airwaves. These artists combined catchy hooks and infectious beats with youthful charisma, creating a new era of pop music that captivated audiences around the world. The episode delves into the history of pop music, from its origins in the 1950s to its peak in the 1990s, and how it continues to shape the musical landscape today.

Finally, the episode explores the impact of some of the more experimental releases of 1998, such as Radiohead's "OK Computer" and Massive Attack's "Mezzanine." These albums pushed the boundaries of what was possible in popular music, blending together elements of rock, electronic, and experimental music to create something entirely new. The episode looks at how these albums were received by audiences and critics, and how they have continued to influence musicians in the years since.

Overall, episode 3 of A Year In Music season 3 is a fascinating and insightful look at the year 1998, and how it shaped the musical landscape for years to come. Whether you're a fan of hip-hop, pop, or electronic music, there's something for everyone in this episode, which explores the rich history and diverse sounds that have made music so important to so many people around the world.