Concert Review: Give Them Just One Night: 98 Degrees Delivers a Timeless Reunion Performance at Foxwoods

Concert Review: Give Them Just One Night: 98 Degrees Delivers a Timeless Reunion Performance at Foxwoods

98 Degrees perform at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut on November 22, 2024

The shift from the glittering excess of the 1980s to the bold innovation of the 1990s ignited a cultural revolution, redefining media across the board. Music took center stage, embodying the pulse of a new generation with groundbreaking sounds, daring trends, and a fresh vision of what pop culture could be. Pop music, fueled by catchy melodies and polished production, became the soundtrack of a vibrant youth culture, while R&B brought soulful vocals and heartfelt emotion to the forefront of mainstream music. This fusion of styles created a fertile ground for a musical phenomenon dominating the decade: boybands.

Boybands redefined the pop landscape, offering tightly harmonized vocals, choreographed performances, and an irresistible charm that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Groups like *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys became household names, but among them was a quartet that brought something uniquely soulful to the table—98 Degrees.

Formed in the mid-90s by Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons, 98 Degrees stood apart with their emphasis on smooth harmonies and heartfelt ballads. Unlike many of their peers, they weren’t a creation of the record industry; instead, they came together organically, united by their shared passion for music. Their blend of pop and R&B influences, combined with their vocal prowess, quickly earned them a place in the hearts of fans and on the charts.

As the decade came to a close, 98 Degrees delivered hits like “Because of You,” “I Do (Cherish You),” and “The Hardest Thing,” cementing their legacy as one of the era’s defining acts. Fast-forward to their recent performance at the Foxwoods Premier Theater, where they proved that their magic is as enduring as ever. With a career spanning nearly three decades, 98 Degrees continues to celebrate the timeless appeal of their music, and their show at Foxwoods was no exception.

Kicking off the show, the group began with a highly choreographed, cover-mashup of “Can’t Get Enough,” “Heat It Up,” and “Finesse” by Bruno Mars, followed by their hits “Fly With Me” and “Do You Wanna Dance.” From the start, it was clear that 98 Degrees’ live vocals remain as impressive as ever, with their blended harmonies ringing strong and effortlessly filling the room. Nick Lachey stayed at the forefront with his rich, commanding vocals, leading the group with charisma and energy. Their connection with the audience was substantial, as they frequently interacted with fans, exchanged smiles and waves, and even frequently held hands with those in the front rows, creating an atmosphere that felt personal and electric. As a first-time attendee of a 98 Degrees concert, I wasn’t sure what to expect of the crowd. However, even though the performance had just started, I was immediately swept up in the crowd’s ecstatic response. It wasn’t just excitement—it was nostalgia in its purest form, a collective time machine to an era when our bedroom walls were plastered with boyband posters and their CDs spun on repeat. The audience wasn’t just singing along; they were reliving the magic of their teenage years when every lyric felt like a personal anthem. Watching 98 Degrees perform live brought that era flooding back, a reminder of simpler days spent obsessing over harmonies, choreography, and the dream of one day catching their attention.

Although their vocal abilities and harmonies remain impressive, their frequent use of covers in their show was an aspect I was not expecting. I understand trying to add a modern twist to your show with a few modern covers, but to make your show 70% covers is a bit overdoing it, in my opinion. It’s nice to see how well their vocals have held up as they sing highlights from the last couple of decades, like Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” and Britney Spears’s “Oops!… I Did It Again.” However, performing songs from other, debatably more successful boybands—like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys—may not have been the strongest way to showcase their longevity as a group. Even opting to perform a deeper cut or introduce newer music could have been a fun alternative to build anticipation with their audience. Despite it not being my favorite choice, they at least looked like they were having a great time getting back into their old ways again. The cover choices do feel relevant to their brand, like En Vogue’s, “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It), and Sisqo’s, “Thong Song,” as they lean into their sexier, more laid-back personas.

98 Degrees has proven that their relevance and importance to fans remain unwavering. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, combined with their undeniable connection to the audience, ensures that they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of both longtime supporters and new listeners alike. The grand encore, featuring their most well-known hit, “Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche),” was the perfect culmination of the night, reminding everyone why this iconic group has stood the test of time.

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