The Hardest Thing (98 Degrees song)

"The Hardest Thing" is the third single released by American boy band, 98 Degrees, from their second studio album, 98 Degrees and Rising (1998). "The Hardest Thing" peaked at number five in the United States, number 10 in Canada, number 29 in the United Kingdom, and number 31 in Ireland. It also experienced moderate success in Oceania, peaking at number 24 in Australia and number five in New Zealand. The single was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 500,000 units.

"The Hardest Thing"
Single by 98°
from the album 98° and Rising
Released	June 8, 1999
Studio	Soundtrack Studios, New York City, NY
Genre	Pop
Length	4:34 (album version) 3:47 (radio version)
Label	Motown Universal
Songwriter(s)	Steve Kipner David Frank
Producer(s)	David Frank Steve Kipner
98° singles chronology
"Because of You" (1998) "The Hardest Thing" (1999) "I Do (Cherish You)" (1999)
Music video
"The Hardest Thing" on YouTube

Song meaning

The song is about a man who is torn between two women that he loves: one being his significant other and the other being his mistress. This is apparent when Doctor Zhivago is referenced in the second verse of the song. In the end, the man chooses to say goodbye to his mistress because it is only fair to his significant other, who has always trusted him. This becomes clear in the first verse of the song when he says, "I've got somewhere else to be, promises to keep/Someone else who loves me and trusts me fast asleep." However, as he is saying goodbye to the mistress, he has to hide his true feelings (love) from her; hence, the title of the song: "The Hardest Thing". As he says goodbye to his mistress, he thinks, "It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do to look you in the eye and tell you I don't love you." However, he knows that their love is real and that they will (hopefully) meet again when the time is right: "I know that we'll meet again/Fate has a place and time/So you can get on with your life."

Music video

The music video takes place inside a boxing arena. Nick Lachey, the protagonist in the video, is the gentleman who is torn between two ladies. Nick is a boxer in the video, and his mistress is a show girl. His significant other is not in the video.

Track listings

US single

1. "The Hardest Thing" (radio version) – 3:47
2. "Because of You" (Hex Hector Dance Mix) – 3:07
3. "Invisible Man" – 4:42

UK 12-inch vinyl

• A1. "The Hardest Thing" (Love to Infinity Master Mix) – 6:35
• B1. "The Hardest Thing" (album version] – 4:34

UK maxi-CD

1. "The Hardest Thing" (radio version) – 3:47
2. "The Hardest Thing" (album version) – 4:34
3. "The Hardest Thing" (Love to Infinity Master Mix) – 6:35
4. "The Hardest Thing" (music video) – 3:31

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1999) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[1] 24 Canada Top Singles (RPM)[2] 10 Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[3] 4 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[4] 96 Ireland (IRMA)[5] 31 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[6] 5 Scotland (OCC)[7] 38 UK Singles (OCC)[8] 29 US Billboard Hot 100[9] 5 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[10] 2 US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[11] 32 US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[12] 5 US Rhythmic (Billboard)[13] 10

Year-end charts Chart (1999) Position Canada Top Singles (RPM)[14] 82 Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[15] 18 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[16] 39 US Billboard Hot 100[17] 37

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[18]	Gold	500,000^^
^^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

1. "Australian-charts.com – 98° – The Hardest Thing". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
2. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 8146." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
3. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 8358." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
4. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 17 no. 12. March 18, 2000. p. 11. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
5. "Irish-charts.com – Discography 98°". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
6. "Charts.nz – 98° – The Hardest Thing". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
7. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
8. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
9. "98 Degrees Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
10. "98 Degrees Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
11. "98 Degrees Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
12. "98 Degrees Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
13. "98 Degrees Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
14. "RPM 1999 Top 100 Hit Tracks". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
15. "RPM 1999 Top 100 Adult Contemporary". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
16. "End of Year Charts 1999". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
17. "Billboard Top 100 – 1999". Archived from the original on July 9, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2010.
18. "American single certifications – 98 Degrees – The Hardest Thing". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 27, 2018. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH.