What was 98 Degrees’ debut studio album?

98 Degrees’ debut studio album was titled 98 Degrees.

The album was released on July 29, 1997, through Motown Records. It introduced the American vocal group to listeners before their major commercial breakthrough with the follow-up album 98 Degrees and Rising.

The group formed in Los Angeles in 1996 and originally consisted of brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons. Unlike some boy bands of the era, 98 Degrees was not assembled through a televised talent show; the members came together independently and pursued a contemporary R&B-influenced pop sound.

A common mix-up is confusing the self-titled debut with 98 Degrees and Rising, the group’s second studio album, released in 1998. That later record produced several of their best-known hits, including “Because of You” and “The Hardest Thing.”