1998: The Year That Hit Fast-Forward

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

By 1998, the ‘90s weren’t just vibing — they were hurtling. Girl groups were everywhere (BWitched* had us all double-denim dancing), Robbie Williams had gone full stadium icon, and Britney Spears arrived like a pop wrecking ball in pigtails. There was glitter in the air and glitter on our bell bottoms.

On screen, Sex and the City made its fabulously frank debut, The Truman Show made us wonder if we were being watched, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? introduced “final answer” into everyday conversation (and a nation of armchair know-it-alls). Meanwhile, Big Brother was just around the corner, and the Google search bar was quietly launched — though most of us were still waiting 45 minutes to download a photo of a Dalmatian.

The Good Friday Agreement brought hope to Northern Ireland, and the World Cup brought heartbreak (again) — as David Beckham became a national scapegoat and style icon all in one moody flick of a boot. Still, Three Lions ‘98 had us believing… briefly.

Buffy battled vampires, Will Smith saved the world (again), and The Offspring and Fatboy Slim had us bouncing at school discos and student unions alike. It was chaotic, catchy, and ever so slightly caffeinated.

1998 — the year pop went platinum, the internet got interesting, and we all got very, very emotional about a Spice Girls breakup.