98° and Katrina Velarde rekindle the romance with a fresh take on their hit I Do (Cherish You) — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day, the new recording offers a contemporary take on the timeless classic that was a worldwide smash in 1999. Group members Nick Lachey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre are in better voice than ever as they revisit their swoony slow-jam pledge to love us from the depths of their soul, in a way that’s beyond their control.
“I’ve waited so long to say this to you,” they declare, in a statement that has even more romantic heft than it did 26 years ago. “If you’re asking, do I love you this much? I do.”
Get ready to replace the revered original with this utterly timely update on your romance playlist. Come to think of it, set aside two places, because there’s an accompanying second version with guest vocals by Filipina pop star Velarde that you’re going to cherish just as much. She takes the second verse and joins the boys on the second chorus, singing in her native Tagalog to give the true-blue sentiment an extra helping of cross-cultural oomph.
This new way of saying I Do is a teaser for 98º’s upcoming album Full Circle. Due May 9 to mark the group’s 30th anniversary, the record marries five new songs with five re-recorded, digitally mastered versions of their greatest hits. Collaborating with the quartet on the album is a lineup of acclaimed producers and songwriters, including Soulshock & Karlin (Whitney Houston, Usher), Alex Cantrell (Jojo, Fantasia) Noah Conrad (Chappell Roan, BTS) and Dave Aude (Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga). The project is executive-produced by award winner Adam H. Hurstfield (Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg) and mixed by Grammy winner Orlando Calzada (Beyoncé, One Direction), with mastering by Grammy winner Chris Gehringer (Ed Sheeran, Rihanna).
When it comes to marking career milestones, 98º have a lot to draw on. They’ve sold over 15 million albums and snagged four Top 5 hits, including I Do (Cherish You), The Hardest Thing, Because of You and their No. 1 collaboration with Mariah Carey, Thank God I Found You. Their albums have achieved gold or platinum status in over 60 countries and amassed over one billion streams. Their holiday album, 98º This Christmas, has sold over two million copies, making it of the most successful Christmas albums of all time.
98º have been nominated for Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Billboard Video Awards, Teen Choice Awards and Kids’ Choice Awards. In addition to their landmark duet with Carey — and their new team-up with Velarde — they’ve collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Usher and Janine Teñoso.
Check out Do (Cherish You) above, hear more from 98° below, and share the love on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
