"One in a Million" (1997) One in a Million
Hot 100 peak: —
Overall score: 9.18 High score: 10 (11x)/Low score: 6 (1x)
Juxtaposing smooth vocals against a skittering drum loop and a wah-wah guitar, the title track from Aaliyah's second studio album helped pioneer Timbaland's signature production style. Released as the record's second single, "One in a Million" was a huge airplay hit, peaking at #1 for six weeks on R&B radio (though, without a commercial release, it was unable to chart on the Hot 100). Even with an impressive eleven 10's from voters, the song fell slightly short of the top three on the countdown—thanks to one 6, the track's only score below an 8.
"The Boy Is Mine" with Monica (1998) Never Say Never/The Boy Is Mine
Hot 100 peak: #1
Overall score: 9.24 High score: 10 (11x)/Low score: 5 (1x)
One of the biggest Hot 100 hits of all time, this Darkchild production—which also features writing and producing credits for Brandy, among several others—spent an astounding 13 weeks at #1 in 1998, becoming the top-selling single of the year. Originally created as a solo track, Brandy was inspired by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson's 1982 duet "The Girl Is Mine" and invited Monica onto the song, playing off ongoing rumors of a rivalry between the teen stars. In light of its massive success, "The Boy Is Mine" earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year and a VMA nod for Video of the Year. With only four scores below a 9, "Boy" was a monster in this rate, but couldn't quite catch the two countdown leaders.