No song captured the emotion of the year quite like Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind.” Originally written for Marilyn Monroe, the reworked 1997 version became a global tribute to Diana and the best-selling physical single of all time. It was a rare moment when the entire world seemed to stop — and sing together.

But 1997 wasn’t only about reflection. It was also about release. The dance floors were packed with the infectious groove of “Free” by Ultra Naté — an anthem of liberation that still fills clubs today. Meanwhile, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve wrapped orchestral drama around late-’90s disillusionment, becoming one of the most recognisable riffs in modern rock history.

Romance was everywhere. “How Do I Live” from LeAnn Rimes blurred the line between country and pop, while Backstreet Boys had teenagers slow-dancing to “As Long As You Love Me.” And who could forget “Don’t Speak” from No Doubt? Written during a band break-up, its raw vulnerability turned personal pain into a global smash.

Even TV and film fed the charts. Will Smith owned the summer with “Men in Black,” proving that blockbuster movies and chart-topping singles were the ultimate ’90s power couple. And speaking of screen magic, 1997 also gave us “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts — forever tied to a little sitcom called Friends.

Closer to home, South Africa was finding its own powerful voice. “African Dream” by Vicky Sampson became an unofficial anthem of hope in a young democracy, while Just Jinger’s “Shallow Waters” showed that local rock could stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.

Did You Know?
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” famously sampled an orchestral version of a Rolling Stones song — and for years, The Verve lost all the royalties due to a rights dispute. It wasn’t until 2019 that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards handed the songwriting credits back. A 22-year wait for justice!

By the time Robbie Williams released “Angels,” his first true solo anthem, 1997 had already proven that music could heal, unite, empower and electrify — sometimes all in the same week. It was the year of Britpop confidence, R&B smoothness, Eurodance euphoria and heartfelt ballads that still hit just as hard today.

And that’s why, nearly three decades later, we’re still turning it up.