1997
in MusicAlbums
26
Artists
17
Milestones
21
Notable Releases
God's Property from Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation
Kirk FranklinCollaborative album achieving 3× platinum certification with the crossover hit single 'Stomp' featuring Salt, reaching No. 1 on R&B charts and MTV rotation.
Stomp
Kirk FranklinLead single from God's Property album featuring Salt from Salt-N-Pepa, achieved crossover success with No. 1 on R&B Singles Airplay chart for two weeks and Top 40 entry.
Count On Me
CeCe WinansDuet with Whitney Houston from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack; reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold.
Romanza
Andrea BocelliBocelli's compilation album that became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring duets in multiple languages including Spanish and French versions of 'Vivo per lei'.
Baduizm
Erykah BaduDebut studio album that established Badu as a leading neo-soul artist, debuting at number two on Billboard 200 and earning triple platinum certification with hits "On & On" and "Tyrone."
Live
Erykah BaduFirst live album featuring the signature song "Tyrone," achieving double platinum certification and establishing one of her most recognizable songs.
Homogenic
BjorkA groundbreaking electronic album that blended orchestral arrangements with experimental soundscapes. Considered a pivotal work in defining Björk's artistic identity and pushing electronic music boundaries.
Bridges to Babylon
Mick JaggerLate 1990s Rolling Stones album featuring "Anybody Seen My Baby?" with music video starring Angelina Jolie.
Candle in the Wind 1997
Elton JohnRewritten tribute to Princess Diana; best-selling single of all time with over 33 million copies sold worldwide
Impossible Princess
Kylie MinoguePersonal experimental album later cited as her best work in retrospective reviews
You're Still the One
Shania TwainThird single from Come On Over that caused sales to skyrocket and won Grammy Award for Best Country Song
Man! I Feel Like a Woman!
Shania TwainHit single from Come On Over that reached number 3 in UK and France, won Grammy Award for Best Female Country Performance
From This Moment On
Shania TwainDuet with Bryan White from Come On Over that was released as pop version for international markets
That Don't Impress Me Much
Shania TwainSingle from Come On Over with pop remix that reached number 3 in UK charts
Come On Over
Shania TwainBest-selling studio album by a female solo artist with over 40 million copies sold worldwide
The Velvet Rope
Janet JacksonHer sixth album exploring themes of belonging, sexual expression, and LGBTQ+ issues, hailed as her most daring and accomplished work, establishing her as a gay icon and selling over 8 million copies worldwide.
Got 'til It's Gone
Janet JacksonThe lead single from The Velvet Rope featuring Joni Mitchell and Q-Tip, with a music video winning the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video and ranked at number 10 among the 100 Greatest Music Videos of all time.
Significant Milestones
Selena Breakthrough
DebutLopez starred in the biopic Selena and became the first Latina actress to earn $1 million, receiving critical acclaim and her first Golden Globe nomination for a star-making performance.
Crossover Success with 'Stomp'
AchievementThe single 'Stomp' from God's Property album became a crossover hit, reaching No. 1 on R&B Singles Airplay chart and achieving MTV rotation and Top 40 entry.
Whitney Houston collaboration
CollaborationRecorded "Count On Me" duet with Whitney Houston for the "Waiting to Exhale" soundtrack, achieving mainstream crossover success with number 8 Billboard Hot 100 placement.
Signed to Jive Records
AchievementAfter auditioning for multiple record labels, Spears was signed to Jive Records, who recognized her emotional delivery and commercial appeal.
Return from Exile
ComebackReturned to Kinshasa following Mobutu's deposition and took cabinet minister position in Laurent Kabila's government.
Baduizm Release and Grammy Success
Grammy WinDebut album Baduizm released in February, debuting at number two on Billboard 200 and earning Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album.
Live Album Release
DebutFirst live album released in November 1997, featuring signature song "Tyrone" and achieving double platinum certification.
