Monica released her sophomore album, The Boy Is Mine, on July 14, 1998. It arrived three years after her debut album, Miss Thang.
The Boy Is Mine was titled after her uber-successful duet with Brandy, who had released her second album, Never Say Never, a month prior.
“The Boy Is Mine” dominated the Billboard charts in the summer of 1998, spending 13 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
While the title track was released as the lead single for both Brandy and Monica’s albums, they both quickly followed up with their own respective solo singles.
The album’s second single, “The First Night,” was sent to radio a day before The Boy Is Mine was released.
For The Boy Is Mine, the 17-year-old singer defined the new batch of songs as a “natural progression” from her debut.
“I was 13; the themes weren’t as mature,” she told Billboard in a 1998 interview.
She continued, “I’m trying to portray a more assertive young female. It’s fine to be a teen female, but there are certain decisions they must with assurance. I’m 17 now; my lyrics aren’t sexually explicit but are about love and being in love. I speak on those subjects for what I know them to be.”
Monica’s newfound maturity, enhanced confidence, and tender outlook on relationships resonated with those in and out of love.
The Boy Is Mine debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, selling 91,000 copies in the first week.
The 13-track LP garnered multi-platinum success and three No. 1 singles (“The Boy Is Mine,” “Angel of Mine,” and “The First Night”) on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Jermaine Dupri-produced “The First Night” spent five weeks atop the chart, while the Rodney Jerkins-helmed “Angel of Mine” dominated for four weeks.
To celebrate the anniversary of Monica’s album The Boy Is Mine, Rated R&B has ranked the songs from minimal rotation to heavy rotation.
13. “Take Him Back”
Every album has its fillers, and I guess this dull recording slipped through the tracklist cracks.
12. “‘Cross the Room”
Out of the album’s 13 tracks, this party-ready anthem is definitely one that finds the crowd telling the DJ to turn it down.
11. “Gone Be Fine” featuring OutKast
Even with tight production and a brief appearance from OutKast, something is still missing from what was supposed to be an explosive collaboration.
10. “I Keep It To Myself”
It’s a good song but the melody and chilled production of this dreamy slow jam sounds too similar to records from Xscape’s catalog.
9. “Right Here Waiting” featuring 112
Evidently, Monica’s then-label Artista had a point to prove to listeners and critics with a second cover of another classic. To be honest, it wasn’t necessary. It was an enjoyable remake, though.
8. “Misty Blue”
Monica deserves applause for her stirring rendition of Dorothy Moore’s signature selection.
7. “Ring Da Bell”
Before Beyoncé rang the alarm, Monica made noise with this Dallas Austin-written-and-produced track. In the verses, she used a slow and deliberate vocal approach to get her point across to her unfaithful lover.
“They say you’re ’bout to have a child / When you gonna tell me ’bout it? / This other chick you’re sleepin’ with / Now you gotta deal with it,” she sings.
6. “Inside”
On this downcast ballad, written by Diane Warren, Monica does a fantastic job flaunting her vocal range as she laments about matters of the heart.
“Inside, I’m cryin’ baby / Inside, I’m dyin’ baby / I don’t wanna let you see / Baby what you’ve done to me / So I keep it all inside,” she sings.
5. “Angel of Mine”
After listening to Monica’s two other covers on this album, this remake is in a league of its own. Her vocal poise almost shares similar singing moments of big-name vocalists.
“Angel of Mine” spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart.
4. “Street Symphony”
Like first impressions, an album’s opening track can set the tone for the rest of the project. As expected, Monica kept fans interested in hearing more of the album, but not without getting us to press repeat on this underrated gem.
“If I can’t get you out the streets / Then you don’t need to be with me,” she declares.
3. “The First Night”
Jermaine Dupri was in his bag with this one, and Monica knew it. That’s why she rode the So So Def beat with a level of sophistication and street edge. “The First Night” spent five weeks atop the Hot 100.
2. “The Boy Is Mine” with Brandy
This collaboration between two of the most influential R&B stars of the ’90s” garnered overwhelming success, including a Grammy, double platinum status, and multiple No. 1s on the Billboard charts. Accolades aside, “The Boy Is Mine” remains one of the most iconic duets of all time.
1. “For You I Will”
Ahead of Monica’s duet success with her teen counterpart, she had already bagged her own crossover hit. The Diane Warren-penned ballad from the Space Jam soundtrack solidified her place in pop culture.
Revisit Monica’s second album, The Boy Is Mine, below.