Jeff Timmons Reveals Why 98 Degrees Made a ‘Conscious Decision’ to Not Dance: ‘We Were a True Vocal Group’

In a recent interview, Jeff Timmons, a founding member of the renowned boy band 98 Degrees, provided insights into the group’s unique positioning in the crowded boy band scene of the late 1990s. While many of their contemporaries, such as the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, were known for their choreography, Timmons revealed that 98 Degrees consciously opted to focus on vocal harmonies and heartfelt ballads instead of intricate dance routines.

Reflecting on the group’s origins, Timmons explained that during their rise to fame, they were influenced by vocal-centric acts like Boyz II Men and Jodeci, who had a more relaxed approach to performance. “There weren’t really groups that were doing a lot of dancing at that time,” he noted, highlighting their preference for groups known for their vocal prowess. Timmons mentioned that while Boyz II Men incorporated some dance elements, they primarily captivated audiences with their soulful ballads, which resonated deeply with him and his bandmates.

The singer shared that 98 Degrees admired the smooth vocal delivery of classic soul groups such as the Four Tops and Four Seasons, which inspired their musical direction. Timmons stated, “We were a true vocal group who just fell in love with those types of songs.” This appreciation for R&B vocalists ultimately shaped the group’s identity, leading to what many fans remember as their signature sound — love songs supported by rich harmonies.

Despite their talented line-up, Timmons candidly admitted that dancing was not a strong suit for him. “I just don’t have the skillset for it,” he remarked, while acknowledging that Drew Lachey, another member of the group, has always been more adept at dancing. Meanwhile, the other members had varying levels of movement capability. Ultimately, Timmons noted that their attempts to emulate the more dance-oriented boy bands resulted in a disconnect with their audience.

“When we started trying to dance like the other groups, it just didn’t translate,” he recalled. Their loyal fan base preferred them to stick to what they were best known for — delivering strong vocal performances. Timmons shared that fans were quite clear in their feedback, urging the band to “just sing the love songs,” rather than mimic the more elaborate dance styles of their peers.

Today, Timmons highlighted that while 98 Degrees has allowed for some choreography in their shows, it is nothing like what their contemporaries have delivered. “We do dance a little bit in the shows… but not like that,” he explained. The band’s current performances incorporate some movement, but the emphasis remains on showcasing their vocal talents.

Timmons reiterated the group’s pleasure in performing ballads, stating, “We just like to sing the love songs. That’s what we fell in love with.” He expressed pride in the vocal abilities of his bandmates and the diverse harmonies they create together. While acknowledging the exceptional talents of other boy bands, Timmons believes that what differentiates 98 Degrees is their commitment to emotional storytelling through song.

Focusing mainly on harmonies and heartfelt lyrics has enabled 98 Degrees to carve out a distinguished niche within the boy band genre. Their latest album, “Full Circle,” was released in May 2025, marking a significant return to the music scene. They also staged several performances in the past year, showcasing their enduring appeal.

Earlier in the year, Timmons’s reflections on his journey with 98 Degrees were explored in the documentary series, “Boy Band Confidential.” The documentary examined the rise of boy bands in the ’90s and early 2000s, providing further context to the struggles and triumphs of groups like 98 Degrees. As the band continues to perform and create music, Timmons remains firm in his belief that vocal artistry should always take precedence over flashy dance routines.