“Back & Forth” is the debut single by American singer Aaliyah, released in May 1994 as the lead single from her debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. The song was written and produced by R. Kelly, who mentored Aaliyah early in her career. It became a defining track of 1990s R&B, showcasing Aaliyah’s smooth vocals and laid-back style.

Aaliyah - Back & Forth

Lyrically, “Back & Forth” is a fun and upbeat party anthem, celebrating the joy of dancing and having a good time. The song features a mid-tempo R&B groove with new jack swing and hip-hop soul influences. The production is smooth, with a bouncing bassline, layered harmonies, and a catchy hook that made it instantly memorable. The beat-driven track perfectly complemented Aaliyah’s airy yet confident vocal style, setting the tone for her future success in R&B.

“Back & Forth” was a major commercial success, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, making Aaliyah one of the youngest female artists to achieve such success at the time. It also performed well internationally, helping to establish her as a rising star.

Aaliyah – Back & Forth – Lyrics