Aaliyah
ListenBack & Forth · 1994
Aaliyah — “Back & Forth,” official video.
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1994 · Jive
Back & Forth
Aaliyah described “Back & Forth” as a song about going to a party and dancing. The video brought that idea close to home: it was filmed at her performing arts school in Detroit, with teenagers joining the scenes. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0128 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Aaliyah |
| Release | 1994 · United States |
| Label | Jive · 01241-42173-1 |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | US commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | Sealed |
Release history and significance
In an interview during the single’s first weeks on radio, Aaliyah traced her singing to time at home with her mother. Johnny Mathis and Luther Vandross were early favourites. Recording her debut album brought a different education: long studio hours, watching arrangements take shape and learning how a mixing board worked. [1]
She recalled beginning the sessions in January 1993 and returning that summer. R. Kelly wrote and produced the material, while she developed the vocal performances. For the video, director Millicent Shelton helped her feel comfortable in front of the camera. Her account gives the debut the scale of a young musician’s daily life: school, family and a demanding new workplace. [1]
Released in 1994, the single introduced Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. The US twelve-inch extends it across six tracks, including the LP version, remixes, an instrumental and bonus beats. [2]
Market context
Discogs reports sales for the 1994 US twelve-inch from US$5.23 to US$24.95, with a median of US$11.31, as recorded on 14 September 2026. [2]
Physical Description
US twelve-inch in a printed sleeve, retained sealed. The six-track edition includes mixes credited to Mr. Lee, R. Kelly and Peter Mokran. Its sleeve and label track descriptions differ; the Discogs reference transcribes both. [2]
Condition
The copy was purchased sealed. The seller graded the media Mint and the sleeve Near Mint.
Provenance
Acquired through the Discogs Marketplace on 29 June 2026.
Sources
- Wax Poetics, issue 59, Aaliyah feature. The writer revisits an interview conducted in Detroit in 1994.
- Discogs, Aaliyah — Back & Forth, release 1172647. Release reference and sales statistics consulted 14 September 2026.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.