About the Song
Released in 1979 as the follow-up single to the massive hit “Good Times,” My Forbidden Lover is one of CHIC’s most polished and infectious tracks—a perfect blend of sophisticated funk, glittering disco, and emotional storytelling. Found on their third studio album, Risqué, the song may not have reached the same commercial heights as its predecessor, but it remains a cult favorite and critical gem that showcases Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards at the peak of their creative powers.
From the very first beat, My Forbidden Lover commands the dance floor. The song bursts open with a tight, rhythmic guitar line, courtesy of Nile Rodgers, paired with Bernard Edwards’ iconic bass work—effortlessly funky, smooth, and melodic. Their chemistry as producers and musicians is on full display, creating a groove so rich that it’s been sampled by artists across decades, including Fate (1982) by Chaka Khan, and more recently, by Crystal Waters and NERD.
But behind the glittering groove lies a song of romantic conflict and vulnerability. Sung with seductive urgency by Luci Martin and Alpha Anderson, the lyrics tell the story of a love that feels right—but isn’t allowed.
“I fell in love, and I didn’t want to do it, ’cause I knew that your love wasn’t true.”
That push and pull—between the irresistible rhythm and the emotional restraint of forbidden love—creates a tension that gives the song its depth. Unlike some disco hits that are pure celebration, My Forbidden Lover is sensual, slightly melancholy, and intensely human. It’s about the kind of love that’s exhilarating but unsustainable… and that makes it all the more powerful.
Musically, the song is a masterclass in disco elegance. Every detail—from the crisp drum patterns to the layered background vocals and orchestration—was meticulously crafted. Yet, it never feels overproduced. CHIC’s genius was always in making complexity feel effortless.
Though My Forbidden Lover peaked modestly on the charts, it has endured as one of CHIC’s most sampled, remixed, and respected tracks. For musicians and DJs, it’s a goldmine. For fans, it’s a hidden treasure that continues to shine brighter with time.
CHIC didn’t just make disco—they made art you could dance to, and My Forbidden Lover is one of their finest examples. Decades later, it still sounds fresh, sleek, and emotionally resonant—a forbidden groove we’ll never stop loving.