From the funk/soul genre, and in the style of disco,[2] the song was written and produced by Chic's two frontmen, Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers.

Canadian producer deadmau5 sampled this song in one of his early works, "I Don't Want No Other", released on his SectionZ page in 2001.

Billboard described "My Forbidden Lover" as following its #1 soul music hit "Good Times" with "another impeccably produced rhythm number.

"[4] Record World called it a "gem" and "a typically marvelous Chic dance song with trademark falsetto lead & harmony vocals.

On US disco chart, along with the tracks, "Good Times" and "My Feet Keep Dancing", "My Forbidden Lover" went to #3.