Having found success as a choreographer for artists such as Janet Jackson, Abdul launched her own music career with the release of her debut studio album Forever Your Girl (1988).

It went on to earn a seven-times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Abdul released the Shut Up and Dance: Mixes (1990) remix album to a positive commercial reaction, earning a platinum certification from the RIAA.

Following a musical hiatus while dealing with personal issues, Abdul returned with the release of Head over Heels (1995), her third and final studio effort.

The album and coinciding singles were deemed commercial failures, and were met with a mixed reaction from critics.