Things Happen for a Reason is the debut studio album by Malaysian-Australian singer Che'Nelle. It was first released on 22 August 2007, Japan via EMI Music Japan. An international release followed on 5 September 2007 by Capitol Records. It was her first commercial release after signing with the Capitol Music Group CEO Jason Flom. Sir Charles Dixon served as the album's executive producer, after he discovered Che'Nelle's music online and helped to secure her record deal. The album features productions from James Poyser, Oak Felder, Sean Garrett, Kara DioGuardi and Rich Harrison and The Lab Ratz. Che'Nelle either wrote or co-wrote the entire album. The album was largely mixed by Andrew Dawson. Three songs featured on "Things Happen for a Reason" sample songs performed by other artists.

Richard Christopher Harrison is an American record producer and songwriter specializing in R&B and hip hop music. The winner of a Grammy Award, Harrison is well known for producing songs such as "Get Right", "1 Thing" and "Crazy in Love". Harrison is the founder of Richcraft Entertainment, a label that housed artists such as singer Amerie, R&B girl group RichGirl, and rapper Young Steff.