“1-2-3” is a song by Miami Sound Machine, featuring lead vocals by Gloria Estefan. It was released in June 1987 as the second single from their album Let It Loose. The song exemplifies the band’s signature blend of Latin rhythms with pop and dance music, which helped to propel them to international fame during the 1980s.
Miami Sound Machine, formed in 1975, originally gained popularity in the Latin music market. By the mid-1980s, the band, led by Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio Estefan Jr., who also served as producer, had successfully crossed over into the mainstream pop market with hits like “Conga” and “Bad Boy.”
“1-2-3” was written by Gloria Estefan and Enrique “Kiki” Garcia.. The production of the song emphasized a danceable, upbeat sound with strong Latin influences, including vibrant percussion, brass sections, and infectious melodies. Musically, “1-2-3” is characterized by its lively tempo, catchy chorus, and energetic arrangement. The song features a fusion of pop, dance, and Latin music elements, with prominent use of brass instruments, rhythmic percussion, and Gloria Estefan’s dynamic vocal performance.The lyrics of “1-2-3” describe a playful and flirtatious dance between two people, using counting as a metaphor for taking steps towards romance. The chorus, “1-2-3, 4, come on baby, say you love me, 5-6-7 times,” captures the lighthearted and fun nature of the song, emphasizing the joy and excitement of love and dancing.
“1-2-3” was a commercial success, continuing Miami Sound Machine’s streak of hits in the late 1980s. The song reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and also performed well on the Billboard Adult Contemporary and Dance Club Songs charts. Internationally, it charted in several countries, including number 9 in the UK.