"1-2-3" (sometimes listed as "1, 2, 3") is a popular song by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. The song was written by the band's drummer and lead songwriter Enrique "Kiki" Garcia along with Estefan and appears on the multi-platinum album Let It Loose.
Released as the fifth and final single from that album in the late summer of 1988, "1-2-3" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1988, and was the band's seventh Top 10-hit. It also saw a second release (outside the US) in January 1989 after the success of (out of US re-releases) "Can't Stay Away From You" and "Anything For You" in late 1988. It became the band's seventh Top 10 hit in the US.[1] In addition, the song became their fourth #1 hit on the Billboardadult contemporary chart.[2] On the BillboardR&B chart, "1-2-3" peaked at 54, and on the UK Singles Chart it peaked at #9.[2] After the success of the re-releases of "Can't Stay Away From You" and "Anything For You", 1,2,3 also saw a re-release outside the US in January 1989. Although the single version was very similar to the album version, it was remixed to add more horns, a stronger rhythm track, and a different intro to the song; this version was issued on Gloria Estefan Greatest Hits and The Essential Gloria Estefan. An extended version of the song was also released on 12" single.
The lyrics of "1-2-3" detail the singer's desire to have a shy suitor approach her.
In 1991, Estefan sang a children's rendition of the song with Big Bird and the Birdketeers on Sesame Street.
Formats and track listings
U.S. & Canada Cassette Single (34T 07921) [June 14, 1988]
No.
Title
Writer(s)
Length
1.
"1-2-3" (Remix)
Gloria M. Estefan, Enrique Garcia
3:36
2.
"1-2-3" (Remix Instrumental)
Gloria M. Estefan, Enrique Garcia
3:36
U.S. & Canada 7" Vinyl Single (34 07921) [June 14, 1988]
No.
Title
Writer(s)
Length
1.
"1-2-3" (Remix)
Gloria M. Estefan, Enrique Garcia
3:36
2.
"1-2-3" (Remix Instrumental)
Gloria M. Estefan, Enrique Garcia
3:36
U.S. Promo 7" Vinyl Single (34 07921) [June 1988]
No.
Title
Writer(s)
Length
1.
"1-2-3" (Remix)
Gloria M. Estefan, Enrique Garcia
3:36
2.
"1-2-3" (Remix)
Gloria M. Estefan, Enrique Garcia
3:36
U.S. Promo 12" Vinyl Single (EAS 1152) [June 1988]