Bailamos

“Bailamos” is arguably infamous Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias’ most well-known song. Released at the end of 20th century, it was one of the first Spanish and English tracks to do well globally – it was New Zealand’s second-most successful single of 1999. It was featured on the soundtrack for the 1999 film Wild Wild West, as well later being the lead single from his fourth studio album, but first English album “Enrique”, which was also released in 1999.

The track was written by British songwriters Paul Barry and Mark Taylor, as well as Barry producing the track with Brian Rawling; the same team that wrote and produced legendary musician Cher’s biggest hit “Believe”. “Bailamos” translates as “we dance”, which contributes to the track’s main themes of losing control and dancing in anyway you please. Due to the track’s success, it was released as a single throughout the world, rather than just for parts of Latin America and Europe. “Bailamos” is considered to Iglesias’ breakthrough track.

There were originally three versions of the track, however only one can be found on YouTube. The original version was filmed in Miami and consisted of Iglesias in an apartment talking on the phone and watching streets and two Flamenco dancers he sees. The second version was created after the track was added to the “Wild Wild West” soundtrack, which was directed by Nigel Dick. It depicts Iglesias as a wanted man who needs to be captured dead or alive. As Iglesias enters a small Mexican town, he attracts several women who hover around and dance around him, ending with Iglesias leaving the town with his new lover. The final version which can be found on YouTube, was directed by Paul Hunter and shows Iglesias as a barman in a night club while salsa dancers perform on stage, with some shots of Iglesias and the lead dancer (played by Staci Flood) dancing with one another. This version is uploaded as a remix to Enrique Iglesias’ channel, however the original video was uploaded on YouTube by user “clhtidiot” in March 2011. As of October 2019, the video has over 44.5 million views.

Release Date: June 1999

Songwriter/s: Paul Barry & Mark Taylor

Producer/s: Mark Taylor & Brian Rawling

Label/s: Fonovisa, Interscope Records, Overbrook & Universal Records

Music Video Release Date: 2002

Music Video Director: Paul Hunter

Chart Rankings & Certifications: In its year of release, “Bailamos” hit the #1 spot in the following countries: Canada, Spain and the US, while also charting in the Top 10 charts in the following countries: Belgium, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. “Bailamos” has received Gold certification in Australia, Belgium, France, New Zealand, Norway and the US, while recevivng Platinum certification in Sweden and Silver in the UK.