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Baccara was a Spanish female vocal duo formed in 1977 by Spanish artists Mayte Mateos (born 7 February 1951) and María Mendiola (4 April 1952 – 11 September 2021).[1] The duo rapidly achieved international success with their debut single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie", which reached number one across much of Europe and became the best-selling single of all time by a female duo, eventually selling more than 16 million copies worldwide.[2] A successful follow-up single ("Sorry, I'm a Lady") and European tour led to a number of album releases, numerous television appearances and the duo's selection to represent Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest 1978.

Despite a substantial following in Spain, Germany and Japan, by 1981 their blend of disco, pop and Spanish folk music was no longer fashionable, and by 1983 Mateos and Mendiola were both working on solo projects. Achieving little success as solo artists, the two formed duos of their own: separate incarnations of the original Baccara appeared during the middle of the decade, with Mendiola fronting New Baccara and Mateos keeping the duo's original name. During the 1990s, New Baccara reverted to Baccara and as a consequence both Mateos and Mendiola headed different duos with the same name. Both principals subsequently had prolonged but separate legacy careers based on nostalgia and their earlier fame.

Mendiola's Baccara has seen more international recognition, releasing a string of Hi-NRG club hits such as "Fantasy Boy", "Call Me Up" and "Touch Me" in the late 1980s and the later UK club hit "Wind Beneath My Wings". Mateos' Baccara has released few new recordings, but has remained in demand for television and live appearances in countries such as Spain and Germany, where the original Baccara developed a loyal fan base, performing the duo's back-catalogue and modernised versions of traditional Spanish songs.

Formation

[edit]

In 1976, María Mendiola (prima ballerina of Alberto Portillo's Spanish Television ballet) proposed to her colleague Mayte Mateos the formation of a separate singing and dancing duo (using the title Venus). After leaving the ballet company, the duo's initial act was simply that of variety show dancers. Their first television appearance was on the Palmarés light entertainment programme[3] and they were engaged at a nightclub in the Aragon city of Zaragoza, but their contract was cancelled when the club manager decided that they were "too elegant" for the style of the show.[4] Mateos and Mendiola relocated to the Canary Islands in search of work. Here they found that there was an audience for the performance of traditional Spanish music and dance in a form that was adapted to suit international tastes.

The duo were spotted by Leon Deane, manager of the German subsidiary of record company RCA, while performing flamenco dance and traditional Spanish songs for mostly German tourists in the Tres Islas Hotel on the island of Fuerteventura.[5] María, who was the only one who spoke English, served as a bridge between the promotion managers and the duo to reach an agreement. Deane invited them to Hamburg so they could do a voice test at the record company.[6] He was the prime mover behind what became Baccara, developing their stage performance while recruiting their instrumental support. Mateos and Mendiola were retitled Baccara, after the name of the black rose, in reference to the women's dark Spanish appearance.

Leon Deane is generally credited with the Baccara formula—consisting of breathy lyrics, lush backing, a disco beat and the striking image of two women (Mateos dressed in black, Mendiola in white) dancing. While drawing lightly on Spanish flamenco song and dance tradition, the formula was rooted in 1970s disco music.

Baccara (1977–1981)

[edit]

Together with fellow writer Frank Dostal, Rolf Soja penned their début single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and most of their other 1970s hits.[7] Recorded in the Netherlands and released in 1977, "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" was an enormous pan-European hit and was a prime example of the phenomenon that is known as the "summer hit".[8] It is also an example of the Euro disco genre, described in The Independent newspaper in 1999 as follows :

This mind-bending Common Market melding of foreign accents, bad diction, bizarre arrangements and lightweight production, usually top-heavy with strings[9]

"Yes Sir, …" reached the top of the charts in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden, Belgium, and Switzerland, and number three in France.[4] Baccara sold more than 16 million copies of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and featured in the 1977 edition of the Guinness Book of Records as the highest-selling female musical duo to date.[10] They were the first female duo to reach number one in the UK, and had the only number one by a Spanish artist in the UK until Julio Iglesias, four years later.

Later that year, a self-titled album, written and produced by Soja and Dostal, was released. The album Baccara was the first platinum selling album—actually double platinum in 1978—by a foreign group in Finland. In 2013, the album still remains the sixth biggest selling album of all time in Finland.[11]

A follow-up single, "Sorry, I'm a Lady", was also an international hit, peaking at the top of the charts in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium and reaching the top ten in the UK, Sweden and Switzerland.[4][7] Most of Baccara's recordings were sung in English although they also recorded in Spanish, German and French. They recorded different language versions of some songs (see Discography below).

Touring in Europe during the late 1970s helped the duo establish a firm fan base in Germany (where their records continued to be produced) and the Scandinavian countries, and their Spanish-flavoured interpretation of the disco sound also brought them recognition in Japan and Russia. Baccara represented West Germany at the eighth World Popular Song Festival held in November 1977 – until it ended in 1989 the largest such contest in the world. Their song, "Mad in Madrid", came 14th out of 37 participating countries.

In 1978 the second Baccara album, Light My Fire, was released across Europe, and while not matching the international success of the first, it spawned the single "Parlez-vous français ?" which was selected on a national final to represent Luxembourg at the Eurovision Song Contest 1978.[12] Despite full marks in the contest from Italy, Portugal, and Spain the duo finished in seventh place. However high sales, particularly in Denmark, Sweden, and Belgium, meant that the single was a commercial success.

Further recognition came in 1978 when Baccara was granted Germany's most prestigious media award, Burda Publishing Group's Bambi prize. The duo made regular television appearances, becoming weekly guests on Sacha Distel's show in the UK, and on Musikladen in Germany. 1978 was the high point of Baccara's artistic and commercial success. Late that year the duo released the single "The Devil Sent You to Lorado"[13] with "Somewhere in Paradise"[14] as its B side. Both of these Baccara recordings have become iconic. "Somewhere in Paradise" (with its allusions to life after death) is regularly played by Christian radio stations while "The Devil…" (with its background pistol shots) is sometimes identified with the gay community.[15] A Spanish-language version of "The Devil…" ("El diablo te mandó a Lorado") was released at the same time as the English one, and both the original English version and "Somewhere in Paradise" subsequently featured on the duo's first greatest hits compilation, The Hits of Baccara, released under the name Los Éxitos de Baccara in Spain and South America.

In 1979, the album Colours and the separately-recorded single "Eins plus eins ist eins", released to mark the United Nations' International Year of the Child and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UN adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Although still successful, sales of these and other releases in 1979 were disappointing.

Baccara's fourth and final album in the band's original incarnation was Bad Boys, released in 1981. By this time, the disco sound had been overshadowed by newer music movements such as punk, new wave and synthpop in much of Europe and interest was largely confined to those countries where the duo had an established fan base, notably Germany. The album was not released in the UK or US; they never achieved any recognition in the US despite some of their songs being given significant airplay. One music critic suggested that the Baccara formula lacked artistic depth but had been "mined for all it was worth" over two years until public interest moved on to other things.[16] The same critic also drew attention to an element of "anti-feminist subservience" in the lyrics of some Baccara songs.

The New Musical Express commented in May 2002 (page 6): "Think what you like about Baccara, seen today their 1978 Eurovision performance has a certain style while their competition from that event looks dated and amateurish".

Split

[edit]

The 1980 single release of "Sleepy-Time-Toy" led to a disagreement within Baccara over the vocal mix used.[17] Mendiola complained that her voice was not given sufficient prominence in the song's arrangement and sued RCA for breach of contract.[18] Mendiola's case was that the song should not have been released as a Baccara recording when it amounted to a Mateos solo. A court hearing in Munich resulted in 250,000 records being recalled from dealers and a revised recording with a new vocal mix being issued in place of the original. A 28-second instrumental bridge was removed from the start of the recording (thereby reducing the play time from 6:12 to 5:44) and the vocals were remixed so as to give Mendiola and Mateos equal prominence. The artwork for the single's cover appears to have remained unchanged. The single failed to chart successfully (see Discography below).

As a result of the dispute, relationships between all parties involved were damaged. One consequence of this was that Soja and Dostal were not involved with Baccara's final album. The duo recorded Bad Boys with Bruce Baxter and Graham Sacher in the UK. Neither the album nor its spin-off single "Colorado" were successful. In 1981, after RCA declined to renew their contract, Mateos and Mendiola ended their professional partnership and both launched solo careers.

By 1988, both artists had released a series of singles and one studio album each of their own – Mendiola with Born Again and Mateos with Spanish Dreams under the name Mayte Mathée – which saw moderate success among Baccara's original fan base. Mateos' Spanish Dreams was re-released on CD in Germany in the 2000s under the title Noche Latina but Mendiola's Born Again still remains unreleased in digital format. However, there remained a demand for Baccara's music, particularly on the European television circuit, and by the end of the decade both Mateos and Mendiola had formed their own versions of Baccara with new singing partners. Despite a series of name and line-up changes, both Baccara duos continued to perform around Europe and have released new albums. Both have also made re-recordings of their hits for various minor record labels, which are regularly re-packaged and re-issued under the original Baccara name, occasionally with photos of the original duo, Mateos and Mendiola, on the album covers. However, the original song versions – those recorded between 1977 and 1981 – remain the property of Sony Music Entertainment, which now holds the rights to the RCA back catalogue.

On the occasion of Baccara's 30th Anniversary, Sony-BMG Germany released a comprehensive three CD box set on 31 August 2007. This collection includes 50 RCA original recordings. Several songs such as "Mad in Madrid", "Amoureux", "Baila tú", "En el año 2000", "Eins plus eins ist eins" and "Candido" made their debut on CD. The only tracks missing from this otherwise comprehensive career retrospective are the US 12" versions of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and "Sorry, I'm a Lady" from debut album Baccara, the full 12 minute album version of "Baby, Why Don't You Reach Out?"/"Light My Fire" and the extended album version of "Darling" from 1978's Light My Fire and the extended 12" versions of "Body-Talk" and "By 1999" from 1979's Colours.

After the split, Mateos and Mendiola never performed together again.

Mayte Mateos' Baccara (1983–present)

[edit]

Following the original Baccara's dissolution in 1981 Mayte Mateos released three solo singles through the RCA-Victor label, "Souvenirs from Paradise", "Recuerdos del ayer" and "Malaguena", the first two produced by Rolf Soja.[19] Re-forming as Baccara in 1983 with Marisa Pérez, a contemporary of Mateos and Mendiola at the Spanish TV ballet company, Mateos re-established the band on the European entertainment circuit. Pérez was followed by a succession of partners including Ángela Muro, Sole García, Jane Comerford, Carmen, Cristina Sevilla, Paloma Blanco, Isabel Patton, Romy Abradelo, Rose, Francesca Rodrigues and María Marín. Mateos' current singing partner is once again fellow Spaniard Paloma Blanco. Although having no new hits to their name, Mateos' Baccara have remained in demand for television and live performances, performing the band's extensive back catalogue – versions of which have been released as compilations – as well as up-tempo interpretations of traditional Spanish songs.

In 1999, Mateos and Cristina Sevilla released a new studio album through RCA-Victor/Sony-BMG, Baccara 2000,[20] as well as an updated dance version of breakthrough hit "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" as a single. The album was produced by Thorsten Brötzman,[21][22] who has previously worked as a keyboarder during Thomas Anders tour in Russia in 1995, and took part in many recordings of Blue System.

In 2004, Mayte Mateos was once again involved with Eurovision, when she took part (along with Cristina Sevilla) in the Swedish Melodifestivalen preselection contest to represent Sweden with the song "Soy tu Venus".[23][24] However, Baccara lost[25] out to local star Lena Philipsson, who eventually placed fifth in the competition. A full-length studio album recorded in Sweden, Soy tu Venus, followed the same year. The album was released by Lionheart Records.

In 2005, Mayte Mateos replaced Cristina Sevilla with Paloma Blanco. A new Baccara album, recorded by Mateos and Blanco, entitled Satin... In Black & White and produced by the original Baccara team Rolf Soja and Frank Dostal, was released on 30 May 2008.[26] This album contained remakes of original Baccara recordings from the late 1970s and some new songs. Although appreciated by Baccara fans, sales of the album were disappointing.

In 2013 Mateos sang on a cover version of "Yes Sir I Can Boogie" by the London indie rock band Sala & The Strange Sound.

In 2016 Mateos' Baccara collaborated with Fundacion Tony Manera with a cover song of "Dame un Poco de Tu Amor" by "Juan Carlos Calderón".

After the pandemic, Mateos' Baccara performed only 3 times. One show took place in 2022 in Mateos' hometown Logroño, while two other shows were held on the island of Mallorca.[27] Mateos' Baccara performance on New Year's Eve 2023/2024 was broadcast by the local TV channel "Canal 4".[28]

Maria Mendiola's Baccara (1985–2021)

[edit]

Initially called New Baccara to distinguish it from Mayte Mateos' re-formed Baccara, Mendiola teamed up with vocalist Marisa Pérez[7] and in 1987 reached the top five in Spain and top 40 in Germany with the single "Call Me Up", written by Ian Cussick.[29] 1988 saw the duo release a series of Euro-influenced Hi-NRG dance tracks on the Bellaphon recording label. "Call Me Up", "Fantasy Boy" and "Touch Me" were produced by Luis Rodríguez (producer), and were big club hits across Europe. Mendiola wrote the lyrics for "Talisman",[30] the Spanish version of "Call Me Up". This song brought New Baccara significant popularity in Latin America. In 1990 the album F.U.N. was released on the Dureco label.

In the beginning of the 1990s New Baccara was renamed back to Baccara, and releases continued, although the group did not chart as their output was directed towards the club scene with singles pressed in strictly limited quantities. A version of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings", released on vinyl by 'Loading Bay' label in 1993,[31] and re-released on maxi-CD in 1999 by the label 'Majic Music',[32] was also a hit in UK clubs.[33]

In 2000, Mendiola and Pérez as Baccara released the album Face to Face.[34] Mendiola and Pérez toured[35] United Kingdom in 2000 together with The Supremes and The Three Degrees and appeared at Wembley Stadium, London with various other music groups. In April 2005, they appeared in the third episode of British reality show Hit Me Baby One More Time, performing "Yes Sir I Can Boogie" and a contemporary song – "Hero", originally by Enrique Iglesias.

In August 2005, Mendiola and Pérez were honoured with a memorial on Vienna's "Musical Mile", along its Hollywood-style "Walk of the Stars".[36]

In late 2008 Marisa Pérez was diagnosed with acute polyarthritis. It was agreed that until she recovered, her place at 'Baccara' live performances would be taken by Mendiola's niece Laura Mendiola. Maria Mendiola and Laura Mendiola performed as 'Baccara'[37] in 2008 in Moscow, at the "Disco 80" festival.[38] This measure (said to be temporary) allowed Mendiola's Baccara to honour its outstanding commitments in 2009 and 2010.

Since 2011 Maria Mendiola has been performing with Cristina Sevilla (who was the stage partner of Mayte Mateos from 1999 till 2004).

Cristina Sevilla (left) and Maria Mendiola (right) on stage in Russia in 2011

In 2016 Mendiola and Sevilla released a new version of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" with the band Plugin. In 2017 they released an album I Belong to Your Heart produced by Luis Rodríguez (producer) with 11 brand new songs plus an extended version of "I Belong to Your Heart", and a new version of "Fantasy Boy".

In November 2020, "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" returned to the UK charts[39] after it was featured in several online videos posted[40] by members of the Scotland football team. The team qualified for the European championships, and were heard singing the song in celebratory videos. It became a 'new' number 57 hit for Sony Music on the national singles chart spending another 2 weeks on the Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100.[41] Maria Mendiola was quoted as saying she would be happy to record a new version for the finals.

In June 2021, Scottish DJ George 'GBX' Bowie released a new remixed version of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" for Scottish fans to use as an anthem for UEFA Euro 2020. This dance version included new vocals from Baccara[42] and also reached the Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100, peaking at number 11.[43]

Mendiola died in Madrid on 11 September 2021,[44] at the age of 69, surrounded by her family in hospital[45] Her stage partner Cristina Sevilla wrote and posted on their Instagram @baccaraoficial[46] "How hard is it for me to post this.. María, wonderful artist, but for me above all.. My friend has left us today. I am lost for words.. I can only thank so much how i have received from her and tell her what i had chance to tell her so many times in my life... I Love You".. Her family said that she had been dealing with blood deficiency for two decades.[47]

Cristina Sevilla's Baccara (2022–present)

[edit]

After the passing of María Mendiola, Cristina Sevilla decided to continue with the formation, having the property and rights over the brand, as a homage to María Mendiola's legacy. On 26 January 2022, the official announcement was made introducing their new member, Helen De Quiroga,[48] a singer with a long career and known for her work with such artists as Miguel Bosé and Alejandro Sanz. She has also starred in "Cats (musical)" and took part in recording of Spanish versions of Disney films The Little Mermaid and The Lion King. Sevilla and de Quiroga appeared on stage as Baccara for the first time in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in the middle of February 2022.

Throughout 2022, Sevilla and de Quiroga performed at various events, such as Christian Dior defile in Seville,[49] Madrid Pride[50] Plaza de España stage in Madrid, Guilfest[51] in London, Doune the rabbit hole festival [52] in Scotland, and Kuuslagufestival[53] in Estonia.

In early September 2022, Baccara record label, "Team 33," released digitally Baccara's new single, "Don't Let This Feeling Go Away",[54] produced by Luis Rodríguez (producer).

In October 2022, Sevilla and de Quiroga perfrormed as Baccara[55] at flowers & garden exhibition in Brandenburg, Germany. In November 2022, they traveled to the United States to perform two concerts in California[56] together with Gina T.

In 2023, Baccara continued their international concert tour. In February 2023 they performed in Bolivia at the carnaval of Oruro.

In May 2023, the label "In Out Record" released on vinyl the maxi-single "Don't Let This Feeling Go Away", that featured extended versions of the aforementioned song, as well as "Call Me Up" and "Fantasy Boy", re-recorded with the vocals of Sevilla and de Quiroga.

Later in 2023, Baccara took part in Nostalgia Fest[57] in Latvia and in New Wave Fest[57] in United States in June, played a solo-concert [58] in Kazakhstan in July, took part in Arts & Culture festival[59] in Romania in August, in Etam live show[60] in Paris, France in September and in wine festival[61][62] in Moldova in November.

In the end of November 2023, 'Team 33' released digitally the new Baccara single, entitled "When I'm with you".[63][64]

In January 2024, Sevilla and de Quiroga performed [65] in London.

Cristina Sevilla's Baccara is not a tribute band. It's Baccara with officially registered rights at both the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

Discography

[edit]

Baccara

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Label Certifications
AUS
[66] 		AUT
[67] 		FIN GER
[68] 		NLD
[69] 		NOR
[70] 		SWE
[71] 		UK
[72]
1977 Baccara 35 2 1 13 22 1 1 26 RCA Victor
1978 Light My Fire — — 1 — — 11 10 — RCA Victor
1979 Colours — — — — — — — — RCA Victor
1981 Bad Boys — — — — — — — — RCA Victor

Compilation albums

[edit]
  • 1978: The Hits of Baccara (RCA Victor)
  • 1990: The Original Hits (BMG-Ariola)
  • 1991: Star Collection (BMG-Ariola)
  • 1993: The Collection (BMG-Ariola)
  • 1994: Yes Sir, I Can Boogie (BMG-Ariola)
  • 1994: Star Gala (BMG-Ariola/Spectrum)
  • 1995: Golden Stars (BMG-Ariola)
  • 1998: The Collection (BMG-Ariola)
  • 1999: Woman to Woman (BMG-Ariola/Disky Communications)
  • 2001: The Best of Baccara – Original Hits (BMG-Ariola/Hot Town Music-Paradiso)
  • 2005: The Best of Baccara (Sony BMG/Camden UK)
  • 2006: The Very Best of Baccara (Sony BMG)
  • 2007: 30th Anniversary (Sony BMG)

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Certifications
AUS
[66] 		AUT
[67] 		BEL
[74] 		GER
[68] 		IRE
[75] 		NLD
[69] 		NOR
[70] 		SWE
[71] 		SWI
[76] 		UK
[72]
1977 "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" / "Cara Mia" 9 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1977 "Sorry, I'm a Lady" / "Love You Till I Die" 96 1 1 1 4 1 1 3 2 8
1977 "Darling" / "Mad in Madrid" — 7 14 6 — 17 1 5 9 —
1977 "Koochie-Koo" / "Number One" — — 28 — — 21 — — — —
1977 "Granada" / "Sorry, I'm a Lady" — — — — — — — — — —
1978 "Parlez-Vous Francais?" / "Amoureux" — 18 7 21 — 30 — 8 — —
1978 "The Devil Sent You to Lorado" / "Somewhere in Paradise" — 4 18 4 — — — 15 5 —
1979 "Body-Talk" / "By 1999" — — — 26 — — — — — —
1979 "Ay, Ay Sailor" / "One, Two, Three, That's Life" — — — 39 — — — — — —
1979 "Eins Plus Eins Ist Eins" / "For You" — — — — — — — — — —
1980 "Sleepy-Time-Toy" / "Candido" — — — — — — — — — —
1981 "Colorado" / "Mucho Mucho" — — — — — — — — — —
1987 "Call Me Up" (New Baccara) — — — — — — — — — —
1999 "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie '99" (Baccara 2000) — — — — — — — 42 — —
2004 "Soy Tu Venus" (Baccara 2000) — — — — — — — 49 — —
2005 "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie 2005" (Baccara) — 73 — — — — — — — —
2021 "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" (Paul Keenan Remix) (GBX featuring Baccara) — — — — — — — — — —

Mayte Mateos' Baccara

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • 1994: Our Very Best (Re-recordings plus five new songs)
  • 1999: Baccara 2000
  • 2004: Soy tu Venus
  • 2008: Satin ... In Black & White

Maxi singles

[edit]
  • 1999: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie '99"
  • 2004: "Soy tu Venus"
  • 2008: "Nights in Black Satin"

Singles

[edit]
  • 1994: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" (Italo Disco Mix)
  • 1994: "Sorry, I'm a Lady" (Italo Disco Mix)
  • 1999: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie '99"
  • 2011: "Christmas Medley" (Radio Edit) [Digital single]
  • 2013: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie 2013" (with Sala & the Strange Sounds)
  • 2016: "Dame un Poco de Tu Amor" (with Fundacion Tony Manero)

María Mendiola's Baccara / New Baccara

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • 1990: F.U.N.
  • 1999: Made in Spain
  • 2000: Face to Face
  • 2002: Greatest Hits (Re-recordings plus 4 new songs)
  • 2006: Singles Collection (Compilation plus 2 new songs)
  • 2017: I Belong to Your Heart (11 new songs plus "I Belong to Your Heart" extended and 2017 Fantasy Boy edit)

Maxi singles

[edit]
  • 1989: "Fantasy Boy"/"Touch Me" (Loading bay Records UK)
  • 1989: "Call Me Up"
  • 1990: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie '90"
  • 2002: "Wind Beneath My Wings"
  • 2005: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie 2005"
  • 2018: "Gimme Your Love" (Bobby To Extended Mix)

Singles

[edit]
  • 1987: "Call Me Up" / "Talismán"
  • 1988: "Fantasy Boy"
  • 1989: "Touch Me"
  • 1990: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie '90"
  • 1999: "Sorry, I'm a Lady" (Dance Version)
  • 2000: "I Want to Be in Love with Somebody"
  • 2000: "Face to Face"
  • 2002: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" (Copa Remix)
  • 2005: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie 2005"
  • 2008: "Fantasy Boy 2008" [Digital single]
  • 2016: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" (Plugin & Baccara) [Digital single]
  • 2017: "I Belong to Your Heart"
  • 2017: "Super Sexy Baby"
  • 2021: "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" (Paul Keenan Remix)
  • 2021: "No Sir, Don't Say Goodbye"

Cristina Sevilla's Baccara

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
  • 2022: "Don't Let This Feeling Go Away" (digital platforms)
  • 2023: "When I'm with You" (digital platforms)
  • 2024: "Vamos al Cielo" (digital platforms)
  • 2025: "The Power of Love" (digital platforms)

Maxi singles

[edit]
  • 2023: "Don't Let This Feeling Go Away" (with extended versions of "Call Me Up" and "Fantasy Boy")
  • 2024: "Vamos al Cielo" / "When I'm with You"

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Baccara

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Baccara was a Spanish female vocal duo formed in 1977 by singers and dancers Mayte Mateos and María Mendiola, who rose to international fame with their upbeat disco-pop sound in the late 1970s. Their debut single, "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie," released that year, became a massive hit, topping charts in multiple European countries and selling approximately 16 million copies worldwide, earning them a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest-selling single by a female duo. The duo, originally performing as flamenco dancers on the island of Fuerteventura before transitioning to singing, signed with RCA Records after being spotted by a talent scout. Follow-up successes included "Sorry, I'm a Lady" in 1978, which reached the top 10 in the UK, and their Eurovision Song Contest entry "Parlez-Vous Français?" that same year, representing Luxembourg and finishing seventh. Baccara released four studio albums during their initial run, blending catchy melodies with synchronized dance routines that captivated audiences across Europe, Japan, and beyond. Internal disputes led to the original duo's split in the early 1980s, after which both Mateos and Mendiola pursued separate careers while using variations of the Baccara name with new partners, continuing to perform and record into the 21st century. Mendiola passed away in Madrid on September 11, 2021, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of disco's enduring acts. Despite the schism, the group's music remains a staple of 1970s nostalgia, with "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" frequently revived in media and live performances.

Group origins and formation

Early background of founders

Mayte Mateos, born María Teresa Mateos on February 7, 1951, in Logroño, Spain, pursued formal training in the performing arts, graduating as a teacher from the Royal Spanish Academy for Arts, Drama and Dance in Madrid. She began her professional career at Spanish Television, where she served as a choir singer, dancer, and costume designer within the network's ballet company. María Mendiola, born María Eugenia Martínez Mendiola on April 4, 1952, in Madrid, Spain, received classical dance training in Madrid before rising to become prima ballerina in Alberto Portillo's Spanish Television ballet ensemble. Her early work emphasized ballet and performance, establishing her as a skilled dancer in Spain's state broadcasting productions during the early 1970s. Mateos and Mendiola first met in late 1973 while both were active in the Spanish Television ballet troupe, a ensemble that performed classical and revue-style shows, including international tours. In this setting, they shared responsibilities for vocal performances, choreography, and stage presentations, with Mateos contributing to costume creation for the group's productions. Their overlapping roles in the troupe fostered a close professional partnership that eventually inspired them to pursue independent musical endeavors together.

Formation as a duo

In 1976, Mayte Mateos and María Mendiola departed from the Spanish Television Ballet troupe, where they had previously collaborated as dancers, to form their own singing and dancing duo initially known as Venus, believing a shift to vocals would extend their careers. In early 1977, while performing flamenco dances and Spanish songs for tourists in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, the duo was talent-spotted by RCA Records executive Leon Deane during a show at the Tres Islas hotel, leading to an invitation to Hamburg to meet producer Rolf Soja for an audition and their signing with the label as RCA's first Spanish act. Soja, working with RCA, refined their image by incorporating flamenco elements into a glamorous, disco-oriented style and proposed the name Baccara, inspired by the black rose to evoke their dark Spanish beauty and exotic allure. Under Soja's production, Baccara recorded their debut single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" in 1977, with music composed by Soja and lyrics hastily written overnight by his collaborator Frank Dostal to fit the duo's upcoming schedule. This track, blending breathy vocals, lush orchestration, and a driving disco rhythm, marked the official launch of Baccara as a recording act and set the template for their sound.

Original era (1977–1981)

Debut and breakthrough success

Baccara's breakthrough came with their debut single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie," released in mid-1977 by RCA Records. Written by German producers Frank Dostal and Rolf Soja, the track captured the era's disco fervor with its infectious rhythm, playful lyrics, and the duo's harmonious vocals, quickly propelling them to fame across Europe. The song topped charts in at least ten countries, including the United Kingdom (where it held the number-one position for one week in October 1977), Germany, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands, marking Baccara as the first Spanish act to achieve a UK chart-topper. The single's global appeal led to sales exceeding 16 million copies worldwide, establishing it as one of the best-selling singles by a female duo and earning a mention in the 1977 Guinness Book of Records for highest sales by a female group. This success was amplified by the duo's dynamic stage presence, featuring synchronized dance routines that showcased their precise choreography and glamorous attire during live performances. Baccara frequently appeared on prominent European television programs, such as Germany's ZDF Disco and Musikladen, where their energetic renditions of the track captivated audiences and boosted their visibility. Their eponymous debut album, Baccara, followed in October 1977, produced entirely by Rolf Soja at studios in Munich and the Netherlands. Blending disco-pop elements with flamenco influences in tracks like the traditional-inspired "Granada," the LP highlighted the duo's vocal interplay and Soja's polished arrangements, featuring lush strings and driving beats. The follow-up single "Sorry, I'm a Lady" from the album echoed this style, reaching number one in several European territories and contributing to the record's strong performance. By 1978, Baccara's commercial momentum peaked, with the album peaking at number 26 in the UK and robust sales in Belgium, where the duo's popularity drove widespread radio play and concert demand.

Key releases and international fame

Following the success of their debut, Baccara released their second studio album, Light My Fire, in August 1978 on RCA Victor, featuring a mix of disco tracks and covers produced by Rolf Soja and Frank Dostal. The album included the single "Parlez-vous français?", which peaked at number 21 on the German singles chart and achieved strong airplay across Europe, though it did not reach the top spot in major markets like France or Germany. This release helped consolidate their European presence, building on early hits such as "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" by emphasizing multilingual appeal and dance-oriented production. In 1979, the duo issued their third album, Colours, also on RCA Victor, which explored pop-disco fusion with tracks like "Ay, Ay Sailor" and "For You" serving as key singles that maintained moderate chart performance in Europe. While not matching the breakout impact of their initial singles, Colours demonstrated Baccara's evolving sound, incorporating more rhythmic elements and international themes to broaden their audience. Efforts to penetrate the U.S. market during 1978–1980 involved RCA promotions, including album releases and radio pushes, but yielded limited success, with no entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite European dominance, the duo's style faced stiff competition from American disco acts, restricting their crossover appeal. By the late 1970s, internal tensions arose over management and creative control with producer Rolf Soja, contributing to strained relations that ultimately ended their collaboration in 1981. This period saw declining sales, exemplified by the final original single "Colorado" in 1981, which failed to chart and marked the duo's transition to inactivity. The album Bad Boys, released that year, further reflected waning commercial momentum amid shifting musical trends.

Eurovision participation and tours

In 1978, Baccara was internally selected by Luxembourg's broadcaster RTL to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in Paris with the song "Parlez-vous français?", an up-tempo disco track composed by Rolf Soja with lyrics by Frank Dostal and Péter Zentner. Performing 17th in the running order, the duo delivered a polished performance featuring synchronized choreography and sparkling evening gowns, earning 73 points and finishing in 7th place out of 20 entries. Although not a winner, the high-profile exposure significantly elevated Baccara's international profile, introducing their glamorous style to a broader European and global audience amid the contest's massive viewership of over 200 million. Following their Eurovision appearance, Baccara embarked on an extensive touring schedule across Europe, performing in arenas and on prominent television shows that drew large crowds and solidified their fan base in countries like Germany and Scandinavia. Their live shows highlighted intricate vocal harmonies, precise choreography inspired by flamenco roots, and a signature glamorous aesthetic with sequined outfits and dramatic staging, which captivated audiences and received positive media acclaim for blending disco energy with elegant showmanship. A notable example was their 1979 German tour, including high-energy concerts and TV appearances on programs like Ein Kessel Buntes, where fans enthusiastically received their hits like "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and "The Devil Sent You to Laredo," often praising the duo's magnetic stage presence and sophisticated image. The duo's international reach extended beyond Europe, with appearances at the 1977 World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo, Japan, where they performed "Mad in Madrid" and placed 14th, further enhancing their appeal in Asia through vibrant live renditions that showcased their harmonious vocals and dance routines. In South America, their popularity led to promotional tours and performances that echoed their European success, with media highlighting the duo's exotic allure and rhythmic style as a fresh contrast to local music scenes. Overall, fan reception during these tours was overwhelmingly positive, with crowds drawn to Baccara's blend of catchy melodies, visual spectacle, and charismatic delivery, often described in contemporary reviews as embodying 1970s disco glamour.

Split and subsequent versions

The 1981 split

By the late 1970s, tensions had been building between Baccara's Mayte Mateos and María Mendiola, stemming from disagreements over management decisions, royalty distributions, and artistic control in their collaborations with RCA Records and producer Rolf Soja of Soja Music. These issues came to a head in 1980 with the release of the single "Sleepy-Time Toy," where Mendiola objected that her vocals had been marginalized in the mix, favoring Mateos and violating their agreement for equal prominence. Mendiola filed a lawsuit against RCA for breach of contract, which further strained relations with Soja, who ultimately ceased working with the duo. Amid declining sales that year, the duo's contract with RCA was not renewed. The official announcement of Baccara's split came in 1981, shortly after the release of their final album, Bad Boys, which failed commercially and marked the end of their partnership with RCA. Both Mateos and Mendiola departed the label, ending the original duo after four years and four albums. In the aftermath, the two engaged in legal battles over the rights to the Baccara name, with Mateos initially securing exclusive use, though Mendiola later won shared usage rights through court rulings. The split led to a brief hiatus for both members, during which they pursued individual solo projects; Mendiola focused on developing her own material before returning to group performances.

Mayte Mateos' Baccara (1983–present)

Following the original group's dissolution in 1981, Mayte Mateos reformed Baccara in 1983 with Australian singer Jane Comerford as her new partner. The duo signed with the German label ZYX Records and began releasing new material under the name New Baccara to distinguish it from the original incarnation. The lineup evolved over the decades, with Comerford eventually replaced by Marisa Pérez (born Maryse Peres) during the 1980s. In the 1990s, Mayte Mateos partnered with Claudia Fontaine for several performances and recordings. By the late 1990s, the group briefly operated as Baccara 2000, featuring Cristina Sevilla alongside Mateos, before further changes. The current iteration includes Paloma Blanco as Mateos' singing partner, maintaining the duo's traditional format. Mayte Mateos' Baccara has focused on live performances, touring extensively across Europe and Asia while reviving classic hits like "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie." The group experienced a resurgence in interest for their signature song during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where it gained renewed popularity through viral social media clips and sports events. Legal disputes with former partner María Mendiola over the use of the Baccara name arose shortly after the split, stemming from a 1982 lawsuit initiated by Mendiola regarding production and contract issues; these were resolved in the 2010s, permitting both versions of the group to perform independently. As of November 2025, the group continues touring, with scheduled performances including Bilbao on March 1, Málaga on April 12, and Elgin, Scotland on April 20. Recent releases include the single "The Power of Love" in 2025.

María Mendiola's Baccara (1985–2021)

Following the 1981 split from Mayte Mateos, María Mendiola pursued a solo career before launching her own iteration of the group in 1985 under the name New Baccara, partnering with fellow singer and former ballet dancer Marisa Pérez. The duo shifted toward house and eurodance styles, releasing singles such as "Call Me Up" in 1986, which charted in Germany and Spain, and "Fantasy Boy" in 1988, achieving moderate club success in European markets. They also issued the album F.U.N. in 1990 on the Dureco label, marking a continuation of their dance-oriented output, though it garnered limited attention beyond Spanish and German audiences compared to the original Baccara's global hits. Over the decade, New Baccara maintained a focus on these regional markets, with performances and releases emphasizing upbeat electronic production rather than the disco sound of their earlier work. In the 1990s and 2000s, Mendiola continued touring and recording under the Baccara name after reclaiming it from her competing version led by Mateos, incorporating covers like "Wind Beneath My Wings" into their sets for nostalgic appeal. Partner changes occurred periodically; Pérez was replaced by Mendiola's niece Laura Mendiola in 2008, followed by Cristina Sevilla joining as the primary partner in 2011, with whom she collaborated on later dance tracks blending eurodance and trance elements. This lineup sustained live performances across Europe, particularly in Germany and Spain, but achieved only niche success internationally, relying on the enduring popularity of Baccara's classic repertoire to draw audiences. Mendiola's version of Baccara persisted until her death on September 11, 2021, from respiratory failure in a Madrid hospital at age 69, after a two-decade battle with a blood disorder. The group briefly continued under Sevilla following Mendiola's passing, honoring her legacy through select performances before transitioning to an independent formation.

Cristina Sevilla's Baccara (2022–present)

Following the death of María Mendiola in September 2021, Cristina Sevilla announced the formation of a new iteration of Baccara in January 2022, partnering with Spanish singer Helen De Quiroga to honor Mendiola's legacy and revive the duo's classic sound. The official debut of this lineup, branded as Baccara feat. Cristina Sevilla & Helen De Quiroga, occurred with their first live performance in Kyiv, Ukraine, in mid-2022, marking a commitment to independent productions free from prior label constraints. This version emphasizes nostalgic reinterpretations of hits like "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie," blended with fresh material to appeal to both original fans and younger audiences. The duo has prioritized extensive live performances across Europe, focusing on nostalgia-driven tours that celebrate 1970s and 1980s disco culture through high-energy shows featuring synchronized dances and audience interaction. As of November 2025, they continue touring worldwide. Updated choreography incorporates modern elements like LED visuals and contemporary dance moves while preserving the original's glamorous flair, enhancing their stage presence at these events. Positioned explicitly as a continuation of Mendiola's vision, this Baccara maintains a strong digital footprint through an official website and social media channels, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes content, and fan engagements to foster global connectivity. Independent releases have sustained their momentum, with singles such as "When I'm with You" in 2023 and the chart-climbing "Vamos al Cielo" in 2024, produced under Team 33 Music, demonstrating a shift toward upbeat, romantic pop with electronic influences. As of November 2025, the duo remains active, having released "The Power of Love" in February and "Forever" in October—both tributes to enduring romance—alongside a remix of their signature hit.

Musical style and influences

Genre and vocal approach

Baccara's primary genre is Euro disco and pop, drawing on the upbeat rhythms and electronic elements characteristic of late-1970s European dance music, while incorporating subtle flamenco influences rooted in the performers' Spanish heritage. The duo's early works blended these Spanish song traditions with the sweeping disco sound dominating Europe at the time, creating a distinctive formula of breathy delivery over lush, danceable beats. The vocal approach of the original duo emphasized synchronized performances, which contributed to their catchy, accessible appeal. María Mendiola typically handled lead vocals on higher registers, complemented by Mayte Mateos' supportive backing, with frequent call-and-response patterns that heightened the interactive, party-like energy of tracks like "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie." This style underscored their identity as a vocal duo, prioritizing rhythmic precision and charismatic delivery over complex polyphony. Across versions, Baccara's sound evolved from the 1970s' vibrant disco foundations, with later iterations by Mayte Mateos incorporating updated production for club scenes, including dance remixes in the 1990s.

Production and songwriting elements

The production of Baccara's original recordings in the late 1970s was led by Rolf Soja, who served as producer and arranger, in collaboration with songwriter Frank Dostal. Soja and Dostal formed the core creative team behind the duo's debut hits, with Soja overseeing the musical composition and orchestration while Dostal focused on lyrics. Their partnership shaped Baccara's sound during the group's initial RCA era, resulting in tracks like "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" that blended pop and disco elements. Songwriting for the original Baccara was predominantly handled by the Soja-Dostal duo, who penned the majority of the material, including key singles such as "Sorry, I'm a Lady" and "The Devil Sent You to Lorado." To enhance international appeal, lyrics were crafted primarily in English but frequently translated or adapted into French, Spanish, and German for regional releases, allowing the duo to target diverse European markets. Examples include the French-language Eurovision entry "Parlez-vous français?" and Spanish versions of tracks like "Granada." Recordings for Baccara's early albums occurred in West German studios during the 1970s, including Studio Maschen near Hamburg, where analog tape technology captured the duo's sessions with session musicians providing orchestral support. In subsequent versions of the group, such as Mayte Mateos' lineup from the 1980s onward, production reflected broader changes in pop, with releases like the 2008 album Satin... in Black & White featuring remakes of earlier hits.

Legacy and cultural impact

Awards, revivals, and tributes

Baccara received significant recognition during their initial peak in the late 1970s, including the prestigious Bambi Award in 1978, presented by Germany's Burda Publishing Group as the nation's top media honor for their contributions to entertainment. The duo's debut single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" experienced a notable revival in the early 2020s, re-entering the UK Singles Chart at number 57 in November 2020 following its adoption as an anthem by Scottish football fans ahead of UEFA Euro 2020. A remix collaboration with DJ George Bowie (GBX) further propelled the track, peaking at number 11 on the UK Official Singles Sales and Downloads Charts in June 2021 and boosting streams on platforms like TikTok through viral dance challenges. The song retained its status as an unofficial anthem for Scottish football fans during UEFA Euro 2024, where it was widely sung by supporters in Germany. Tributes to Baccara's work include covers of their hits by prominent artists; British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor recorded a version of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" as a bonus track on her 2003 album Shoot from the Hip and has performed it live in concerts. As of 2025, Mayte Mateos' iteration of Baccara continues to tour internationally, with scheduled performances in Spain and Scotland, reflecting enduring fan interest in their disco catalog.

Influence on pop and disco music

Baccara played a pioneering role in the development of Euro disco, particularly in Spain where the genre gained momentum following the death of Francisco Franco in 1975, marking a cultural shift toward more liberal expressions in music. As one of the earliest successful acts in this style, their upbeat, dance-oriented sound helped establish Euro disco as a transnational phenomenon, blending infectious rhythms with pop accessibility to influence the broader European dance music landscape of the late 1970s. This foundation contributed to spinoffs and variations in Eurodisco, paving the way for subsequent acts in the genre. Their impact on female duos in pop music was significant, as Baccara became the first female duo to achieve a number-one hit in the UK with "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" in 1977, and the first Spanish act to do so, breaking barriers for non-Anglophone artists in international markets. By emphasizing synchronized choreography, glamorous visuals, and multilingual releases—such as versions in English, German, French, and Spanish—their approach highlighted the potential for female-led acts to succeed through performative spectacle and cross-cultural appeal, inspiring later pop duos to adopt similar strategies in global promotion. Baccara's cultural footprint endures through associations with 1970s nostalgia, with tracks like "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" frequently remixed and sampled in 2000s Eurodance productions, reviving the era's exuberant disco energy for new audiences. These reinterpretations, including extended mixes and covers that echoed the original's catchy hooks, reinforced Baccara's role in sustaining disco's legacy within contemporary pop. In academic discussions of disco, Baccara is noted for innovatively blending Latin-influenced rhythms—drawn from their flamenco dance backgrounds—with Western pop and disco structures, creating a hybrid style that exemplified the genre's global fusions during the late 1970s. This synthesis, featuring light flamenco elements like rhythmic phrasing and passionate delivery integrated into disco beats, has been analyzed as a key example of how European acts incorporated non-Western traditions to enrich the style's diversity.

Discography

Original Baccara studio albums

The debut studio album by the original Baccara duo, Baccara, was released in September 1977 by RCA Victor in West Germany. Produced by Rolf Soja and featuring the breakthrough single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie," the album blended Euro-disco with flamenco influences, showcasing the duo's harmonious vocals and rhythmic energy. It achieved significant commercial success in Europe, peaking at number 13 on the German Albums Chart with 11 weeks in the top 50. In the UK, it reached number 26 on the Official Albums Chart, spending six weeks there. The album was certified gold in Germany by the BVMI and gold in the UK by the BPI. It was certified double platinum in Finland, marking the first time a foreign group's album reached that level in the country. Internationally, versions varied slightly, with some releases including additional tracks like "Mad in Madrid" for specific markets.
TrackTitleWritersDuration
A1Yes Sir, I Can BoogieFrank Dostal, Rolf Soja4:29
A2Love You Till I DieDostal, Soja4:26
A3GranadaAgustín Lara, Soja4:17
A4Gimme MoreSoja, Peter Zentner3:50
A5Koochie-KooSoja4:04
B1AdelaTraditional, Soja2:28
B2Cara MiaSoja2:53
B3Feel MeDostal, Soja4:20
B4Can't Help Falling in LoveHugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George David Weiss3:26
B5One, Two, Three, That's LifeDostal, Soja4:17
The second album, Light My Fire, followed in August 1978, also on RCA Victor, continuing the duo's disco sound but incorporating more covers and multilingual elements to broaden appeal. Key tracks included the Eurovision entry "Parlez-vous français?" and a medley of "Baby, Why Don't You Reach Out" with the title track, produced by Soja with mixing at Rüssl Studio. The album featured international variants, such as Spanish-language versions for Latin markets. It performed moderately, peaking at number 7 on the Finnish Albums Chart for 19 weeks total, number 11 in Norway, and number 10 in Sweden, though sales were seen as disappointing compared to the debut.
TrackTitleWritersDuration
A1(Baby, Why Don't You Reach Out?) Light My FireAshford & Simpson / John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, Jim Morrison7:00
A2Parlez-vous français?Frank Dostal, Rolf Soja4:16
B1La BambaTraditional3:00
B2My Kisses Need a CavalierDostal, Soja4:53
B3AdelitaTraditional2:27
B4Yummy, Yummy, YummyJoey Levine, Artie Resnick3:34
B5ColoradoZentner, Soja3:13
Colours, released in 1979 by RCA Victor, marked a stylistic shift toward softer pop and ballads, moving away from pure disco amid changing trends. Produced by Soja, it included tracks like "Ay, Ay Sailor" and "By 1999," with regional releases adapting lyrics for French and Spanish audiences. Reception was mixed, with the album peaking at number 39 on the German Albums Chart, reflecting declining popularity. Sales were lower than previous efforts, contributing to internal tensions within the duo. Brief references to singles like "Parlez-vous français?" from prior albums highlight the continuity in their output.
TrackTitleWritersDuration
A1Ay, Ay SailorDostal, Soja3:48
A2For YouZentner, Soja3:43
A3One, Two, Three, That's LifeDostal, Soja4:17
A4I'll Learn to Fly TonightDostal, Soja3:35
A5BoomerangDostal, Soja3:08
B1Body-TalkDostal, Soja4:40
B2Roses in the SnowZentner, Soja3:55
B3By 1999Dostal, Soja3:42
B4Groovy Kinda Lovin'Dostal, Soja3:35
B5Sing Our Love a LullabyDostal, Soja3:25
The final studio album by the original duo, Bad Boys, arrived in April 1981 on RCA Victor, embracing new wave and synth-pop elements as disco waned. Tracks such as the title song and "Woman to Woman" were produced by Soja, but the release came amid creative differences. It underperformed commercially, failing to chart significantly in major markets like Germany or the UK, with sales reflecting the duo's fading momentum and leading to their split later that year.
TrackTitleWritersDuration
A1Bad BoysDostal, Soja4:25
A2Last NightSoja2:52
A3OhioPaul Simon3:05
A4Love ControlDostal, Soja3:00
A5Spend the NightSoja3:11
A6RioDostal, Soja4:47
B1BoogalooSoja2:42
B2ColoradoZentner, Soja3:34
B3Mucho, MuchoDostal, Soja3:12
B4Woman to WomanSoja3:24
B5Heart, Body and SoulDostal, Soja4:25
B6Love SongsSoja3:57

Original Baccara compilation albums

The original Baccara's compilation albums primarily aggregated their breakthrough disco hits from the late 1970s, drawing from singles and studio releases to capitalize on their European success. These collections were issued during the duo's active period and continued through reissues in subsequent decades, often remastered for new formats like CD. They highlighted tracks produced by Rolf Soja and Klaus Makowski, emphasizing the group's signature blend of Spanish flair and Euro-disco rhythms. A key early compilation was the 1980 vinyl LP Best, released by RCA in Germany. This album compiled selections from the duo's singles alongside material from their studio albums Baccara (1977), Light My Fire (1978), and Colours (1979), serving as an accessible entry point for fans to their initial hits such as "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and "Sorry, I'm a Lady." The release targeted the German market, where Baccara had strong chart performance, and reflected the group's transition toward more varied pop influences in their later studio work. In 1981, amid the duo's split, RCA issued a repress of a self-titled compilation LP, Baccara, also in Germany. This collection similarly drew from early singles and the aforementioned studio albums, reinforcing the original lineup's catalog without new material, though it captured the post-disco phase of their output. It included tracks like "Parlez-vous français?" and helped sustain interest during the transition period for Mayte Mateos and María Mendiola's diverging paths. Later reissues in the 1990s revitalized the original Baccara's material for compact disc audiences. The 1990 The Original Hits, released by BMG-Ariola across Europe, was a compilation featuring remastered audio from RCA masters and bonus content like extended mixes to appeal to nostalgic listeners. Similarly, the 1994 Star Gala - Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, issued by BMG-Ariola/Spectrum in Europe, offered a remastered selection of core tracks with additional bonus material from the original recordings, emphasizing their enduring appeal in disco revival scenes. These reissues contributed to Baccara's sustained commercial footprint, aligning with their overall receipt of numerous gold and platinum awards across Europe for hitting over 40 million records sold worldwide.
TitleYearLabelCountry/RegionNotes
Best1980RCAGermanyVinyl LP compiling singles and tracks from Baccara, Light My Fire, and Colours.
Baccara (compilation)1981RCAGermanyVinyl LP repress aggregating early hits post-split.
The Original Hits1990BMG-AriolaEuropeCD compilation with remastering and bonuses.
Star Gala - Yes Sir, I Can Boogie1994BMG-Ariola/SpectrumEuropeCD/cassette with remastered originals and bonus content.

Original Baccara singles

The original Baccara duo, consisting of Mayte Mateos and María Mendiola, released several singles between 1977 and 1981 that capitalized on the disco wave, achieving significant commercial success in Europe before their popularity waned toward the end of the decade. Their debut single marked a breakthrough, topping charts across multiple countries and earning certifications, while subsequent releases maintained strong European performance but saw diminishing returns internationally. These singles were primarily produced by Rolf Soja and written by Soja and Frank Dostal, often backed by tracks from their studio albums. "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie," released in April 1977, became the duo's signature hit and a global disco anthem. It reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for one week in October 1977, spending 17 weeks in the Top 40. In Germany, it topped the singles chart for eight weeks and remained on the chart for 30 weeks. The track also hit No. 1 in Switzerland for 17 weeks. It was certified gold in the UK by the BPI for sales of 500,000 units and gold in Germany by the BVMI. "Sorry, I'm a Lady," issued in August 1977 as the follow-up single, continued the duo's European momentum with its upbeat disco style. It peaked at No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, charting for nine weeks. The song reached No. 1 in Germany, holding the top spot for several weeks, and No. 2 in Switzerland for 13 weeks. Backed by "Love You Till I Die" on most releases, it solidified Baccara's presence in the continental market but did not match the international reach of their debut. "Parlez-vous français?," released in April 1978, served as Luxembourg's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest in Paris, where it finished seventh with 73 points out of 20 entries. The French-language track, with English-accented vocals, became a hit in Francophone regions, peaking at No. 16 on France's Top 35 sales chart in May 1978. It reached No. 3 in Switzerland for 12 weeks and charted moderately elsewhere in Europe. Subsequent singles like "Darling" (January 1978), which peaked at No. 4 in Switzerland, and "The Devil Sent You to Laredo" (1979), a Top 20 entry in Germany, showed sustained but less explosive success. Overall, the original duo's singles sold millions across Europe, establishing Baccara as a key act in late-1970s pop-disco before their split in 1981.
SingleRelease DateKey Chart PeaksCertifications
"Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" / "Cara Mia"April 1977UK No. 1 (1 week), Germany No. 1 (8 weeks), Switzerland No. 1 (17 weeks)UK Gold (BPI), Germany Gold (BVMI)
"Sorry, I'm a Lady" / "Love You Till I Die"August 1977UK No. 8 (9 weeks), Germany No. 1, Switzerland No. 2 (13 weeks)-
"Parlez-vous français?" / "Amoureux (d'un adieu)"April 1978France No. 16, Switzerland No. 3 (12 weeks), Eurovision No. 7-

Mayte Mateos' Baccara albums

Mayte Mateos reformed Baccara in 1983 following the original duo's dissolution, initially focusing on singles and live performances before releasing full albums in the 1990s. Her version of the group maintained the signature disco and pop sound, often incorporating re-recordings of classic hits alongside new material, with lineup changes including collaborations with singers like Marisa Pérez, Cristina Sevilla, and Paloma Blanco. The albums emphasized danceable tracks and romantic themes, achieving moderate success in European markets through targeted releases on labels like RCA and Edel. The debut album under this iteration was a compilation-style release blending re-recordings and new songs, marking a return to the group's disco roots. Subsequent studio efforts explored updated production techniques, including digital remixes and synth-pop elements, to appeal to both nostalgic fans and newer audiences. Later works featured holiday-themed content and collaborations, with streaming platforms contributing to renewed visibility in the 2010s.
TitleYearLabelNotes
Our Very Best!1994Trend RecordsCompilation album featuring re-recordings of hits like "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and five new disco tracks; produced by Detlef Quast and Thomas Waßkönig, it served as a return-to-form release emphasizing the group's electronic and disco style.
Baccara 20002000RCA VictorStudio album with millennium-themed tracks and digital remixes of classics, including an updated "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie"; featured Mayte Mateos and Cristina Sevilla, achieving moderate chart placements in several European countries.
Soy Tu Venus2004SonetStudio album recorded in Sweden, blending italo-disco, synth-pop, and romantic ballads like the title track "Soy Tu Venus"; highlighted Mateos' vocal approach with modern production, focusing on themes of love and devotion.
Satin... In Black & White2008Edel RecordsStudio album reuniting Mateos with Paloma Blanco, produced by original Baccara collaborators Rolf Soja and Frank Dostal; incorporated classic disco influences with contemporary arrangements, receiving positive reception for its polished sound and nostalgic appeal.

Mayte Mateos' Baccara singles

Following the dissolution of the original Baccara duo in 1981, Mayte Mateos reformed the group in 1983 with new partner Jane Comerford, marking a comeback phase with singles that sought to revive the act's disco-pop sound in European markets. The debut single from this lineup, "Colorado", was released in 1983 and served as a transitional track blending the group's earlier style with contemporary production, achieving moderate airplay in Germany. In 1985, Mateos' Baccara targeted the Spanish-speaking audience with "En el año 2000", a track characterized by its futuristic theme and synth-driven arrangement, reflecting the era's interest in millennium motifs. This single was part of efforts to localize the group's appeal in Spain, though it remained a niche release. The group's output in later decades emphasized revivals through remixes of signature hits, exemplified by the 2009 club-oriented remix of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie", which updated the 1977 classic for dance floors and appeared on European club charts. These remixes often highlighted Mateos' enduring vocal style while incorporating electronic elements to attract younger audiences. Into the 2020s, Mateos' Baccara continued capitalizing on the resurgence of their original hits, particularly amid viral revivals of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" in media and social platforms; a 2022 single, "I Can Boogie" (featuring GBX), tied directly to this momentum by reimagining the boogie theme in a modern pop-dance context. Many of these singles were cross-referenced in companion albums such as Baccara 2000, reinforcing the group's legacy through re-recorded collections.

María Mendiola's Baccara albums

After the original Baccara disbanded in 1980, María Mendiola reformed the group in 1985 as New Baccara with Marisa Pérez, releasing their first studio album in 1990 under the Dureco label. This marked a shift toward hi-NRG and euro-disco sounds, reflecting the era's electronic pop trends. Over the next three decades, Mendiola's iteration of Baccara produced several studio albums, evolving from dance-oriented releases to more nostalgic re-recordings and contemporary eurodance, often featuring Pérez until 2008 and later Cristina Sevilla as co-lead vocalist. These works were primarily distributed in Europe through independent labels, emphasizing covers of classics alongside new material. The debut album, Fun (1990), showcased a high-energy euro-disco style with house influences in its production, produced by Reinhard Frantz and others. Released on vinyl, cassette, and CD formats, it included upbeat tracks blending original compositions and reinterpretations. The tracklist featured:
No.TitleLength
1Fun4:57
2Say A Little Prayer3:42
3Without You4:43
4Are You Alone Tonight3:53
5I Lose Control4:29
6Yes Sir I Can Boogie '904:02
7Set Me Free4:50
8We All Need Love4:11
9Never Gonna Give You Up4:48
10I Want You3:55
11Yes Sir I Can Boogie (Megamix)6:31
Following a period of singles and live performances, Mendiola and Pérez released Made in Spain in 1999 via Arcade Music, a 14-track collection that paid homage to Spanish influences with flamenco-tinged pop and euro-house elements. It combined new songs with updated versions of hits, highlighting Mendiola's vocal range in bilingual tracks. Key inclusions were "A Quién Le Importa" and reworks of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie," produced to appeal to nostalgic audiences in Spain and Germany. The album's cover art evoked the duo's flamenco roots, and it received limited international distribution. In 2000, Face to Face emerged on CNR Music, marking a pop-dance evolution amid partner dynamics as Pérez remained central but the duo experimented with contemporary production. This 11-track release focused on romantic themes, with originals like the title track alongside covers such as "Paloma Blanca." Limited to CD format and primarily available in Europe, it underscored Baccara's adaptability in the late-90s pop landscape, though chart performance was modest outside niche markets. Tracklist highlights included "I Want to Be the One," emphasizing melodic hooks and dance beats. Mendiola's final major release, I Belong to Your Heart (2017), under Team 33 Music with Sevilla as co-lead, embraced digital-only distribution and eurodance revival. This 13-track effort, produced by Bobby To and others, included energetic tracks like "Super Sexy Baby" and "Gimme Your Love," alongside a 2017 remake of "Fantasy Boy." Clocking in at 49 minutes, it captured the duo's enduring appeal, with Mendiola's passing in 2021 adding retrospective significance. The album's themes of love and fun aligned with Baccara's legacy, available primarily on streaming services.

María Mendiola's Baccara singles

María Mendiola reformed Baccara as New Baccara in 1986 with Marisa Pérez, shifting the group's sound toward Hi-NRG and Euro-disco styles aimed at European club audiences. The debut single "Call Me Up," released by Sanni Records, became a notable club hit and charted in several countries, including New Zealand where it peaked at number 28. This track, produced with energetic beats and synth-driven production, exemplified the era's dance focus and helped reestablish the duo in the post-original breakup landscape. Subsequent releases built on this momentum, with "Talismán" (Friends Records, 1987), the Spanish-language counterpart to "Call Me Up," maintaining the dance vibe while appealing to Latin markets. "Fantasy Boy" (Bellaphon, 1988) and "Touch Me" (Bellaphon, 1989) further emphasized Hi-NRG elements, featuring pulsating rhythms and vocal hooks that resonated in European nightclubs, though they achieved more underground success than mainstream chart peaks. By 1990, New Baccara released "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie '90" (Dureco), a remix of their 1977 hit that blended upbeat pop with contemporary dance production, signaling a slight genre evolution toward more accessible, nostalgic pop-disco fusion. This single marked a transitional phase, bridging the high-energy club sound of the late 1980s with broader pop appeal. After Pérez's departure, Mendiola continued with Cristina Sevilla, releasing a dance remix of "Sorry, I'm a Lady" in 1999, which revived the original's disco essence for modern audiences. The duo's 2000 album Face to Face incorporated Spanish-language tracks, reflecting a shift toward culturally rooted pop with Latin influences, though specific singles from this period emphasized regional markets over international charts. Later collaborations in the 2010s, including tracks from the 2017 album I Belong to Your Heart, explored Eurodance and pop styles, adapting to evolving electronic trends while honoring Baccara's legacy.
YearTitleLabelNotes
1986Call Me UpSanni RecordsDebut single; Hi-NRG dance track, club hit in Europe; peaked at #28 in New Zealand.
1987TalismánFriends RecordsSpanish version of "Call Me Up"; dance-oriented with Latin appeal.
1988Fantasy BoyBellaphonHi-NRG club single emphasizing synth-pop elements.
1989Touch MeBellaphonEnergetic Euro-disco track popular in nightclubs.
1990Yes Sir, I Can Boogie '90DurecoRemixed original hit; upbeat pop-disco fusion.
1999Sorry, I'm a Lady (Dance Version)VariousRevival remix highlighting nostalgic pop-disco.

Cristina Sevilla's Baccara releases

Following the passing of María Mendiola in 2021, Cristina Sevilla reformed Baccara in 2022 with singer Helen De Quiroga, leading to a series of new digital singles released primarily through Team 33 Music. These releases blend classic Eurodisco elements with modern production, often available on streaming platforms and occasionally in limited vinyl editions. As of November 2025, the duo has focused on singles, with no full studio albums issued under this lineup to date, though an album titled Evolution is scheduled for release on November 28, 2025. The debut single, "Don't Let This Feeling Go Away," marked the return of Sevilla's Baccara, emphasizing upbeat rhythms and themes of emotional connection. An extended version followed in 2023, alongside vinyl pressings in purple and black variants. Subsequent singles continued this pattern, tying into live tours and holiday themes where applicable.
Release TitleFormatRelease DateLabelNotes
Don't Let This Feeling Go AwayDigital singleSeptember 9, 2022Team 33 MusicDebut single; streaming on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Also released as 12" vinyl maxi-single (purple edition) on May 29, 2023.
When I'm with YouDigital singleNovember 24, 2023Team 33 MusicHigh-energy Eurodisco track; promoted via music videos on YouTube.
White ChristmasDigital singleDecember 11, 2023Team 33 MusicHoliday cover; featured in radio specials and streaming playlists.
Vamos al CieloDigital single / 12" vinylAugust 17, 2024 (vinyl)Team 33 MusicUpbeat track with Spanish lyrics; extended version also available digitally; vinyl limited edition.
The Power of LoveDigital singleFebruary 14, 2025Team 33 MusicRomantic Eurodisco single; released ahead of tour dates.
Qatar My Love (feat. Baccara)Digital singleJune 20, 2025Team 33 MusicCollaboration with Jean Paul D.; Italo-disco style.
ForeverDigital singleOctober 24, 2025Team 33 MusicSymphonic-disco fusion; latest release promoting the upcoming album.
No dedicated compilations or EPs have been released under this iteration, though older Baccara material from the Mendiola-Sevilla era remains available digitally on major platforms, with some vinyl reissues of classics like "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" continuing independently. The focus has been on original material to honor the group's disco legacy while attracting new audiences through tours.

References

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