The year was 1969, and Venus by the band Shocking Blue was quickly rising the charts to become a number-one hit in America on February 7, 1970. Shocking Blue was a Dutch band led by Robbie van Leeuwen, originally a guitarist for another popular Dutch group called the Motions. He formed his band, and Venus became their most famous hit.
Mariska Veres, who was Hungarian-German, joined the band a year later and became their lead singer, delivering an incredible performance with her fantastic voice. She is often compared to Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane, and it is suggested that this was a factor in her acquisition.
Although Shocking Blue had no other American hits, they continued to succeed in Holland, with Venus only reaching number 3 upon re-release following its American success. The song’s intro is also unmistakably similar to the opening riff of Pinball Wizard by The Who. Robbie van Leeuwen admitted he was influenced by this song and the Beatles’ Ticket to Ride when he wrote Venus.
Veres’ voice is flawless, but her English pronunciation is not always perfect. For example, in the song, she sings “Godness” instead of “Goddess.” This error occurred because van Leeuwen accidentally wrote the word “Goddness,” which Veres sang phonetically. This is a humorous detail that adds to the song’s charm.
If you’ve only heard the Bananarama version of Venus, you’re missing out on Veres’ incredible vocals. The song’s popularity was immense, reaching number one on several charts, including the US Billboard Hot 100, US Cash Box 100, US 100 Top Pops, New Zealand Charts, Canada Top Singles, and number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. In addition, the upbeat trivia surrounding the song and the era adds to its charm, reminding us of a different time when things were simpler.
If you’re a fan of classic hits, then Venus by Shocking Blue is a must-watch. The performance is iconic, and the song’s popularity is proof of its timelessness. So share it with your friends and family, and rediscover this classic hit today.
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