If you never heard the original 1970’s version of “Venus”, you’ve probably still heard it about a thousand times from the famous Venus women’s shaving razor commercials. But thanks to the tune basically becoming a TV anthem, many don’t remember, or even know, that the original was sung by the band Shocking Blue.
The four-member band from the Netherlands wrote the timeless psychedelic song as a nostalgic goodbye tribute to the music of the ’60s. We guess naming a song after a Roman goddess paid off, since the song topped the charts in nine countries shortly after its release.
"O-o-h Child" by Five Stairsteps
In a time when the Vietnam war was at its worst and people were struggling to keep their hopes up, Five Stairsteps positive, heartwarming song, "O-o-h Child" was like a breath of fresh air. The 1970's hit-filled the radio waves with much-needed hope, and listeners loved it.
The band was certainly unique, as they were all siblings that came from the soul music scene in Chicago. But one of them, singer Alohe, took the spirit of the '70s a little too literally; he left the band a few years after their hit came out to find enlightenment.
"Ride Captain Ride" by Blues Image
Blues Image was a cool Tampa-based band of rockers that released an incredible groove on April of 1970. "Ride Captain Ride" became the band's massive hit single, reaching number 4 in US and Canadian charts.
The song told the story about '73 men that sailed up from the San Francisco Bay'. And why 73? Because that was the number of keys on band singer Mike Pinera's piano. Even though this was the only Blues Image smash hit, the song was later covered by famous band Blood, Sweat and Tears, and it had a second chance of fame thanks to being featured in the movie 'Anchorman'.
"Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum
"Spirit in the Sky" is one of those songs that will live forever. Written by American singer-songwriter Norman Greenbaum, the song is an extremely cool rock tribute to Jesus (aka 'the spirit in the sky'). Ironically, Greenbaum was an inveterate hippie raised in an Orthodox Jewish family!
The song, which he apparently wrote in 15 minutes, was an insane hit back in 1969. So much so, that it has actually topped music charts in three separate occasions, by three different musicians. Greenbaum claims to have been inspired by famous American singer Porter Waggoner, whom he saw one night singing gospel on TV.
"How Long" by Ace
Most chances are you wouldn't know the band Ace, but you'd certainly recognize their hit song "How Long". The bass riff at the song's opening is unmistakable and is still revered by many to this day. But ironically, and perhaps what makes the song so unique, is that despite its an epic opening riff, the song is actually a soft rock ballad.
The story behind the song is slightly less nice. As it turns out, Ace's lead singer found out that their bassist had been playing with another band. But, despite it's not-so-happy origins, Ace hit a goldmine with this 1974 hit, which went on to be covered by A-list musicians like Bobby Womack and Rod Stewart.