#8: “Venus” by Shocking Blue – Bananarama (1986)
Dutch band Shocking Blue first released “Venus” in 1969. It went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1970. Bananarama recorded their version in 1986 with producers Stock Aitken Waterman. Their take leaned into electronic production and a stronger beat. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and performed well across Europe, becoming one of the group’s biggest international hits.
