Most Popular:
Personal Favorites:
- “Love Machine”
- “Venus”
- “California Here I come”
- “Poor Boy”
- “Love Buzz”
- “Hot Sand”
- “Wild Wind”
About the Album
Formed in 1967, the Dutch band Shocking Blue is a hidden gem. They are most known for their psychedelic style, incorporating the sitar, organ, and strong female vocals. While the band had many popular songs, their most popular and well known would have been “Venus” from their 1969 album, “At Home”.
The whole album has the strong early rock feel from the 60s, especially in tracks like “Boll Weevil,” “I’ll Write Youre Name Through The Fire,” “Love Machine” and “Fireball Of Love.” Some were more plucky and faster paces while others were slower, still keeping that distinct deeper guitar riff.
Many of the tracks on this album also take a more psychedelic approach, such as “Acka Raga,” “Poor Boy,” “Love Buzz” and “Wild Wind.” These songs often have some sitar sprinkled in and implement a slower tempo. Many of these songs also have some bongo-style percussion as the bones of the song.
One song in particular stands out to me as a precursor to certain hard rock and hair metal genres and that would be “Hot Sand.” Shocking Blue implements the sitar in a bluesy guitar style. Additionally, the crunchy guitar tone and riffs give a 60s style but there is a distinct rock n’ roll feel to it.
Shocking Blue’s most popular song of all time, with over 122 million streams on Spotify, is “Venus” and happens to be on this album as a bonus track. The song has a pleasing jangly guitar intro and a recognizable riff. The song is about the Roman goddess Venus and how the perceived main character of the song is Venus. With Venus being the goddess of love and beauty, the implication is that the main character strives to be an irresistible love to their paramour.
Another notable track on this album is “Love Buzz.” If that name sounds familiar, it might be from the Nirvana album “Bleach.” This popular grunge rendition was originally written by Shocking Blue in 1969 and debuted on this album. This version contains a less grungy vibe and a more psychedelic vibe with the sitar riffs but then adds a twist to keep it interesting with a fast paced solo/bridge. I honestly could not say which version is my favorite, I love them both.
Overall, I think this album is a lovely listen if you’re looking for a classic 60s feel with a little spice. There isn’t a dull moment in the album in my opinion and there is always something to keep your interest.
— dj dragonfly
