Bananarama, Venus | Throwback Vibez

In the 67^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Venus” by the Irish English pop group Bananarama.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to get you energized and in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20^th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All music genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 67^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Venus” performed by Bananarama.

Those lyrics, written by Robbie van Leeuwen (b. 1944), are iconic! Irish English pop group Bananarama (Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and formerly Siobhan Fahey) scored a big-time, unforgettable hit with “Venus” in 1986. “Venus” is the sixth track on the trio’s gold-certified album, True Confessions. Something should be noted.  Their version is a cover 👀. This cover reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, just like the original, released by Dutch rock band Shocking Blue in 1969. Of course, both renditions are starkly different. Bananarama embraces the dancefloor with their spirited take.

Although it dates back to the late 1960s, “Venus” sounds unapologetically ‘80s in Bananarama’s hands. It all begins with the accompaniment, which is turned up something fierce. The keys, synths, and electric guitar are in overdrive. Also, the boxy, quintessential ‘80s drums are locked and loaded, like, BOOM! They hit you right in the chest; you feel every stroke! The rhythm is relentless.  The thing is, as ornate and over-the-top “Venus” is, it feels right. This assertive sound was intentional, and the ladies eat it up with their exuberant, personality-filled vocals.  The source material was already great from Shocking Blue: “Goddess on the mountaintop / Burning like a silver flame / The summit of beauty and love / And Venus was her name.” Yep, Venus is big mythologically.  Bananarama ensures the song remains piping hot, whether it’s the female-power-filled verses (“Her weapons were her crystal eyes / Making every man mad”), or the crème de la crème, the chorus, excerpted earlier.  What’s clear is that Venus has “got it,” and so does Bananarama, sublimely making “Venus” their own. Four decades later, this version still slaps… hard!

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Bananarama » True Confessions » London Records Ltd » 1986

Bananarama, Venus: Throwback Vibez No. 67 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; London Records Ltd; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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