“Venus” is an electrifying dance-pop anthem by British girl group Bananarama, released in May 1986 with “White Train” on the B-side as the single from their third studio album, True Confessions. It is a high-energy cover of the 1969 hit by Dutch rock band Shocking Blue. Bananarama’s version, produced by the legendary Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW), transformed the song into a vibrant and infectious club hit, becoming one of the group’s most iconic tracks.
The lyrics of “Venus” depict the mythical goddess of love and beauty, exuding confidence and allure. Lines like “She’s got it, yeah baby, she’s got it” celebrate femininity and power, making the song an empowering anthem. Bananarama’s rendition is a bold blend of hi-NRG, synth-pop, and dance, featuring a pulsating beat, shimmering synths, and sharp production typical of SAW’s style. The vocal harmonies of Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey add energy and charisma to the track, while the updated arrangement gives the song a modern, danceable edge.
“Venus” was a commercial smash, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topping charts in several countries, including Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the UK, it peaked at No. 8, becoming another hit for Bananarama and cementing their status as one of the most successful girl groups of the 1980s.
The music video, directed by Peter Care and choreographed by Bruno Tonioli, features the group in various campy and theatrical costumes, portraying mythological and supernatural characters like goddesses and vampires. The video’s colorful and over-the-top visuals complement the song’s fiery energy and have become iconic in their own right.