Dutch Power-Pop Pioneers

A great collection of some of the most appreciated Shocking Blue recordings. All their hit singles are here, as well as lesser known songs from their various albums, recorded in the first halt of the 1970`s.

Though "Venus" was their only international hit, a lot of these songs had the same potentials. Songs like "Never Marry a Railroad Man", "Mighty Joe", "Dream on Dreamer", or "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" could have been equally big hits, had the wind blown in the Shocking Blue direction, when they were released.

Guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen had an unique skill for writing catchy pop-rock tunes, and their music still sounds fresh and appealing today.

The arrangements are mostly the classical bass, guitar and drums line-up, with occasional piano or saxophones.

They never fell into the trap of overproducing their records, like many of their contemporaries. I guess this is one of the reasons that they have aged so well.