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This one's a rarity: a “Great Song of the '70s” that was originally recorded in Dutch. Of course, it was only natural, since the group, The Shocking Blue, was from The Netherlands, and they didn't speak a word of English.
“But Mike,” you say, “The song I remember was definitely in English.” This is true. Let me backtrack a bit...
The song was recorded in 1969 and released in Europe to great success: #1 in Belgium, Spain and Switzerland, as well as #2 in The Netherlands, Germany and Austria.
At that point, it was decided that an English version should be recorded for America, Canada, the UK and other English speaking countries around the world. It was also decided to re-record it PHONETICALLY instead of giving the group “English as a second language” lessons.
It worked pretty well for the most part...although you could tell something was a bit off from the first line they sang: “A GODNESS on a mountain top...”
No matter! The English version was ALSO huge: Top 10 in UK and Ireland, and #1 in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada...and in February of 1970: #1 in the US on Billboard's Hot 100!
To date, over 7.5 millions copies of the song (Dutch & English combined) have been sold!
In 1986, Bananarama wanted to record a dance version of the song...but in YET ANOTHER case of “record company foolishness,” they were told it wouldn't work. Well, Bananarama persisted—thank goodness--then sat back and shouted “I TOLD YOU SO” when their version became a Top10 hit in 16 countries, including #1 in Australia, New Zealand, Finland, South Africa, Switzerland and Canada!
In the US, it went to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100...and just for good measure, it topped the Dance chart as well! So there!
A “Great Song” is a “Great Song,” whether it's Dutch, English, Rock & Roll or Disco.
The Shocking Blue (1970):
Bananarama (1986):
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