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LISTEN TO THE BEST FOCUS SONGS IN STREAMING

Do you want to rock out with the best music around? If so, then staying focused is key! Finding the best songs and music can be tricky and involve lots of searching. But don't worry — with a bit of focus and dedication, you'll find a list of your favorite tunes in no time! Take an earnest glance at what's out there and get ready to let loose with your favorite anthems. It's time to enjoy some truly singalong bliss!
Get to Know the Music of Focus - From Biography to Best Songs
With its unique sound, progressive rock, and legendary hits, Focus has become one of the most influential rock bands of all time. This Dutch quartet was formed in 1969, and since then, it has released many albums and played countless concerts all around the world. The band's music is not only complex but also playful, featuring an incredible mixture of different styles and instruments. From the Afro-Cuban rhythms to Baroque melodies - there's always something fresh and exciting in their music. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the music of Focus, including its biography, best songs, genre, famous concerts, and a critical review.
Biography
Focus was formed in Amsterdam, Holland, in 1969 by Thijs van Leer (vocals, flute, keyboard), Jan Akkerman (guitar), Martin Dresden (bass), and Hans Cleuver (drums). Their early music was influenced by a variety of styles, including jazz, rock, classical, and blues, creating a specific sound that distinguished them from other bands. In the early 1970s, they released a series of critically acclaimed albums, such as Moving Waves, Focus 3, and Hamburger Concerto, which showcased their musical versatility, virtuosity, and creativity. Though the band has undergone several changes in members over the years, van Leer remained the only constant member of Focus, leading the band until today.
Genre
Focus is often regarded as a progressive rock band, but their music is much more than that. They incorporate elements of jazz, classical, folk, and even world music into their songs, creating a unique blend of sounds. They are best known for their instrumental music, characterized by intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and virtuosic guitar and keyboard solos. The band's music is both challenging and accessible, making them one of the few bands that appeal to both progressive-rock aficionados and casual listeners.
Best songs
Some of the best-known and most-loved Focus songs include Hocus Pocus, Sylvia, and House of the King. Hocus Pocus is undoubtedly the band's most famous song, featuring the iconic yodeling vocal and guitar riff that has become a favorite of music lovers worldwide. Sylvia is a beautiful instrumental piece, combining acoustic guitar and flute in a delicate and intricate way. House of the King, another instrumental song, highlights Akkerman's virtuosity on the guitar and has become a classic in the world of progressive rock.
Famous concerts
Famous concerts
Focus has played many memorable concerts over the years, but one that stands out is their performance at the Rainbow Theatre in London in 1973. The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 1, and it showcased the band's incredible musicianship and showmanship. The performance included many of their classic songs, such as Hocus Pocus, Anonymous, and Eruption, and it was a massive success both critically and commercially.
A critic
Focus's music has been praised by critics and music lovers alike for its originality, complexity, and accessibility. According to Classic Rock Magazine, Focus is one of prog's strangest and most inventive bands, an eclectic melting pot of musical styles, bizarre lyrics, and virtuosic playing. The band's influence can be heard in many other artists, from Frank Zappa to Dream Theater, and their music continues to inspire and delight new generations of fans.
Focus is one of the most innovative and influential bands in the history of rock music, combining different genres and styles to create a sound that is entirely unique to them. Their music is challenging, fun, and accessible, making it perfect for both the avid prog-rock fan and the casual listener. From the legendary hits to the unforgettable live performances, Focus has left a lasting impression on the music world and continues to be a beloved band to this day.
Next Concert
2025-04-22
Assembly Room
Portsmouth, UK
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2024-11-26

Focus: The beloved and controversial band

Focus may not be the most mainstream artist, but they have made an undeniable mark on the music industry. With a distinct style of jazz and progressive rock combining influences from all over the world, Focus has pushed boundaries in what is considered possible. On one hand, critics have blasted them for their complicated musical constructions and erratic transitions between songs and albums; yet on the other hand, music fans everywhere adore their unique sound. Explore every angle as we take a deep dive into why Focus is both loved and hated by so many!

There are bands that are well acclaimed by critics and loved by the public, like The Beatles or Queen. And then there are bands that are intensely divisive, with fans that adore them and detractors that dismiss them. Focus is definitely in that second category. This Dutch band has been around since the early 1970s, and they have consistently pushed the limits of what is considered musically possible. They blend jazz, rock, classical, and folk influences into a unique sound that has won them passionate fans around the world. But at the same time, Focus has also been criticized for being too complicated, too weird, or too inconsistent. Why does this band inspire such strong reactions? Let's find out!

Let's start with the positive things. Focus is a band that knows how to innovate and surprise. They are masters of odd time signatures, unpredictable song structures, and unusual combinations of instruments. Their biggest hit, Hocus Pocus, is a perfect example of this. The song opens with an aggressive riff played by a distorted electric guitar and a yodeling voice. It then introduces a flute melody that sounds like a bird singing. Then it moves on to a jazzy improvisation where each member of the band (including the drummer and the bassist) takes turn to solo. And finally, it returns to the opening riff and the yodeling. It sounds chaotic, but it's also incredibly catchy and fun. It's hard not to bang your head or laugh at the absurdity of it all. And this is just one song. The rest of Focus' discography is filled with equally daring compositions that keep you on your toes.

But of course, not everyone appreciates this style of music. There are those who find Focus' music to be too convoluted or pretentious. They argue that the band sacrifices melody and emotion for technical proficiency and experimentation. They also complain that Focus' albums lack coherence, with too many random instrumental pieces thrown in. For these critics, Focus is a band that tries too hard and doesn't deliver the goods. They also point out that Focus is not a band that has evolved much over the years. Their first few albums (Focus Plays Focus, Moving Waves, and Focus III) were their most successful and groundbreaking, but after that, their output became sparser and less exciting. The band went through several line-up changes, with only guitarist Jan Akkerman and flutist/keyboardist Thijs van Leer remaining constant, and some of their later albums were collaborations with other artists that dilute their uniqueness.

It's worth noting that Focus has also had some internal conflicts and personal issues that have affected their legacy. For example, van Leer has been open about his struggle with depression and addiction, which he says led to him becoming abrasive and difficult to work with at times. Akkerman, on the other hand, has been critical of the direction the band took after his departure in 1976, and has gone on to have a successful solo career that focuses more on fusion and jazz. These tensions could have influenced the quality and reception of the band's output.

So, what can we conclude about Focus? Is this a band that deserves to be celebrated or shunned? The answer, of course, is neither. Focus is a band that has left a mark on the music industry, whether you like them or not. Their innovation and risk-taking can inspire other artists to break the mold and pursue their own visions. Their flaws and controversies are a reminder that music is not just about technical virtuosity, but also about personal struggles and human limitations. Focus may not be for everyone, but they have their own place in the pantheon of music history. As van Leer famously sang in Hocus Pocus: Yippy, yippy, yo, yippy-yay!
Tag: Focus, music artist, best songs, artist career
2022-11-01

The Musical Biography of Focus: From the Beginning to His Most Famous Works

As music listeners, we often find ourselves drawn to artists who have made an impact on the industry with their unique styles and sounds. One such artist is the Dutch musician Focus, who has been creating music since the late 1960s. From his beginnings as a rock guitarist to his most famous works like Hocus Pocus, Focus has left a lasting impression on music enthusiasts around the world. In this post, we will explore the musical biography of Focus and his journey to becoming one of the most celebrated musicians of his time.

Blog Body: Focus, born Jan Akkerman in 1946, began his musical journey as a guitarist for the Amsterdam-based rock group The Hunters in 1965. However, it wasn't until 1969 when he co-founded the progressive rock band Focus that he gained international acclaim. Throughout the 1970s, Focus released six studio albums, the most famous of which was their second album, Moving Waves, which included their biggest hit, Hocus Pocus. This song, with its unusual sound and yodeling vocals, became a staple of classic rock radio and is still loved by many today.

Another standout album in Focus' discography is Hamburger Concerto, which was released in 1974. The album showcased the band's talents in creating complex and intricate compositions, such as the title track, which was over 20-minutes long and included a four-part suite. The album also contained the hit song Birth, which was a departure from their previous work and featured a softer sound.

Despite their success, the band faced several lineup changes throughout the years. In 1976, Akkerman left the group to pursue a solo career, leaving the band's founder and keyboardist Thijs van Leer as the only original member. However, Focus continued to release music throughout the years, with their latest album Focus 11 being released in 2019.

Focus is often recognized for his unique style and influences, which are a combination of rock, classical, and jazz music. He has cited the likes of Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin as his biggest inspirations, and this is evident in his compositions, which often feature complex chord structures and musical arrangements.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Focus' musical biography is a testament to his creativity and passion for music. From his beginnings as a rock guitarist to his most famous works, he has cemented his place as one of the most influential musicians of his time. With his unique sound and influences, he has left a lasting impact on the music industry and continues to inspire musicians today. As we celebrate his legacy, we can only wonder what new musical masterpieces he has yet to create.
Tag: Focus, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF FOCUS - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Love Remembered
2 - Janis
3 - Sylvia
4 - Focus II
5 - Focus III
6 - Le Clochard
7 - Moving Waves
8 - Hocus Pocus
9 - Could This Be Real
10 - Timewarp
11 - Follow the Light
12 - Acid Test
13 - Let the Story Begin
14 - House Of The King
15 - Elspeth Of Nottingham
16 - Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!
17 - Hocus Pocus - Extended Version
18 - Brother
19 - Having Your Fun
20 - Hurkey Turkey
21 - Hocus Pocus - Original Single Version
22 - Tamara's Move (allegro-adagio-allegro)
23 - Anonymus
24 - Neurotika
25 - Što ?es Raditi Ostatac Života
26 - Eruption
27 - Anonymus Two
28 - Fretless Love
29 - Harem Scarem
30 - Rock & Rio
31 - De Ti O De Mi
32 - Blizu Tébe
33 - Tommy
34 - Bennie Helder
35 - Round Goes The Gossip
36 - Carnival Fugue
37 - Glider
38 - Red Sky At Night
39 - Black Beauty
40 - Hocus Pocus 2010
41 - Birth
42 - La Cathedrale De Strasbourg
43 - Hamburger Concerto
44 - Sugar Island
45 - Early Birth
46 - Why Dream
47 - Happy Nightmare (mescaline)
48 - Mother Focus
49 - Clair-obscur
DISCOGRAPHY OF FOCUS

FOCUS: NEXT EVENTS

Concert
2025-04-22
Assembly Room
Portsmouth, UK
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Concert
2025-04-24 h: 19:00
The 1865
Southampton, UK
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Concert
2025-04-25 h: 19:00
Subscription Rooms
Gloucester, UK
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Concert
2025-04-27 h: 16:30
The Robin
Wolverhampton, UK
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Concert
2025-05-03 h: 19:30
Strings Bar & Venue
Isle Of Wight, UK
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Concert
2025-11-02 h: 15:00
Bush Hall
London, UK
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Concert
2025-11-08 h: 20:00
Backstage at The Green Hotel
Kinross, UK
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Concert
2025-11-09 h: 14:00
Backstage at The Green Hotel
Kinross, UK
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