Focus Plays Focus

Focus Plays Focus is the first studio album by Dutch rock band Focus, released in September 1970 on Imperial Records. It is the only album recorded by the group's original line-up consisting of organist and vocalist Thijs van Leer, bassist Martijn Dresden, drummer Hans Cleuver, and guitarist Jan Akkerman. It was renamed In and Out of Focus for the international re-release of the album from 1971 onwards which included their debut single "House of the King".

Musical style
AllMusic's Richie Unterberger called the album "a fair collection of progressive rock tunes without a clear focus" and noted prominent influences from folk rock, blues, and classical music, as well as "occasional jazzy shadings".

Original release
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1971 reissue
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Personnel
Credits adapted from the album's 1970 liner notes.

Focus
 * Thijs van Leer – lead vocals ("Why Dream," "Black Beauty," "Sugar Island," "Focus (Vocal)"), flute, Hammond organ, piano, electric piano, mellotron, harpsichord, vibraphone
 * Jan Akkerman – guitars
 * Martijn Dresden – bass guitar, trumpet, lead vocals ("Happy Nightmare"), backing vocals ("Why Dream," "Sugar Island")
 * Hans Cleuver – drums, bongos, backing vocals ("Why Dream," "Black Beauty," "Sugar Island")
 * Wouter Möller – cello ("Happy Nightmare")

Production
 * Hubert Terheggen – production
 * Jerry Boys – engineering