Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Tune in and zone out to the loops, ambience, shifting mood and textures, propulsive trancey locked in rhythm and slowly iterating synth scenery.
Robotic genius. Not as good as computer world but still cool as hell
Love these crazy German critters. 4.2/5
Autobahn is one of those vinyl-era albums that either begins or ends with an LP-side-spanning piece that takes up the vast majority of discussion around the record as a whole. most of these tend to be guitar-based compositions, and they're usually either jams (whether kicked- or psyched-out) or tightly-constructed, progressive suites; think 2112, Meddle or In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. by stark contrast, the title track of Autobahn is a somewhat abstract tone poem about the act of driving on the titular German highway system. (the song's main lyrical phrase repeats the word "fahren", or driving, three times, which English-speaking audience misheard as an allusion to the Beach Boys.) there's a few repeating sections based around simple synth-pad chord progressions and a static electronic drum beat; but the section around 10 minutes in, where the synths become the sounds of cars flying up and down the road in both directions, is easily the standout. the slow-developing nature of the whole composition, and its predictable ebbs and flows, make for an odd, nonetheless relaxing experience. despite four band members appearing on the cover's rear-view mirror, this track, and much of the B-side that follows, was made by Kraftwerk's two original main brains (Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider) largely in isolation. Wolfgang Flür shows up to play electronic drums on the second of the breezy "Kometenmelodie" tracks, which feature more clear-cut instrumental pop structures. Klaus Röder also throws some electric fiddle on "Mitternacht"; you can hear it echoing off the Moogs around the midsection particularly well. as cool as the sounds Kraftwerk makes on this album are, I'm excited to revisit their later work, where they managed to fit those sounds into more urgent, succinct and catchy(!) pop frameworks. wonder if I should listen to them in German or English. or both. decent 7/10.
Good ol' Kraftwerk
I love Kraftwerk but they only got better from here on.
Another great listen from Kraftwerk! I found the B-side a little bit unfocused, but the side-long piece on the A-side was a treat, probably my favourite Kraftwerk piece we've had so far.
It’s great for studying
It's cool. Very forward thinking. Sounds less dated than a lot of 80s music.
Really enjoyed this. Surprised I haven’t explored Kraftwerk before. Autobahn was a lot of fun.
Title track is so full of joy and wonder. The rest of it is also good, but not quite to that level.
Loved this so much more than I was expecting, the title track had me and my teenager dancing and swaying. It’s great
The album that broke Kraftwerk into the mainstream! The title track is one of the most important synthpop tracks of all time.
Listening to this is like driving on the Autobahn and if you just relax and enjoy the trip it's wonderful but if you spend the whole time looking for your exit it's going to be miserable.
Wir fahr'n auf der Autobahn! Ich mag Kometmelodie 1 nicht, und Mitternacht ist auch nur ok. Aber sonst, crazy Atmosphäre, crazy feeling, Autobahn.
From one side of electronic inspiration to the next. Kraftwerk is interesting in that every time I listen to them, they become more human. The first time it just sounds like soulless automation. But Autobahn, overlong and repetitive though it is, opens up a bit more, a bit more, a bit more... this is the first time I found myself feeling a little let down each time it started to end, as opposed to relieved. Eventually you want more. Side B is still a bit more difficult. It is much more mood than composition... Lazer bleeps, drippy caves and jungles... Kraftwerk are showing off what electronic instrumentation can do. If the title track is them throwing all of the Compositional flourishes into one track, side B is exploring soundtracking. I'll always like something a bit more organic more, but it's exciting to start to "get" it. This'll probably keep growing but im surprised to be giving it 4*
FUN FUN FUN. Clever album that takes you almost literally on a journey through time and space. Sounds like the Beach Boys if Brian Wilson was part man/part machine.
I was stingy with my other rating of Kraftwerk so I'll be more generous now. I was going to say this album was important for the 80s and then I saw it came out in 74 so yeah. They were pioneers It's nice to have some long form and proper ambient music on this list. The synths are very playful and warm
Funny how one song can you take you back
AUTOBAHN! KRAFTWERK! Listened to after saying goodbye to someone for the final time. It was a nice moment after having listened to "sad boy music" all the day before that moment. Beep beep! 4.5*
nice, ambiental, it really feels eccentric
Highly influential record way ahead of its time. A 22-minute opening song is a lot but I still liked this (just not as much as The Man Machine). Favorite: Kotemenmelodie 2 Would I listen to it again: Yes
I'm not quite sure why this is so captivating, but it is.
I have an undeniable urge to drive on the Autobahn.
nice
A groundbreaking electronic record and it's influence can be heard decades later. As a first time listen, I can say that the title epic is incredible, the final two tracks too, but the two part middle piece didn't do much for me. The essentially German vibe makes this a little dated, but otherwise it could've been recorded today, as far as how great sounding this is. 4/5
Overall: 7/10 The title track on this album is over 20 minutes long and it takes you on a pretty wild ride (pun intended). They did a great job of making you feel like you're speeding down the highway. After that, things slow down and get a bit more ambient, but it's all pretty pleasant to listen to overall. Fav Song: Autobahn
Beautiful and experimental
Perfect for an interstate drive
I don't understand how a 22 minute electronic song about a German highway holds my interest more than the same length song from a jam band. But here we are.
One of the most influential albums of all time? It sounds so futuristic, the sampling is crazy, the different sections come together in a great harmony. After the epic first song things take more of an ambient direction but still work very well. The constantly evolving synth leads keep the songs exciting, there is always those little details to hang onto. It's a very beautiful record that paved the way for pretty much all sample-based music.
Man, really interesting album. It does suffer a bit from the "I have to remind myself this was groundbreaking and ahead of it's time" thing, but it was enjoyable.
A pioneering entry in the world of electronic music. Fun, imaginative, captivating, mesmerizing. If I have any criticism, it’s that the vocals on the title track took me out of the soundscapes a bit, and just seemed rather goofy. Then again, I spent the rest of the day singing “Fahren fahren fahren auf der Autobahn,” so maybe it’s good, actually? In any case, there’s no doubt it deserves a place on this list.
Electronic pop, electroacoustic, kosmische.
I was autobout to lose it! jk it was good
Really nice relaxing album.
Good one
Banger
The title track is, unsurprisingly, the centerpiece — a bright, hypnotic electronic voyage that still feels inventive and strangely uplifting. The rest of the album can’t quite match that momentum, though 𝗞𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝟮 offers a genuinely lovely melody that softens the drop-off. Even with its uneven pacing, 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘩𝘯 is a compelling early landmark for Kraftwerk, showing the moment when their experimental impulses began to crystallize into something unmistakably their own.
I still don’t get why people love Kraftwerk as much as they do, but this one was pretty enjoyable.
I was about 18 minutes into the album when I realised I was still on track 1. This was a really cool listen though, as I’d only ever heard the song about the pocket calculator I was surprised by this album. The ambient electronic sounds were a great listen while I was seeing the afternoon out plugging away at my desk at work. I can see how they get so much recognition for being trail blazers of techno, that this was created 50 or so years ago is mind blowing
Pretty innovative sound for 1974 but once was enough for me
Not a big fan of electro - but this was hypnotic. Repetitive but propulsive and engaging. I'm impressed by how current it sounds despite its age. Glad to have give this a shot.
if i based this purely on the sound, probably a 3/5, but Kraftwerk really pushed what electronic music that i listen to like EVERY DAY sounds like today. always good to hear the roots.
Habe ich irgendwie mehr erwartet. Es funktioniert sehr gut, wenn man sich drauf einlässt und als Album insgesamt auch. Aber bei mir kam nicht der Aha-Moment. 3,5 Sterne dürfen es dann wohl doch sein.
Anhören könnte ich mir sowas nicht dauernd, aber ich erkenne die Qualitäten durchaus an. Interessant ist es allemal.
Talk about an album with clear theming. From the abstracted A out of a highway for the cover art to the synth sounds mimicking the doppler effect of passing cars, this project could not be more clear about needing to be listened to on a road trip. It's a bit plodding at points, and parts of some songs can stretch on for quite some time, but I feel like that only reinforces the vibe. I did struggle with the darker moments in the album like Mitternacht and that middle stretch about 10min into the titular track. But, overall I really enjoyed the slow, subtly developing nature of these electronic tracks. The experience is almost like an opera in how it forces you to sit with certain notes for a while, sometimes longer than is maybe comfortable. I also specifically adored Morgenspaziergang, what a beautifully light closing note.
The title track is great and you can hear the innovation and influence.
Excellent concept album
Love this album, it’s so strange yet so listenable. On top of the satisfying synthetic tones I heard either real or great facsimiles of flutes. Need to do a deep dive on the themes of the album. There was one section in the 3rd quarter that lost me, so I will go 4.5
This is #day545 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… hell yeah, here's to the one that started it all, aka the one that influenced them all. As essential as it is historically, I prefer The Man-Machine. Still, this is a 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day546.
Not an album I was expecting, and definitely not one I was expecting to like, but here we are. I put this on for my train ride home from uni, thinking I would get a few songs out of the way. Instead, I listened to one track for the entire trip, with Autobahn finishing as I reached my car. That song takes you on a journey, and it was the perfect song to accompany me on my way home today. You can tell that Kraftwerk had a blast making the song, and their love for the Autobahn shines in it. I couldn't imagine listening to one of the cut down versions of this song, it feels like it's exactly what the band set out to make. The other songs on the album all have their merit too. The two Kometenmelodies feel like they have to be listened to together, so it almost seems like a shame that they're split into two tracks, but I also don't think this is an album most people would be shuffling into playlists. Mitternacht feels like the closest thing to an interlude the album has, and Morgenspaziergang captured the vibe of a nature walk impressively well. At multiple points, it reminded me of Pikmin series music. It has such a warm feeling, which is greatly enhanced by the flute. As an aside, while I was listening to this album I was sure I was hearing sounds produced in the 1980's, maybe even the 90's, so I was stunned when I found out it released in 1974. No other album I've heard from that year, or the surrounding years, even come close to sounding as modern as this. Kraftwerk were obviously pushing boundaries when they released this album, and it's very clear that they influenced the modern musical landscape in a big way. Favourite song: Autobahn
A classic that started so much. I don't personally enjoy this too much but I really respect it.
Just kick back and let it wash over you
Amazingly I’ve not listened to Kraftwerk before although I’ve seen them live. I can really hear how influential they were on music I like. Very good!
Motorway noise perfection.
This was really great jogging music. In the era it was released this kind of sound must have felt like it came from space.
This album of course is incredibly influential but the question is: is it good? Yes. All the songs can be a bit repetitive but with multiple listenings subtle melodies start to reveal themselves
Se penso ad Avanguardia penso ai Kraftwerk
This is a concept album done right. It starts with a 20 minute car ride, the title track, the big hit. I can see it being tedious upon reception, there's a particular mood for hearing a similar beat for half of your listening experience, like a long car ride or an early morning ritual. The ride continues with a musical rendition of what I imagine is a night full of shooting stars, followed by peak darkness at midnight, and a morning stroll. It feels like 12-24 hours condensed into 40 minutes of beautiful electronic music. I've heard Kraftwerk before, I know I own some digital release remix, but I can't remember where it came from and nothing in the Kraftwerk rabbithole rung any bells. I'm so glad I climbed down, though. This album in particular is a great experience, but getting into their most well known singles lets you understand exactly how fundamental they are for the future of EDM. Easy repeated listen. Would love any version of this album on vinyl. 4.3/5
That was a bit more laid back than I was expecting. It's incredible that this was done in 1974. It sounds a bit dated now, though. It's good, but I liked The Man Machine better.
This was the beginning of the legendary sound that was most popular by them, it's ethereal, hypnotizing and flows incredibly well. I haven't listened to this one before and I'm glad I did now, it's an experience of synths with minimal lyrics that makes you dream of listening to this while driving. So so good.
Another album i expected not to like, this time after resding the wikipedia page. The songs are actually fun and seem like some kind od video game music.
Enjoyed this way more than thought I would. Really like how it's divided into movements, like a symphony. A gentle flow.
Reminded me a bit of Brian Eno’s Music for Airports ambient album
beep bop
own
Kraftwerk are one of these iconic bands that I only really know the name of, but hadn't listened to, until now. I was intimidated when I saw 22 minutes as a first track but it is quite good. It flows. Would be a great track for actually driving on the highway with. Definitely 70s album. Super Prog elements. Trippy in places.
I'm reminded of stepping into the lobby on an alien's spaceship. These soft, ethereal sounds coo from the walls, creating a relaxing experience.
Düsseldorf, we have achieved liftoff...bahn bahn bahn Autobahn. We are living in the future, I'll tell you how I know. I read it in the paper fifteen years ago. We're all driving rocket ships and talking with our minds. - J Prine (RIP)
Man, I wish I could drive on the autobahn. I’ve heard it rocks. Maybe someday. Once again I am impressed and transported by a Kraftwerk record. Forward-thinking synth work. Prog you can dance and even headbang to.
Kraftwerk paved the way for electronic music. And Autobahn is unique experience that showcases innovation and creativity
I wasn't so sure at first, especially with a 22 minute song to start with. Once I settled into the album, I really vibed with it.
Kraftwerk is a early creator of electronic music, and it shows! Their music is engaging and not repetitive, unlike much electronic in the nineties. And let's be honest, opening the album with a 22-minute instrumental that repeats "Autobahn" a lot (because that's the only German word I could make out) is a risky move. But the album was different and edgy, enough that I listened to it twice while bopping. I believe I even heard a little Eastern influence later in Autobahn, too. Nicely done, Kraftwerk.
Really is like being on a night drive on a smooth road in the night. Quite magical
Kraftwerk has been one of my favorites from this series of albums. Not someone I put on often but when they pop up I know itll be entertaining and chug along nicely. Autobahn is more of that enjoyable energy but in one long track. Cool stuff, not a ton to say about it.
One thing I like about this is the way it takes the icy, alien sounds and turns them into something as everyday as a car journey
I think the ideas, it's fun Will I listen to again: 75%
The first of Kraftwerk's groundbreaking electronic albums. The freewheeling "Autobahn" emulates the feeling of driving a car via fun little electronic tune ("fun fun fun on the autobah"). The rest of the album is spacious textures, synthesizer orchestras, and swirling melodies. Your favorite electronic artist's favorite electronic artist. Incredibly strong material from one of the most important musical groups of the 20th century.
My kind of weird 4/5
The Germans went beep boop and society decided it was ok to let Germans back into the world culture
I liked this! Felt ahead of it's time, but I'm not sure if that's true?
You can really feel the band eeking out every bit of potential from the technology available at the time. A concept album about the autobahn is really unprecedented in 1974. A confident debut and my second favourite Kraftwerk album. The title track is particularly mesmerising - this track feels like ambiant music 4 years before Brian Eno coined the term. 4/5
A couple of months ago I listened to The Man Machine for the first time in 15ish years and really enjoyed it but was slightly disappointed that I was head over heels in love with it like I was when I was 17. It's got amazing melodies, compositions and (of course) cutting edge use of synths but there was a very slight disconnect which stopped me falling totally in love. Listening to Autobahn for the first time today rekindled my love for this band. I had an almost spiritual experience at points. The explorative use of synths, full of childlike creativity, joy, wonder and awe is extremely satisfying. At some points it’s more structured and melodic and at others it stretches out and elongates beautifully. They are working out everything they can do with their emerging technology at their disposal. But these aren’t just experiments, they are emotionally rich songs. I like how the peaks and troughs of the 20 minute title track reflect the experience of driving on the Autobahn. Very clever. I’m hearing the way it influenced Tubeway Army and I’m even hearing bits of The Fall in the occasional vocals. It’s way ahead of its time. I hope Kraftwerk has more records like this.
Day 7 of the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die with @marmeu. First time in a while The baboon has now become dinner. I can see how crazy it is that this is made in 1974 because of the sounds used her, but to be honest, it doesn't hold up as well today, its still nice and you can see how this has affected the electronic genre overall, but, it probably hit way harder 50 years ago. The first song was the best obviously but I found myself enjoying the last song quite a bit because of my friend's stupid storytelling about a Chinese baboon going through a forest and ending up as dinner at the end of the song, we laughed about that shit for way too long, its 4am to be fair. The songs in the middle were kind of eh, I do see the concept though of it being the actual german motorway system known as the Autobahn, it makes itself very clear on the first track, although I think they were just fucking around in the 2nd half because I don't really see how it fits in with the first track very much. Wish the first track had some more grand stuff at the end of the progressions. As my friend described it, the last song was straight national geographic music. We also noticed, I believe it was track 4 being kind of similar to pt.3 of Fishmans, Long Season. Overall a nice revolutionary album that holds up a little today, boring at some parts, great background music at other parts. 75/100
I have a soft spot for this one, saw them perform it live in Slovakia
How did you know a few weirdos with synthesizers is EXACTLY my style
I have been anxiously awaiting Kraftwerk’s Autobahn, and finally, at album number 1030, it’s here. I’d heard of Kraftwerk before starting this project, but I’d never listened to them before, and that’s a damn shame, because I really loved Trans Europe Express and The Man Machine. I’ve been drawn to keyboards and synthesizers in music for as long as I can remember, so Kraftwerk’s music feels like it’s completely tailored to my tastes. I’m excited to take a trip down the Autobahn today for my final Kraftwerk review! I enjoyed Autobahn, but it’s going to wind up being my least favorite of the three Kraftwerk albums on this list. Just like the other Kraftwerk albums I’ve reviewed, this one was full of beautiful and epic synthesizer arrangements that were an absolute joy to listen to. The title track to this album was outstanding, and I enjoyed every bit of its almost 23 minutes. The second side of the album was a bit bland at times though, and I thought it really lacked the cohesion, vision, and world building that dominated the first side of this album. Still, this was enjoyable to listen to, and I would listen to the title track again in a heartbeat. Some notes on the songs themselves: Autobahn (Opening to 3:30) I love how this song starts, with the listener getting into the car. The bass tones are excellent, creating the rhythm of a car driving down the highway, while the brighter tones help craft the beauty of the open road as you drive along. (3:30 to 6:35) This section of the song feels like a scenery change, as you leave the city and head out into a more rural area. I loved the guitar arrangement, and the flute sounds were excellent as well. This song does such a great job of recreating that steadiness of driving a long distance. I’ve been to Germany, but I never went on the Autobahn, however, I imagine that this song really captures what it would feel like to drive on it for the first time, as you take in all the scenery. (6:35 to 8:15) I love the return to the mail melody as the listener gets ready for another transition. (8:15 to 13:15) I liked this change in rhythm and these new sounds. It was like passing through a factory town, with industrial plants and cooling towers along the side of the road. It’s got kind of a train like rhythm to this section too, and those steam hissing sounds feel like you’re riding alongside a train track (13:15 to 16:00) I love coming back to the main melody again, and the radio sounds added this time were really cool. What’s a road trip without the radio? (16:00 to end) The slower pace to start this section was interesting, and I liked it when the tempo went back to its usual faster pace. I really enjoyed how this closing section took me to the conclusion of this little road trip I didn’t really care for “Comet Melody 1.” Unlike the title track, this song didn’t really make me feel or see anything, and after such a journey on side one of this album, this song was a bit of a letdown. It was fine to listen to, but I felt like it was a sharp decline from the title track. “Comet Melody 2” on the other hand, was brilliant. I loved that combination of deeper bass tones and brighter sounds. This song definitely had a space-like feeling to it that I enjoyed. Like “Comet Melody 1,” “Mitternacht” didn’t make me feel anything. It was fine to listen to, but it just didn’t do anything for me, and I didn’t think it did anything for this side of the album either. “Morning Walk” was pretty good, but overall, I felt like the second side of this album was a bit of a letdown. The babbling brook sound was a little too on the nose, especially after an album that used quite a bit of subtlety in its sound. Like the other songs on this side of the album, it was fine to listen to, but it just didn’t do a lot for me. Autobahn may be Kraftwerk’s weakest contribution to this list in my opinion, but it’s still a groundbreaking and fun album to listen to.
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I have avoided Kraftwerk for all these years. The music is interesting, if not repetitive. It is hugely influential, and I'm glad there's weird music out there for weirdos to consume.
Bet these guys were particularly fond of german roads
This was a very cool listen. The title track is 22 minutes long - which just so happens to be the exact time it takes for my morning commute. So it was the perfect soundtrack for my drive to work this morning. At first it sounds kinda quaint, until you realize this is 1974 era analog synth tech, then it's amazing. To my ears, this is essentially a tone poem. There is a simple motif that's repeated in various ways throughout the piece. The rest of the soundscape is filled with electronics that imitate traffic, the radio, and various other sounds one might hear on his or her drive. There's also some singing about driving on the autobahn. The track does contain definite movements. The "drive" goes from hectic rush hour traffic, to leisurely driving. Panning effects and doppler shifts increase the realism. Side two sounds like a collection of electronic experimentation. There are some short, clever songs with creative synth effects. I would most definitely listen to this again.
Such an influential group. There is so much here that you can hear as early echos of later electronic music.
finally something good after so many mediocre albums
It's either this or Trans-Europe Express that's my favourite Kraftwerk album.
Pretty interesting for the time. Of course you still hear about bands like this which proves they were way ahead of their time.
Sounds so hopeful for the future.
Solid.
Great album, truly innovative and hugely influential.
Første rigtige elektroniske musik? Det skulle afspejle følelsen af at køre på autobahn i Tyskland de havde faktisk lave albums inden, men det var sådan mere krautrock agtig. Tyskland efter krigstid hvor man havde svært ved at lave det samme rock som i England, så man var lidt identitetsløs. Det her hjalp Tyskland med at få identitet. Men de var også alt for langt foran ift deres tid, men der var kunstnere som David Bowie som var meget inspireret. Autobahn 20 min lang blev en radiobanger. Men alt der hedder synth musik efter (specielt i 80’erne?) var inspireret af dette. Det er svært ikke at give dem en høj karakter alene på at have skabt så stor en arv og lyd.
Absolute classic. Definitely a headphones on listen and even better if you’re mentally 100 years ago peasant type shit.
4 I am having fun
8/10
Was not expecting much, especially with the first song being 22 minutes long. Instead, I got a really pleasant, synthy, vibe-out album that I wouldn't hate to put on while driving or something. It is the Autobahn after all. Favorite Track: Mitternacht
I don't actually like this album, but I respect it enough to give it a 4.
Fun fun fun on the autobahn... It speaks to a fun simple time. An era of optimism and energy that I'm not sure if we can go back to. Things were never simple but it can be fun to imagine that they were.
It’s all really about the main 20 minute title track for this album. The “side 2” songs are interesting from a soundscape perspective, particularly the live flute bits in the last two, but they’re all kind of an afterthought. The main track is a fundamental piece of electronic music that sort of bridges the boundaries between “experiment to convey a mood” and “full fledged progressive <genre> song”. The track really does bring about a sense of a road trip on a highway. There are fun major key bits, scary bits when you’re surrounded by traffic moving much faster and carrying much heavier loads, slow bits when not much is going on, etc. From a perspective of painting a picture and feeling with music, it’s brilliant. In my opinion it’s also great to listen to. There’s a driving beat showing the constant motion of a car and stabs of vehicle synth noises, and even lyrics sung mostly without edits in places. I really like it as a piece of art, maybe a bit less as something I’ll put on to listen to for fun. It’s for that reason I’m not giving it a 5; Kraftwerk’s later stuff is simply more enjoyable to listen to. This is cool and wonderful in its own space though.
This is good but very much inferior to the Man Machine. Again one of those albums (particular tracks like Kometenmelodie 2) that I used to enjoy much more back in the day (around 6 years ago). Regardless, still a solid electronic type album so 4 stars.
One of thier best
More well constructed electronic from these Germans. The title track is excellent. The rest kind of fades into the background but still, enjoyable.
Hmm. I didn't expect to like this so much. I do not care for more modern electronic music at all. Super repetitive and bloated and too long. But this was actually quite enjoyable. Maybe older electronic music is better...
While everyone knows it as their breakthrough success due to the title track, that the album as a whole is far more of a transitional work, is often overlooked. Once the side-long full-length version of the international hit single is done, there’s little other evidence of the driving proto-electronica on show. Side two remains largely in the wheelhouse of their previous albums; more acoustic-based melodic experimentalism. This duality actually works quite successfully. It is a rather beautiful album through-and-through, but may surprise/disappoint a listener simply expecting more motorway based vibes. Personally I return more often to this for side 2, opting for their later albums when I’m in need of the beats.
They were a million years ahead of the rest of the world.
Comes on at times like a Teutonic answer to the Beach Boys, who also just happened to invent the framework and machinery that gave birth to techno and sampling. Mental. This is important work; just don't worry too much about the fact that some of it sounds like a broken kettle.
Always a good listen. It doesn’t sound like much now but at the time this was groundbreaking stuff.
I like Kraftwerk a lot and this is a classic. If people only think of them as electronica, some of the instrumentation will surprise you.
Close enough. Welcome back German Pink Floyd
You know what, I always moan when I see an Electronic album come up but this was pleasantly surprising. I’m a big big fan of this
8/10
Building on the electronic sounds from Ralf & Florian but starting to divorce them from the actual limitations of "organic" instruments, Kraftwerk abandoned the motorik drums and other conventions of more contemporary Krautrock. The band now has basically retconned their history to call Autobahn their debut and it makes sense since this is more representative of where the band went from here. The title track being the standout, there is some interesting experimentation in the second half. They would continue to perfect the sound in their subsequent albums but the foundation is here. It might be cool to make music about driving on free-flow highways but let's see you write a song about driving in a city in rush hour.
This first entered my youthful world as a weirdly entrancing curiosity put on the stereo by my musically far-advanced older neighbor. Same guy who brought Led Zeppelin, Blue Oyster Cult, and Monty Python into my world. I still find it weirdly entrancing, mesmerizing even. Less weird now that some decades of electronica have intervened. I like this cover's elegant simplicity but remember a highway scene from the first? In the future, I would become pleasantly stoned to this. And could always since first listen say faux-robotically "bon bon bon, ottobon" on command. Foundational.
OK... I think this hit me at the most opportune time. Driving in the rain on I76 as sunset fell, this was a soundtrack I never would have imagined I'd like. But I did.
Geil!
I was very excited when this album came up today. I've been reading and hearing about it since I started deep diving music back in college (in the early 80's), but never listened to it before. While listening this morning it hit me that this is a perfect example of a "list" album, mainly due to the historical importance. The example I came up with in my mind is that it is the album version of the film Metropolis (which I watched for a college film class). These are the beginnings of things to come and they still resonate today, even if they are dated and much better has happened since. That all being said, I mostly enjoyed the album. The song Autobahn was cool, and there were enough musical changes to warrant its length. I also loved Kometenmelodie 2 very much. The other songs were a bit hit and miss. If I'm only going by importance, this is a 5 star album. But I'm mostly going to judge it on how much I liked it. It's a 3.5 that will bump up to 4.
Toki yhtyeen aina tiennyt, mutta aika vähälle kuuntelulle jäänyt. Nyt tuli töiden ohessa kuunneltua ja kyllähän tämä toimi! Lempeää tunnelmointia ja auttoi keskittymään rahan grindaamiseen!
Ei mielestäni parasta Kraftwerkiä, mutta kappaleet luovat hyvin tunnelmaa ja levyllä on selkeää suunnitelmallisuutta ja kulkua.
Cool but a little weird
Listened on the autobahn for a flex
The namesake song goes for more than 20 minutes. Holy shit is it glorious!
Really interesting to get this album back to back with Throbbing Gristle. Both important to industrial and electronic genres, and this one incredibly easier to listen to. Repetitive, experimental, and (no other way to say it) - German. Not always fully accessible, but I’m never upset to listen to this album.
Title track is great. And I like Kometenmelodie 2 a lot too. A very solid four, close to five.
01010101000010110
Really loved the soundstage and early electronica on this one. Something just hits
Love this. Brought back memories.
Chillwave
Альбом в принципе очень даже классный. Интересные звучания, я считаю. Подойдет если хочется задумать о своем, но при этом слушать что-нибудь;) Да в какие-то моменты меня доставали некоторые звучания, но их было совсем не много и этому я очень рада. Лучший трек:Mitternacht(9.5/10) Худший трек:нет
Amazing, important electronic album. Autobahn (the song) is such a trip.
Not as good as Man Machine, but still pretty good. Let's just say I'm kraftwerking it
Not their best album but still good
These men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of. Genre definer, almost worth the hype.
I actually thought this was going to be one of those albums where it's like "yeh OK they're one of the OGs and they made new paths but now it's a bit dated and boring" but I really enjoyed it entirely. I listened to it a few years ago on the actual autobahn and I was way too stressed out to enjoy it. I hate not having half stars because 4 is a wee bit too high.
Me pegou de surpresa. Já ouvi outros discos do Kraftwerk, inclusive tenho alguns álbuns deles em minha coleção pessoal, e quando o assunto é música eletrônica eu sempre os menciono como um dos meus grupos favoritos. Porém, nunca havia ouvido Autobahn antes. É uma sonoridade um tanto quanto diferente do resto do trabalho da banda. Bem menos “robótico”, e mais orgânico. Alguns sons do segundo lado até se parecem com sons da natureza, como canto de pássaros. Seu maior mérito se encontra, é claro, em seu primeiro lado, com sua faixa titular. Ela é expansiva e ponderosa. Passagens bem memoráveis, e uma fluidez invejável. Um ótimo disco, mas não chega a ser um dos meus preferidos da banda. 4/5
3.9 2x great
Actually quite mesmerizing.
The title track may be the best thing Kraftwerk has done. And they’ve done a lot of great things.
Nice clean vibe, easy background listening, good album for doing stuff. 8/10
Neat
I was pleasantly surprised by this album; aside from the goofy vocals, it's a very good, atmospheric bit of music that you can let your mind wander off to.
got this album the day after my best friend's wedding and her dad was wearing a kraftwerk autobahn shirt at the beach that day
Woo got both Kraftwerk albums in a row! As Hutter says this is an "exciting experience that makes you run through a huge variety of feelings" The main thing to know about this is how hard the title track grooves. There's a common misconception that electronic music is really rigid and repetitive but the drum track in this slides over the beat in a really groovy way. My favourite story about Kraftwerk is that Moodymann thought they were black. That's how funky they are. Kometenmelodie 1 and 2 are a clear influence on Bowie. Number 2 could almost be a Suicide track. Morgernspierzang has some wonderful sound design with birds morphing into synthesizer chirps and back. Again a clear influence on Bowie and Eno's Moss Garden. While the links to Detroit are even more explicit in this than Man Machine and it does retain a bit more of the krautrock influence I think it doesn't quite hit the peak of what Kraftwerk were capable of.
Great ending to the strongest week we've had so far. Faith restored a bit.
i was excited to listen to this but the first song felt like an entire album to get through. for some reason felt really slow and massively long. i got tired of it after 15 mins or so. okay mitternacht is the track that satisfies my brain the way i want it to. i loved it! same with the last track. very very nice. if you think about how they did this in the 70’s well… it’s simply mind blowing really isn’t it. my enjoyment of the music have been more of a 4, with these last two tracks a 5. how much do i want to include the influence and the fact that this was made in the 70’s? i don’t know. it was truly a very cool thing to accomplish this so early on, using synthesizers and drum machines but i think i need to be in the right mood to feel like it’s a 5 enjoyment wise.
Autobahn
This was a pleasant surprise. I couldn’t make it through the entire first track but really liked the following tracks. Smooth and ambient but also like Willy Wonka at times. Something completely different.
Fahr’n fahr’n fahr’n …
Listened to this album recently as part of my 2025 resolution to listen to at least one new album per week. Wrote the following note for it on my spreadsheet: "they're too cool; what itch is this shit scratching, b/c man it makes me want to listen to them, but only as albums really and not consistently, but it always blows me away." Have previously listened to this album as a teenager, so already knew all the songs, but it was great to revisit. I'd love to explore their discography further. Favorite Song: Autobahn
Interesting mix of old time synths and analog instruments. The singing is just funny, but it's a classic listen.
I've a lot of time for Kraftwerk. This isn't my favourite of their albums -I prefer The Man Machine and Radioactivity - but it's still very good.
Yes, good. A couple of dud tracks or moments (Kometenmelodie Part 1) but a lot of really great stuff in here. The title track is a tour de force, and the closing Morgenspaziergang is great peaceful Krautrock and scratches my Popol Vuh itch. Wonderful stuff.
Not something I’ll come back to often because it’s not really my cup of tea. But man, this album was made in 1974? No wonder it’s so influential.
Planant dans le bon sens du terme belle decouverte
Местами веселый, а местами мрачный. Важный альбом и послушать интересно.
Fun fun fun on the Autobahn!
3 Kraftwerk albums!? OK let's go - mixed bag for me thus far, but I know this title cut... What else to write about a Kraftwerk album? I feel...incredibly efficient after listening? Autobahn is a fun track - 22 minutes of fun though. It is a long road, true. Not sure how rating these types ("these types" as if there are more like this...other than the other Kraftwerk albums of course) of albums does any good - they're not really "songs" per se in the sense of how we think of songs. I mean "Mitternacht" is what, dripping pipes in a huge empty metal warehouse combined with the "Escape from New York" soundtrack? Although I'm reverse-engineering it since this is from 1974 Honestly it's just kind of cool and you can't really compare this to much of anything. I'm not going to be listening to this on a roadrip, no pun intended, but for just weird background music to work to or maybe even sleep to, I'm in. 7/10 4 stars.
Great
Not my genre at all but this was fun in a very Classic Doctor Who soundtrack way. Would listen again.
This isn't as good as their first record. It's not as catchy. But still a banger of an album
Fun soundscapes I love these guys
Love the impressionistic concept. The 20+ minute title track truly feels like a perfect representation of a long car trip on the highway. Nice variety of sounds from the synths, beyond the classic bleeps and bloops.
did not know it would be so fun
The starting point of the Kraftwerk we know and love. The album is dominated by the title track which chugs over the entirety of Side A, and is both hypnotising and rather sweet. Side B doesn't match up and still has traces of the old Kraftwerk (flute in the last track), but the legacy of this album is assured.
8.5/10 This is foundational stuff. New music I listen to today sounds like this. Clean, crisp sounds. Immaculate synthesisers, great drum programming. This is a perfect example of what to play when people say electronic music is just people twiddling knobs. Fundamentally: yes. Actually: the title track is a wonderful audio poem full of soul that evokes an actual road trip. Doesn’t get a full 5 as there is a drop off in quality at the end Best: Autobahn
Kraftwerk ultimately forces the listener to confront their own relationship with technology, and the anxiety provoking duality of both depending on it for your very life, and our abhorrance of just that dependency. Bit of an existential crisis that the music reflects very well, creating natural sounds mechanistically, or mechanical sounds that are shallow renditions of the actual. There is some cognitive dissonance that is not unentertaining. Philosophy aside: the compositions (I think) owe more to classical than pop. There is a complexity and intelligence at the core of this music. Kraftwerk almost completely abandons traditional instrumentation and essentially invents a genre. Prior to this, electronioc music was novelty ("Switched On Bach") or used as sound effects in other formats ("Good Vibrations", "Baba O'Reilly"). Here though we can take all-electronic compositions seriously for the first time, at least in the mainstream. There are earlier examples but Kraftwerk makes it eminently listenable, even catchy, and breaks into the mainstream in a small but highly influential way. Important album.
Great first song for driving g
I enjoyed this, but the second side felt a little bit disconnected in places, particularly the final track, which sounded like the theme music for a children's TV show from the 1970s.
I had expected a much harsher dissonate sound, instead I loved it
I think I love Kraftwerk.
Der Track „Autobahn“ ist ein gelungenes Musikexperiment und die weiteren Tracks sind ok. Insgesamt sehr gutes aber nicht außergewöhnliches Album.
This was something that very much deserved attention. I had it as just robot noise that started a genre, but its actually a stunning piece of minimalist electro. Ot ebbs and flows like a classical score and has a surprising warmth and humanity to it.
Love it and peaceful
I like Kraftwerk but I feel like I still havent been able to fully appreciate an album in its entirety. Love the title track and closer.
Put me in a flow state, most albums can’t boast that they put me in a flow state, didn’t even notice it had finished, and yes that’s a good thing in my opinion
yess kraftwerk excellent magnificent mangicifent
It reminds me of the nihilists Maude Lebowski was talking about.
You can tell how groundbreaking this was by the fact it was made in 1974. I love their quirky sense of humour. Not quite up there with Man-Machine which got a 5 from me. 3.5 rounding up to 4 because it’s worth more than a 3
4.5/5. Musical geniuses, so innovative.
Klassiker
Very quirky, stonehead music. The type of thing you'd hear in a whacko dreamcast rhythm game, and that's a compliment!
The title tracks takes you on such a journey and then it returns back to its central theme and you remember where you came from. Incredible stuff. Favorite songs were Autobahn and Morgenspaziergang.
Without Kraftwerk, there would be no electronic music.
Rating: 8.5/10 Fun fun fun on the autobahn! What a masterpiece of a song, the rest of the album is not as good but holds up still. Ridiculous this came out in 1974.
Not bad. I haven't heard early Kraftwerk before. The title track is quite good.
I like this kind of keyboard oriente music. Experimental and kinda Avant Garde. Not for everyone or for every moment but I like it a lot.
Absolutely loved Autobahn and the Komitdowdjfbfien #2 (yeah I am fluent in German how did you know). Like I’m not going to listen to it all the time but it does slap. Fuck it it’s a 4
Fun fun fun* on the autobahn! (*OK so it's actually fahren but I like what they did there) I was always afraid I'd really like Kraftwerk if I got into them. This might be my favourite so far. I'm glad I've reached an age where I no longer care if it's uncool, or ironically uncool or even ironically cool. It just makes my ears happy and that's enough for me.
Better than I had in memory. Brilliant!
Most notable for the 22-minute self-title track, Autobahn is a tour de force for Kraftwerk. More than musicians, Kraftwerk proves themselves to be pioneers, industrialists, engineers, making strides in the field of electronic music well before it became the danceable club music as we know it today. Autobahn was not built for the club, but for the car. This album is Kraftwerk's love letter to the modern world, embracing the organized frenzy of life as we drive in synchronicity, clock in and out of work together, and buzz around like a hive of bees. It captures the spirit of human congruence in its beauty and anxiety, with wonderous and strange synthesizer sounds. All of this wrapped up with a nice bow on the closing track Morgenspaziergang, which subverts the album's electronic themes with a peaceful, new age song that feels more in line with nature than society. All of this to say, I am fond fond fond of the Autobahn.
Decent robot sounds
Kraftwerk - Autobahn Album Review Autobahn is one of those albums where the title track completely defines the experience—and thankfully, it’s an absolute masterpiece. The 22-minute opener is a hypnotic, futuristic journey that feels like cruising down an endless highway, with its pulsing synths, shimmering melodies, and that instantly recognizable vocoder hook. It’s immersive, atmospheric, and way ahead of its time, proving why Kraftwerk became such a foundational force in electronic music. Kometenmelodie 2 also stands out, carrying a similar sense of forward momentum with its bright, melodic drive, but Kometenmelodie 1 feels a little too dated, more like a transitional piece than something that fully holds up. The rest of the album is solid, if not as groundbreaking. Tracks like Mitternacht and Morgenspaziergang have an eerie, almost cinematic quality, but they don’t quite reach the heights of the title track. That said, when the defining song is as brilliant as Autobahn, it elevates the entire album by association. Since it takes up nearly half the runtime, it’s hard not to let it carry the whole record on its back—which is why, despite some weaker moments, Autobahn still deserves a 4/5
Elsker A-siden og var positivt overrasket over numrene på B-siden. Foretrækker toge fremfor motorveje, så Trans-Europa Express (1977) er en bedre plade, obvs.
The autobahn track is just so awesome. Nearly 23 minutes of drone-y electric instruments, which tells a story of the neverending autobahn.. The rest of the songs are good as well, but they get nearly as good as Autobahn.
I had this on in the background while working on some projects, and it felt perfect for that.
Weird. Odd. Eclectic. A bit silly.
Jotain kivaa tässä oli mutta ehkä mä kuitenkin tykkään muista yhtyeen levyistä enemmän. Nimikkoraita on hyvän mittainen, siitä plussaa! 4/5
Heti tekee mieli kruisailla krauttiautolla baanaa pitkin! 4/5
Very influential album, I can definitely hear how this influenced Bowie works such as Low and Heroes. The title track flew by a lot faster than I thought it would, it is very trancelike and has some really good production. Low 4.
Easy 5 on influence/importance. It’s not a 5 for me on personal enjoyment. Love the title track but back half is weaker than their later albums for me. Just legendary stuff Rating: 4.3
3.6 I much preferred this to Trans European Express which I got last week, which is good, as I lamented there not liking it when I wanted to. Here I did like it. Its still dated for sure, but definitely the more immersive and cohesive album. And importantly, a seminal release. This is only a few years after the Beatles released Let It Be - impressive stuff.
Been listening to a lot of drone-y ambient stuff recently, so was nice to get to revisit this album. The title track clearly towers over the rest, but it's a fantastic track.
I found this to be quite enjoyable and inventive but will never listen to this again
Évoquant pour nous maintenant les jeux vidéo et le cinéma de genre, Kraftwerk crée des ambiances ludiques qui piquent notre curiosité et maintiennent notre attention. Un peu cérébral pour moi, mais j’apprécie la recherche
I always get jazzed when Kraftwerk comes up. Can't not be happy vibing to these tunes.
this album is 50 years old. how ??? the production isn't as impressive than on "Radioactive", their next album. but pretty really good
This was. so fun Yay!
good listn. not my usual, but a fun consume
The godfathers of Synth rock. The 22 minute title track is the pinnacle of their career, or so I'm told. But it's a great album that lays the groundwork for the 80s synth pop/rock to come. As an album I prefer The Man-Machine and Trans Europe Express. 4.5 stars
I enjoyed this as background music while driving. 4/5
Pretty fun electronic album here
Vika biisi vanhoillinenn opettava video sakansa lapsille ja saksan tulevaisuudelle... PISTÄÄ VITUTTATAMAAN TOMMOSET CHILDRENS HÖMPÖTYKSET...AIKUISET TÄÄLLÄ KUUNTELEE...
its odd to have Kraftwerk's legacy exist in the popular consciousness as dorky, intellectual music because they honestly don't really require much thought or tolerance for weirdness to enjoy. their melodies are simple, digestible, not too chaotic or similar to the classical music that so much electronica of the time sought to emulate. they called themselves industrial folk music, and honestly, if there's anything that feels like someone doing a fun guitar jam circle, it's probably "Autobahn" -- just replace the guitar with a cool modular synthesizer. i do feel like the back half can get a bit annoying, but at times it serves as the perfect comedown for a record that spends over half its runtime barreling down the highway as fast as it can go. plus, "Morgenspaizergang" is a really pretty way to end the whole thing.
Det är ändå något vackert över denna skiva. Det är en behaglig lyssning i princip genom hela. Det är vissa partier som är lite off. Men på det stora hela är det bra! Som en symfoni.
Några inslag hade man kunnat klara sig utan, men på det stora hela en rätt cool och stämningsfull skiva. Pluspoäng såklart att den kom 1974.
fahren fahren fahren til her vater takes her volkswagen wegnimmt
Enjoyed this quite a bit. I love me some Kraftwerk, although I haven't listened to them for a while, and never anything but Computer World. While Computer World is a ton of fun, this one felt less cheesy. The last track, Morgenspaziergang, had some sounds I definitely would not associated with Kraftwerk - namely, piano and flute.
this was cool af…it made me want to go drive around in a car on a long open stretch of road on a sunny day. i could literally cruiseeee the vistas…
interesting and cool but I don’t really like the vocal parts. but it helped me focus and get through one of the hardest work days ever lol
Not as good as The Man-Machine, Autobahn does a great job of feeling like you're flying down the German speedway. At 22 minutes, it's a bit oong to listen to when sitting at a desk, but I'm sure it feels great when on the road. The buzzing sound to simulate speeding cars works very well. Kometenmelodie 2 is also a nice synth pop song.
Still sounds ahead of its time.
super cool, absolute MONSTER of an opening track
I respect what this album did for music, but I'd be lying if I said I loved it.
Listened in the gym and kind of vibed to this. There was also a Guardian long read about it this week, so can’t rule out that making me think it was better than it was. I know, I need to get out of my guardian-reading metropolitan elite London bubble. Simpsons: of course
Had to give this a second listen, as it was interesting enough that I thought maybe I should try it it in a different context. It worked really well as background music whilst doing some studying. I particularly enjoyed Morgenspaziergang, I thought the sound perfectly captured the song title and I would definitely listen to this on my next morgenspaziergang.
I always like Kraftwerk more than I think I will.
Eihän Kraftwerk voi muuta kuin ilahduttaa. Levy lähenee kyllä jo klassista musiikkia aamusoittoineen.
This isn't my favorite Kraftwerk album, but it's an interesting one. Very ahead of its time.
One of my great discoveries in this project is how much I love Kraftwerk. It’s like they’ve burrowed into my brain and harvested sounds that I’ll enjoy. 4.5/5
November 11, 2024 HL: title track, "Kometenmelodie 1", "Morgenspaziergang" I rly like these minimalist album covers on the remasters, including this one Already familiar with the title track (love the simulated car horns), let's see what the rest brings.... Alright, before industrial and synth-pop became their own genres, we have the second half of this album. Very spacey, sometimes pretty. I'm glad I didn't expect this to top Die Mensch Machine & Trans Europe Express; it's a little jankier and more inconsistent. Nevertheless, it’s a vital link to countless future genres (and future Kraftwerk), and a heck of an album to commute to.
Fav: Kometenmelodie 2 Least Fav: Mitternacht Quite mesmerising
had my first listen to it ever. the first track is long as hell but works
I’m glad to have now listened to multiple Kraftwerk records. There’s more to them than I knew. This was my favourite. The first and last songs are really great. For guys on mid-70s synths, this is so much greater than the sum of its parts.
Not me fave Krafty but still good
I will give it a 4th star because it was so incredibly innovative.
Lol met het keyboard. Eens kijken waar al die leuke knopjes voor dienen. Drawbars, touch-response-percussion, koraalvibrato... en daar wat maf doorheen zingen. Iemand moest toch alle hoeken van zo'n apparaat onderzoeken en er toch nog een enigzins commercieel verkoopbare plaat uit persen. Zolang je het maar niet al te serieus neemt, is het wel geinig. De titeltrack is best onderhoudend, daarna zakt het wat in, met die kometen. Mitternacht lijkt daarentegen zowaar de inspiratie zijn geweest voor de spannende muziekjes van Clannad voor die tv-serie van Robin Hood in de jaren tachtig. Een maffe plaat kortom, je blijft je afvragen wat je ermee moet, maar wel goed gedaan.
good album, enjoyed the electronic sounds!
titillagið eitt og sér er fimma. hitt þarf yfirlegu, 4,5.
I know Kraftwerk is iconic in the world of Electronica, but I hadn’t listened to them much other than single tracks on playlists. It’s amazing that this album is from 1974, and it’s their fourth, it really is ahead of the times for the genre. Not really in my wheelhouse, but an extra star for innovation.
Day275. - i’m glad they finally got into the rock n roll hall of fame they influenced so many including the rubinoos
The first track is iconic! Kraftwerk's stuff holds up great today when we have a ton of electronic music, but in 1974 it stood out even more. It has slow progression but isn't boring, it's very sleek and makes for chill dance music too.
3.5 stars. Cruising electronic pop. Sets a good atmosphere. Title track is the standout.
Rainbow road
I can't be the only one who thinks this whole album would be better if it was performed with steel drums instead of synths.
Kraftwerk.. I never get the urge to listen them but the times I do I enjoy it. I think for innovative and history aspect the most. This a 3.5 for me but a extra bump for the year it was released.
I think I liked Trans-Europe Express better. Still a good listen.
Autobahn (song) is so good that I always forget how long it is. First time I heard it was in Germany when a tour guide played the whole thing for us while we were driving on the Autobahn. I liked it more than everyone else on the bus. The rest of the album isn't as good as the first song.
Svo mikil snilld. 50 ára gömul plata. Kraftwerk voru sannarlega frumkvöðlar á sínu sviði.
If it was just the first song it’d be 5/5
Italians sing about love Albanians sing about war Germans sing about autobahn...
Great music to have on in ear buds while working at a computer on repetitive tasks. Enjoyed it from start to finish.
Kraftwerk is the most innovative, musically important band most people have never heard.
it's really really good... its not singles and catchy tunes but it's melodies that bring you on a journey, drop you off at different spots, then pick you up without you even realizing. i'm surprised this never became a soundtrack !! Seriously I want to make a short film just to their album titled track
Kraftwerk themselves consider 'Autobahn' to be their true beginning. Even now, their first three albums are hardly known and not even made available on streaming services. 'Autobahn' was the album that set them apart from their contemporaries, by rejecting traditional instruments for purely electronic ones. Previously, electronic music was solely for avant garde composers and sci-fi movies. You'd never consider making a pop album out of it. Kraftwerk took inspiration from the experience of speeding on that famous motorway to create their sounds. It's a perfect match and there was something both ultra modern and atomizing about the experience. The band also formed their ultra clean cut and minimalized image during this era. That would prove to be influential for decades to come, including eventually the likes of Daft Punk. Truth be told, the title track is the much better than the second half of the album. But the whole thing is revolutionary.
Fun fun fun. Not as focused/direct as what came later, but so nice.
Atmospheric and ground-breaking. It seeps into your world. Lovely and experimental.
So influential to the rise of electronic music. Can be a little boring at parts, but still a classic.
Very cool. Titular track is long but doesn’t outstay its welcome. Other tracks are lovely sound scapes.
Up and down but the title track is so strong that I have to give it four stars.
Uff, 22 Minuten Autobahnfahrt!
Title track + some other songs for some, but for me the whole thing is really enjoyable. I love how experimental and playful this album is
The masters at work crafting their whole new sound to offer to the world. The best was yet to come, but it's still a strong 4.
Well done soundscaping. The titles fit
I'm still trying to figure out how this became a radio hit but yet, Trance 101 right here, kids...
A classic
Cracker of an album (or is it an EP...?). The first album/track that taught me what stereo was.
Fahren, fahren, fahren auf der Autobahn! Fun fun fun (sic) auf der Autobahn! Well it’s essentially one good song and a little side dressing but always like me some Kraftwerk.
Hahahaha nice Classic Wel iets te veel van t goede soms Iets te deep fried
I appreciated how odd this was. A cool quirky little record.
I fahking love it
4 stars for one good song, but it’s long
I liked the jellyfish
Wir fahren, fahren, fahren auf der Autobahn
Looked forward to this. Great album.
So this is what you get when you combine a bunch of young intellectual types, synthesizers and a liberal national drug policy? Sounds pretty neat. Also: Thumbs up for basically inventing a new genre, and being an influence on everything that came after it.
I remember listening to Kraftwerk ages ago and not thinking anything of it. I still dont think I get it, but I appreciate it a bit more. its a short listen, and it gets pretty soundscape-y but maybe thats your bag, baby!
Au-to-bahn Love the journey this album takes you on
Excellent. Best track is Autobahn 4/5
Working to this made me feel like I was in the Social Network
Can we PLEASE collectively agree to stop underrating Kraftwerk. They are without a doubt the most important and influential band in the world of electronic music, yet somehow all of their albums have really mediocre average ratings. Some people might find this album "boring" or "weird", but if you stop being closed minded and stop expecting everything you hear to be a formulaic 3 minute pop song then you can start to appreciate how amazing Kraftwerk are. Songs that exceed 10 minutes are something I have always had an appreciation for, because I love getting immersed in the music and really taking the time to admire everything that is going on in the music, and this is basically just a full album of that.
Wild to think this record turns half a century old this year (2024). I’ve known of Kraftwerk and their influence on other artists I love, but I have not listened to a record of theirs in full, and this is a really great one. The development of these tracks is very innovative and charming. It takes me to a different world, enveloping me in a robotic soundscape, full of imagination. This is a really nice one that I will certainly revisit.
I liked the vibes of this one! Would definitely love to check out more of their work, knew of their influence but had not heard any, so this was a good ride.
Autobahn I do love this album although in totality it’s not quite on the same consistent level as Trans Europe Express or The Man Machine for me. But then the title track is one of the best things ever recorded. Side 1 - 22 minutes of brilliance. It doesn’t feel long despite only a few variations on its structure and melody. It’s hypnotic and propulsive rhythm evokes the movement of the car, while the synths create a feeling of space, vista and excitement. Actual car journeys can be boring, but this feels like a car journey without the boredom. It is a truly remarkable bit of music, fantastic, massively influential and ultimately incredibly satisfying. Side 2 has its moments but doesn’t reach the heights of Autobahn, although Kometenmelodie 2 is a great track in its own right, I guess a soundtrack to a comet flying through space before accelerating and burning out. Mitternacht always sounds a bit like Save the Life of a Child to me, with the synth sounds and chords, also combined with a bit of Higher than the Sun by Primal Scream. I love the flute and pain on Morgenspaziergang, and although it does give me the feeling of a spring woodland in the morning, it does feel like a nice idea in search of a fuller composition, perhaps similar to Mitternacht in that regard They are incredible though in how what they do evokes feelings and touches the senses, considering they are 4 slightly odd men building electronic music with an almost stereotypical degree of German practicality and logic. Finding it quite hard to score, the second side, despite moments of brillance is inconsistent, particularly compared to side 1, which I think pushes it down to 4. But then Autobahn is so good it could be a 5 all on its own. I think I’ll go 4, just in comparison to TEE and TMM and also, like some other top tier artists I’m holding them to a higher standard. ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Le futur avant le futur. Une vision de l'avenir de la musique vu de la riante Allemagne des années 70. C’est intéressant, assez unique, étonnament parfois mélodieux. Le plus évident dans l’album est “Autobahn”, le morceau titre de 22 minutes, qui recré les sons et l’ambiance d’un trajet en voiture sur autoroute. Difficile après ça de faire un long trajet sur autoroute de nuit sans se chanter Wir fahr’n, fahr’n, fahr’n, auf der Autobahn…” J’aime bien “Kometenmelodie 2” , plus enlevée, et “Morgespaziergang” qui nous emmène dans une aube bucolique, les oiseaux chantent, les oscilloscopes pépient, l’air de flûtiau devient instantanément classique. C’est ravissant.
Highlights: Autobahn, Kometenmelodie 1, Kometenmelodie 2. In a nutshell: Layered, hypnotic, atmospheric. Robert Christgau, you were wrong. This is not inferior to Tubular Bells and it's unfair to compare Kraftwerk to Mike Oldfield. Just close your eyes and picture yourself driving on a local highway for twenty minutes (Autobahn), the car takes off into space; coasting in orbit (Kometenmelodie 1, Kometenmelodie 2), slowly returns to Earth at midnight (Mitternacht) before driving home as the sun rises (Morgenspaziergang). If you love Air's Moon Safari, you'll love Kometenmelodie 1 & 2. Overall: 8/10
It’s hard to critique this band. They were a million years ahead of the rest of the world. It’s amazing how listenable their albums really are. This one was pure techno, a good 20years before techno existed. It’s like 808 State, it’s a night at the Palladium. Really very very good compositions.
Kraftwerk - Autobahn Once again, I know this album but I've never listened to it. But this morning I finally sat down and listened. What a dreamy, calming, beautiful album. I went in thinking it was going to flashy and loud, but it was not at all like that. I enjoyed the title track the most. It's 22 minutes long and it makes you feel like you're taking a long drive with no cares in the world. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something to relax to. 4/5
Love it.
Pleasantly surprised, very experimental and still feels forward thinking
Kraftwerk's fourth album may be the beginning of electronic pop - and the genesis of the soundtrack of video games. The title track is an attempt to represent the experience of driving on the Autobahn. It's rhythm and repetitive nature create the mesmerizing feeling of driving at highway speeds. Kraftwerk's robotic, minimalistic sound was formative to several genres of music, including techno and house. The tracks on this album have a beautiful, simple elegance that has inspired many musicians.
Kraftwerk's "Autobahn," released in 1974, stands as a pioneering work in electronic music, marking a significant departure from conventional rock and pop structures. This seminal album, despite its minimalistic lyrics, is a complex sonic journey that weaves together innovative music, meticulous production, and thematic depth. Lyrics: "Autobahn" is characterized by its sparse and repetitive lyrics, reflecting Kraftwerk's shift towards a more instrumental, experimental approach. The title track, a 22-minute opus, features the repetition of the word "Autobahn" alongside scattered phrases. The simplicity of the lyrics contributes to the hypnotic nature of the music, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the evolving soundscapes. Pros: The minimalistic lyrics complement the electronic and repetitive nature of the music, creating a trance-like experience that is both meditative and transportive. Cons: Some may find the lack of lyrical depth limiting, especially if they prefer more narrative-driven or emotionally charged content. Music: "Autobahn" is a groundbreaking fusion of electronic and traditional instruments, seamlessly blending synthesizers, vocoders, guitars, and percussion. The title track, in particular, is a sonic journey that mirrors the experience of driving on the German autobahn – a vast, open road. The music evolves gradually, introducing new elements and motifs, creating a dynamic yet cohesive sonic landscape. Pros: The innovative use of electronic instruments and the gradual development of musical themes make "Autobahn" a unique and immersive listening experience. Cons: Some listeners may find the extended instrumental sections repetitive, as the tracks can be lengthy and rely heavily on loops. Production: Kraftwerk's meticulous production on "Autobahn" is one of its standout features. The album showcases the band's pioneering use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, laying the groundwork for the electronic music genre. The careful attention to detail is evident in the seamless integration of different sonic elements and the precision with which the tracks are constructed. Pros: The production quality is ahead of its time, demonstrating Kraftwerk's mastery of electronic music production techniques. Cons: Some may argue that the production, while groundbreaking, lacks the warmth and spontaneity of live instrumentation. Themes: The overarching theme of "Autobahn" is the celebration of modernity, specifically the experience of driving on the autobahn, Germany's high-speed highway system. The album captures the sense of freedom, speed, and progress associated with the open road. The repetitive and trance-inducing nature of the music reflects the rhythmic patterns of driving, creating an immersive sonic representation of the autobahn experience. Pros: The thematic consistency enhances the album's conceptual unity, turning it into a cohesive sonic journey. Cons: The narrow focus on the autobahn experience may limit the album's relatability for listeners who seek a broader range of themes. Influence: "Autobahn" is a landmark album that significantly influenced the electronic music genre. Its innovative use of synthesizers and electronic production techniques paved the way for countless artists and genres, from techno to ambient music. The album's impact extends beyond its original release, shaping the trajectory of electronic music for decades to come. Pros: Kraftwerk's influence on electronic music is immeasurable, solidifying "Autobahn" as a cornerstone in the genre's evolution. Cons: Some might argue that the album's influence, while profound, may overshadow its individual merits for listeners less interested in the historical context. In conclusion, "Autobahn" is a groundbreaking album that showcases Kraftwerk's prowess in electronic music. Its minimalistic lyrics, innovative music, meticulous production, thematic depth, and enduring influence collectively contribute to its status as a classic. While some listeners may find aspects of the album repetitive or lacking in lyrical depth, the overall impact of "Autobahn" on the musical landscape cannot be overstated. It remains a timeless work that continues to inspire and shape the trajectory of electronic music.
A seminal electronica (although with a few traditional instruments and not fully electronic) album. Autobahn (the track) really does work well as driving music, especially if you're on a long commute :) Kometenmelodie 2 has a more traditional melody and beat. Seeds of ambient music are in here.
Favorite Tracks: Autobahn Kometenmelodie 2 Morgenspaziergang