Reviews (page 7 of 9)
Good stuff
Des bas comme des hauts mais je ne vais noter que les hauts
l’ai écouté dans le train entre deux pays par respect
161223 15:43 4
1/5 bad, repetitive.
It's like a fun album, much like playing Yars Revenge on the old Atari 2600. The segue of Trans Europe Express -> Metal on Metal -> Abzug is just awesome.
5 iterations Showroom Dummies is fine, 780 is excessive. Which is the case for almost every song here: excessively repetitive. Trans-Europe “Express” was anything but. You couldn’t fool anyone by calling it 3 tracks. Cut every song in half and I’ll be happy to put on my black turtleneck and join Dieter’s Dance Party.
A favorite of mine. Just a great album to put on. Even in the background.
I liked this. Sounds like the soundtrack to anything slightly futuristic from the late 70s or early 80s. Early electronica.
First song is really good, but long. The rest of the album kind of slows down after that, sounds good but kind of too slow for me.
Some interesting stuff and I’m sure it was more influential when it came out, but this is just so not my vibe. If youre gonna go krautrock, give me Can over Kraftwerk all day.
Admittedly I've never had much of a palate for early techno but I love German goofiness, unfortunately that didn't redeem it for me. The first were alright, but tracks 3-6 made me want to jump of a bridge it was so repetitive. I guess if its the mid 70s and you've never heard anything like this before its revolutionary, but with 2023 ears to me this wasn't really a worthwhile listening experience. Notable exception is the track Franz Schubert, which seemed a real expansion/evolution in their sound. That being said I can't see myself revisiting this.
Think I’ve gotta go 5 here. It’s just so well executed and influential. Not something I’d reach for every day but I’ve heard this a couple times now and I think it keeps getting better. Europe Endless and the title track are bomb.
Cool to hear a German band on here but none of Kraftwerks stuff really draws me in. There’s other German bands I prefer more I’d rather see in here
Looking back I don’t know how Trans Europe Express was a radio hit when this came out. The album is monotonous.
I get why this album was on the list but it’s just not for me. I need a good melody to hook me in and there just weren’t any here.
sad German boi synth music
A bit cheesy and out dated, this album really showed its years. I do appreciate that this was some of the precursor work to modern electronic music. I did really enjoy the beat that played through the title track until "Franz Schubert", although I HATE when they repeat the same phrase over and over again 100 times in a row. That was my major gripe with the Daft Punk album I got. I'd give this a 3.5 if I could.
no
krafty
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: no, it’s not my thing Songs liked/Total songs: 0/8
Cool beats and understandable influence on NIN. Not something I'd listen to regularly but neat to see their use of tech for beats and clear influence on industrial rock.
TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS
The background music to an endless montage of a dildo factory production line.
While not their best work this album is still amazing. Its sound reminds me most of the the train in its album cover. With the soundscapes the the European countryside passing by
you could've fooled me saying this was a double album of a length of an hour and a half. i can't believe this was only 42 minutes. so obviously this album was repetitive and continued for too long. i can't say kraftwerk's trans-europe express was boring because i did enjoy it in general, but the songs were too repetitive and way too long. aside from my criticism, i did feel an originality here. kraftwerk and electronic music are practically eponymous, and it's weird to know that they weren't always heavily in the electronic sphere. it was a fun experience listening to gritty, early electronic music.
Kraftwerk is a staple and is foundational as far as electronic music goes, no doubt about it. But I'd be lying if I said I had been particularly impressed with their music on this project thus far, and this album wasn't an exception to that. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting, but incredibly repetitive; you can tell this was electronic in its infancy, and it just hasn't aged all that well when compared to the intrigue of more modern electronic music. Barely a 3 for me.
Great rhythms, probably their best album
Not bad. Weird in a good way
Joo... Tavallaan kiinnostavaa musiikkia, koska tämän vaikutus on kuultavissa tosi selvästi monessa nykyaikaisemmassa levyssä. Mutta tämä kyseinen levy ei oikein osu mulle.
1, 2, 7
Was not able to get into it
Not my favourite Kraftwerk album, but still pretty amazing for 1977. You can hear how this would be so influential on the artists following in the wake of Punk. And that's before we get to Planet Rock. I also think the humour of Kraftwerk tends to be overlooked,. I love that the title track has only seven lines of lyrics and the traditional and classical music references here do make me smile. Great tunes, great fun - inspirational.
I struggle with Kraftwerk. I don't dislike them, I just find them... cold. I know that's the whole point. But it's not what I look for in music. It sounds like computer code to me. And badly written computer code at that. Modem dial up music.
Kind of interesting but did not go anywhere
Found the album really stressful. The relentless mind bending repetition gave me actually heart palpitations and genuine anxiety
These guys really just woke up and decided to blueprint the next 25 years of music. Amazing.
Highlights: Showroom Dummies, Franz Schubert, Endless Endless. In a nutshell: cruise control You know Kraftwerk when you hear it: synth, sequencers, minimalism, monotone vocals, loops, feels like you're on a journey. It's comfortable, familiar music. Six of the eight songs are over 4 minutes so it will be a challenging listen for some. Overall: 5/10
sadly kinda meh
instrumental and boppy. not a fan.
Perfect soundtrack for glazing over while making spreadsheets
To think someone would add this to their top 1000 albums is crazy. It is not bad music but it is very simple and boring. It is closer to 80s and '90s video game music with someone chanting the same lyrics for three minutes longer than needed.
It sounds like what I'd imagine the waiting music for a German train line would sound. Not my thing.
This is pretty much how I feel about that awful Public Image Ltd. on here, (to a lesser extent) -- While I appreciate the pioneers of genres and how influential Kraftwerk was, it's another example of how just because you're early at something new doesn't automatically mean it's a good listen. Despite the groundbreaking stuff they did, I found this to be just so repetitive and dull.
Should be required listening for electronic music and hip hop fans, pioneers for both genre's
Affirmative
Good album. Experimental sound. Was missing content
Too minimalistic but cool production
Sounds like video game music at the start of the first track. Album is very chill and I normally hate electronic. Love it.
I loved quite a lot about this listen. It brought forth the electronic sounds of the '80s while having been released in 1977. This is really one of those pioneering albums. It was perfect for working to, because the leitmotifs were just repetitive enough to settle me into a groove without growing boring. Catchy, well-crafted music that isn't just one of the best as what it does -- it wrote the book. This is a 4.5er to me, and it was hard to decide which way I'd swing it. I'm feeling generous today.
An absolute journey which is what I want in an album
My second Kraftwerk album. Fun techno pop, impressive that its from the mid 70s, feels ahead of it's time. Quirky and fun.
The electronic music on this album is an obvious precursor to the synth pop of the 1980s; however, I’m a much bigger fan of the latter. The first few tracks weren’t bad, but starting with “Trans-Europe Express,” the tracks became a bit relentless - like an annoying buzzing in my ear with a driving beat and unpleasant chords. Overall I didn’t find this album particularly pleasant to listen to.
I’m a little concerned how I’ve gone my whole life and never heard of this album or band. The first few electronic beats and I was loving this album. Great concept with the concept of the Trans Europe Express and the chugging beats! Album seems timeless to me as I thought it was a recent album and was shocked to find out it came out almost 50 years ago! A quick google search and I really think they should use the original album cover…classic. Anyway was a joy to listen, something about the beats are almost zen like & trance inducing.
Lots of really cool synthesizers! The songwriting itself wasn’t that great in my opinion but the sound design was really ahead of their time.
Mmmmm niet zo m’n ding
The track listing is 8 tracks, but in reality it's only 5. That's how coherent it is. It's an album that gets better with each minute as the anticipation keeps building but modifying their formula. Kraftwerk is by far the leader of the electronic world, and this is them at their peak. This record comes right before The Man-Machine and you can hear it with the lush bright synths despite the monochromatic cover. "Europe Endless" is a fantastic opener, so happy and bright like it's opening for a movie. It goes on for 10 minutes, but with the variation and atmospheric sound, it works well. Kraftwerk was brave for following a 10 minute song with an 8 minute song. "The Hall of Mirrors" takes a mysterious, eery turn and shows another side of the group. The spoken word is mesmerizing, and the simple repeated chorus is catchy. "Showroom Dummies" is our most intense song. It's catchy, cool, accessible, and fun. I love how cold and mechanical it sounds, really matches their robotic vibe. My favorite after the titular track. Then we get to the entree, the titular track is divided as a medley of three. The iconic glissando motif leads a minimalist beat. "Metal on Metal" pauses the motif but varies the beat in the most krautrock way possible, adding creepy atmospheric synths and industrial effects on top. "Abzug" smoothly returns to form but plays with variations. This ends with the climatic closer. "Franz Schubert" and "Endless Endless" are combined as our bright peaceful instrumental coda. It's a soothing and satisfying finale. Only complaint is they could have done more with their variations to make the tracks more engaging and warrant their runtimes, which could get tiring after several listens. But I'm fairly satisfied with what we get.
If the band from The Big Lebowski was real I imagine this is what they sound like.
This was ok. It's not fair to judge this from my 2023 point of view but that's what I'm doing. It's not as pleasant as pop oriented electronic, doesn't seem as purposeful as more confrontational experimental electronic. When they edge towards either I start thinking about something I'd rather be listening to. music: bleep bloop. (⌐■_■)
This was a positive Kraftwerk experience. More smooth and musical than some of their other stuff. I liked it pretty good. It was really funny how the album opened with like 90 seconds of synth and then the first word spoken was “Europe!”
I feel like this album was made in some guys garage using tin cans, prices of plastic, and lots of electronics. Really wish the songs were half as long, or at least some sort of variation in the beat
So boring...... zzzzzzzzzz Ich bin Deutscher, meine langweilige Musik wird dir gefallen, ja
Not my style at all
Amazing
You can definitely tell this was the influence for much of the hater edm/electronic/synth music. It was a pleasant listen, though doubt it's one I'll revisit.
Such a banger. Five stars. Fünf stars.
You'll think I'm weird for this, but I listen to Trans Europe Express a lot when I'm working. There's something about it that keeps me focused. My personal work habits aside, this is a perfect album in a lot of ways, and the influence and power of Kraftwerk can never be overstated. They never got enough credit for what they did, but Kraftwerk in general and this album in particular are directly responsible for so much of what we hear in all kinds of music going forward, even to this day. Not only that, but it's also such a beautifully made album. Gorgeous music that runs the gambit from elegant and ethereal to coldly authoritative and trancelike, even menacing at times. The songs are minimalist, but subtly layered in a way that allows you to really hear and appreciate every tone. It's stunning how an almost 50 year old album can still sound so innovative. All the stars for this one. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Impossible to rank. All these songs are perfect. Europe Endless, Franz Schubert, Showroom Dummies, Trans-Europe Express/Metal on Metal/Abzug, Endless Endless, The Hall of Mirrors
Europe Endless should be the EU's anthem, not Ode to Joy. It captures our great continent's energy perfectly. The first set of songs are totemic and epic. The final section doesn't bring that same atmosphere but this is still a great album
Europe's answer to YMO. First electronic music a lot of people will have heard, no? Giving quite the northern European grim feeling. Influenced so many. 4/5
7/10 Is there an album from the 70s that sounded more 80s than this one? Which only shows how influential this album and their aesthetic was to prevail in the coming decade. This, however, has none of the pop pithiness that would go along to define the eighties. Not afraid to hang around with fairly redundant, hypnotic synth pads and melodies for long stretches of time, with occasional unemotional singing over it, this really is one of those albums born out of theory and the brain rather than the heart. Which is cool. Devo would play to these same experimental, thematic figures, but with tighter songs.
I'm not really a fan of electronic music, but somehow these guys are an exception. It's electronic but it also has a tune, you know? Still gets a bit repetitious at times but overall pretty good. 3 stars.
I feel like I’m listening to the iPhone alarm and ringtone greatest hits. Even the people who were inspired by this must have realized this shit sucks but concluded they could make music with these sounds. No amount of Molly could make me enjoy this early-EDM robot sound orgy.
Yeah I wish I liked them more but they’re too raw… They paved the way for electronic music but still I wont listen to them too often
interesting album, truly deep
Definitely one that has grown on my based on exposure.
Pretty cool. Don't listen to much electronic, but I totally see why this album garners so much acclaim.
Too weird.
Think I see where Nobuo Uematsu’s other influences come from now.
New discovery for me!
A few tracks I enjoyed, however nothing special. 2/5
bad aged
F’ed up, this is the one with the stardew valley core song
It just doesn't feel like Kraftwerks best work, but I'm probably wrong. Still great though
Not my jam
Video game music
I figured I should listen to the German version. I liked the soundscape and the way they say Trans-Oyropa
Incredibly original, great album (to be fair, they have better ones but this was great)
I didn't expect a second Kraftwerk album! It was just as fine as their first, not sure why more than one is on here but I don't make the rules. I just listen and pray it'll be good.
Realizing now that this wasn't a joke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SAFC4_KbW0. Me and my sample brain, I caught that "Hall of Mirrors" was sampled by The Molemen on their classic "Put Your Quarter Up." And had to look it up to confirm, but Afrika Bambaata also sampled this album on "Planet Rock," that's a big hallmark. Really love this one, these guys are weird and fun. Favorite tracks: Trans-Europe Express, Hall of Mirrors, Showroom Dummies, Abzug, Endless Endless. Album art: Very simple, black and white with a warped, artsy silhouette of the train. What's the deal with Kraftwerk and public transportation? An album about the Autobahn, now an album about a train? It's time for them to travel to Japan and make an album about the Shinkansen. 4.5/5
This was 1977 - Nobody was doing music quite like this. To listen to it now, it loses a bit of the novelty it once had - but it is still interesting and a good listen. Standouts: Trans Europe Express, The Hall of Mirrors, Others: Showroom Dummies 4/5
Legendär
Tällä halutaan kertoa SANOMAA nykyajasta (70-luvusta). Se on minusta hauskaa. Jotenkin naiivi mutta hyvin tehty. Kiva kun elektroninen musiikki ei ole vain elektronista vaan soitinmaista.
Bändi ei luo tunnelmaa vaan etäisyyttä, minkä vuoksi sen musiikki kuulostaa vanhentuneessa korniudessaankin tuoreen humoristiselta. Lisäksi levyn minimalismi on perusteltua, koska sen melodiat on pähkäilty loppuun saakka. Olen liikuttunut.
There's a constantly nagging part of my brain that can only be satisfied by listening to German people repeat the same three words for half an hour. Probably Kraftwerk's best album. As always, listen to the German version over the English version.
Such a classic
Oh cool, German Electronic music! This should be energetic and interesting. Nope! Gloomy and repetitive. 2 stars
Unlike anything that came before The repetition is the point. Like being on a train journey into the future
Kraftwerk. Cool! Ungewohnt. Deutsch.
Þetta er frikkin brilliant plata.
This really feels like a cleansing ray of light hitting you while you're travelling cross-country to new destinations. The album just breathes positivity. I certainly needed that today.
An ode to the glory of modern machinery, of place and identity, and of electronic possibilities ever-explored thanks to Kraftwerk's industrial innovation.
Perfect
This feels like an ancient record. Again, landmark in electronic music. But this doesn't grab me with its bleeps and blooping synth tones.
Mind-numbing in its repetitiveness.
So simple and engaging. I'm sure it's a sheep in wolf's clothing.
Title track was my favorite.
Impressiona por ser carregado de inovação e sonoridade icônica já em 1977. Com suas batidas mecânicas, sintetizadores cria um clima de modernidade e a tecnologia e ainda apresenta melodias envolventes.
I’m excited for today’s album! I hadn’t heard any Kraftwerk before starting this music review project, but I loved The Man-Machine. I still play that a lot now. Here’s hoping for more of the same with today’s album! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Europe Endless, Showroom Dummies I’ve said this before, but it blows my mind that this music was made in the 70’s! It sounds extremely modern, showing Kraftwerk were very much ahead of their time. The songs are interesting (a a little long at times) and full of the synth that I loved from The Man-Machine. Overall, I did prefer The Man-Machine over this, but Trans-Europe Express is still an excellent album.
This record could be considered on the list more on the merits of its innovation than being the best of their catalog. Still it's remarkable to consider that these guys were considered 'experimental' at the time but now in retrospect completely mainstream in comparison to electronic music of the past several decades. Synthesizers and drum machines are now pervasive, and with Kraftwerk's records they were essentially pioneering and even DIY fabricating the methods and mechanisms. They may sound a bit quaint, but then the first wheel ever invented didn't exactly move like a Porsche on the Autobahn.
ну не моё)
I mean it's definitely repetative, and other electronic albums have come along since then and done so much more with the genre. Still a mostly enjoyable listen, just gets a little tiring in the second half.
early electronic music, don't dig it at all
first impressions: It's mindblowing to me that this is an album from 1977 - if this were released today, I think it would garner a lot of attention...or at least night core remixes. after listening through: Very interesting. I can hear how this has influenced so many genres of music, including (possibly?) hip hop and modern electronica/dance music. Its not really my cup of tea for daily listening, but I admire how innovative it must have sounded in the 70's. The vocals are unappealing, but the beats are pretty tame and inoffensive. post-reading reviews/wiki: wondering how much this album influences what we think of as "German" vibes today. relisten?: I will probably listen to my favorites, including the opener, again. I might put this album on for working at some point. But I don't think I'd recommend it to a general audience.
Early techo's early techno. Very industrial and sparse which I liked, with quite a unique sound. It is let down by how repetitive it is though
Electronic music classic. Hall of Mirrors.
Fun electronic, classic kraftwerk
- Heard a couple of Kraftwerk albums before, but not this one - Clearly very influential considering it came out in the 70s, but not really something I'd go back to much on it's own - Preferred The Man Machine and Computer World - Fav songs: Showroom Dummies, Europe Endless
Very good, definitely a pioneer to this genre of music but holy crap is it repetitive.
You know the situation is dire when the best compliment I can muster is "eh, this is fine i guess." It's better than some of Kraftwerk's other records that I've heard here, mainly because it sounds more like music that automotive sound effects. Still proof that this entire genre just isn't for me, though.
Good album
I'm not convinced this isn't a series of B sides taken from sessions my musically challenged mates and I have been making whilst dicking around on keyboards and laptops. I'm sure this was revolutionary in its day, it's just hard to imagine people having fun with this album now. I understand the constraints of tech at the time, but when the album feels like it's just instruments being played over other instruments, with basic keyboard riffs planted over the entire thing, it's hard to get excited. Fav track: Metal on metal
I think all synth all the time is maybe just not my bag - inventive I'm sure, but the long runtimes wore thin for me. Deadpan vocals are a treat and there's some sticky melodies but it's just one that doesn't click for me. Two and a half. Fave track: Trans-Europe Express
Pretty stunning album - a cohesive and sonically inventive piece. Both the melodic highs and murky lows come together for a complete listen. Those simple and robotic lyrics really make things fun - enjoyed this listen. Happy to back the unsubstantiated rumour I heard about Kraftwerk headlining Meredith 2023. All aboard the hype-highspeed-continental-railcar Four and a half. Fave track: The Hall of Mirrors
foram os precursores da eletrônica e pa sei oque la, sonzinho agradável
I swear I heard the same beat through at least three songs in a row. I love synth and I understand that Kraftwerk just about started everything I love in music today, but this album is just so dull.
Super repetitive. Almost irritatingly so.
Such a german album from my perspective, and I mean that in the best possible way. I don't know how else to explain it, other than the fact that it reminds me of my college roomate who was from Germany, and used to iron his pillowcases and jeans
Undoubtedly influential album that just feels like noodling to me.
Kraftwerk. Absolutely essential listening. Vital to everything electronic in the world ever. 5 / 5 stars.
I like so many Kraftwork songs, to include Trans-Europe express, but the rest of this album was just noise to me.
was expecting something bad because its not actually my type but I was surprised it's really quite nice 2,5/5
You know what else is endless? These songs.
A good album, but it is more influential than it is excellent. Synthy, and at times even industrial, but with one foot still in Kraftwerk’s kosmische roots.
enjoy!
I liked this album! It’s a vibe for sure, but it’s a vibe that I vibe with. Hi Mickey, I hope you’re having a great day!
Minimalist, repetitive, and catchy. I can see how this was inventive for its time, although it can feel a bit dated amongst electronic music now. Overall, a cohesive album and enjoyable listen. Favorite tracks: Showroom Dummies, The Hall of Mirrors. 4/5.
eh
Not my bag baby
I dod not get much out of this, except for the desire to listen to something else.
What more can be said about an album that like Sgt Pepper or Pet Sounds virtually nothing is left to say. Two notes from the relisten here: their melancholy beauty is even more pronounced in a Brexit Britain listening to this love song to Europe. And the transition from Trance Europe Express to Metal on Metal is an awesome drop.
capitalismo venceu (infelizmente)
70s german electronica. interesting early beginning to the genre but too repetitive and slow 2.5/5
This is a lovely album, I always thought Kraftwerk were quite industrial, but this is gentle and catchy, lovely electronic melodies.
Excellent
The 1st song had me smiling & I never looked back. All other electro-pop bands owe their existence to Kraftwerk This is a great lp to start the day No boring filler, every song stands on its own Now excuse me infeel the need to catch a train
Own on Vinyl
This album was WAY ahead of its time. Wow. This would go on to influence alternative as well as what the 80's would call "new age" music. "Hall of Mirrors" was probably the most interesting track. The rest was okay for background noise, but 9 minute tracks of the same 15 seconds over and over was a bit much. An extra star for being so ground-breaking.
The listening experience of this album is like hearing someone else play a video game while muttering to themselves.
Terrible
Some more ass from kraftwerk
Surprisingly good. Reminded me of Final Fantasy, especially the title song and Metall auf Metall. + Spiegelsaal + Schaufensterpuppen + Trans Europa Express + Metall auf Metall
German alarm clock.
TEE is less about occupying the engine of a locomotive and much more Kraftwerk's journey. A side the slow exploration of a space, B side the working-out of the found theme. It's all too stereotypical Kraftwerk, but the band adds another layer just as the earworm crosses over into the negative. Or, on that second side, don't add, just let it ride on out.
I like the German vocals But man this is a bit too repetitive I can understand this album is a major foundation for modern electronic music and for 1977 this would have been absolutely unheard of and fresh. Not the biggest fan Europe endless was okay tho? Don’t hate it but don’t enjoy it
3rd or 4th Kraftwerk album now... probably could've done with just 1 but hey. This one has the same cool kinda vibe as the others but is a bit more experimental maybe? Didn't click as much, although I get the same DOS PC space shooter nostalgia listening to it. 3/5.
kinda boring. first 2 songs are fine doe.
Pretty boring, tbh.
3.5/5
It isn’t bad but it is basically the same 2 songs played over and over but with slight changes. I could listen to a song here and there but the whole album is a bit repetitive.
After this third Kraftwerk album on the list (until now), I guess I finally understand their purpose. They are not good albums to listen to, but they are fantastic as companion songs for reading or annoying work sessions. I discovered it by coincidence, and I wouldn't say I like the album as a whole, but understanding it is part of the way to finally getting why they deserve at least 3 spots on the list. Maybe after listening to the whole Kraftwerk discography and understanding the hidden mystery of electronic music, I'll enjoy it. I'm betting that I'm losing some life secret that will enable me to access the hidden knowledge about the great war against the capitalist aliens that command our lives, just letting us access these small pieces of peaceful songs for the long and annoying job sessions. Yes, listening to this album is like reading this text: a craziness.
I'm going to appreciate Kraftwerk for the ambience and electronic experimentation while still hating every second of actually listening to it.
Dated
Turns out you can't really dance to the sound trains make, so we need Kerls like this to tweak it a bit. Just fill the cars with mannequins and send the whole thing on its beeping, synthy way.
Slowly grew on me as I listened, really great album, ahead of it's time.
I agree with another comment that said early electronic music is super repetitive and doesn't explore. That's the problem with pioneers, they were limited by the tools of their time and they were the innovators that opened the doors for others. You can hear in this the evolution of the genre that others would come along and perfect. A product of its time.
Is this how I become a Kraftwerk head? Some amazing sounds
Awful.
all sounded the same. i had it on while i was doing some work on the computer and the only reason i realized it was a new song was because it was over and music stopped playing, lol. its very repetitive and a bit annoying. 3/10
To be honest, I didn't know anyone even made music like this back then. The songs could all stand to be shorter, but I did enjoy the beats/style, especially Europe Endless and Abzug. Some songs were a bit boring, but nothing I specifically dislike. I did enjoy the fact that they reuse samples/loops throughout different songs - reminds me more of a live show format. Will probably listen to this again soon, as well as check out more of their stuff. 7/10
I like this band, specially when working
This was a cool album. Way ahead of its time, but it definitely feels like it's been done better by now. Probably with a lot less effort put in too, for better or worse. Still enjoyed it pretty thoroughly. 7/10
2 stars, interesting sounds but boring
Super importante y bueno al chile
This was really cool! Funky! Fun to listen to. Might play it again!
This is fine. I think I like Kraftwerk a lot more when they stick to stuff that's at least vaguely poppy and/or has strong song structure? These don't really stick too well in mind for the most part. Good music for cleaning the house to though.
started off interesting but became too repetitive
I'm very surprised to say that I dug it! Nice to have in the background as work music.
What if I got really into Lraftwerk. Their fans seem really cool
I loved this album when I first heard it, back in 1979, because all of my favourite artists; OMD, Human League, Ultravox, Gary Numan, cited Kraftwerk as a major influence. I still love this album.
Beep boop we are german and we like trains beep boop
Never really listened to this genre before but this album was a good place to start. Pretty simple beats, kind of relaxing, nothing too crazy about the album.
Surprisingly better than I expected, really reminds me of one of my favorite albums by Mort Garson.
An incredibly influential album by a fantastic band. Trans Europe express is actually quite challenging by modern standards, but not because of the maximalism of IDM nor the inaccessibility of some of the more extreme metal genres (Looking at you The Body). It's challenging because of its simplicity and hypnotic repetitive electronics and vocals which is the result of a combination of their krautrock background and the early pioneering stuff they were doing with electronics. This kind of thing, taking a simple idea and repeating it over and over again until it becomes hypnotic is often relegated to ambient and drone but is on full display here. This is an album that rewards you if you have the patience to give it in exchange. Just like a train ride through the countryside of Germany or Austria there is an immense amount of value if you just sit back do nothing and look out the window. Favourite track: Showroom dummies
Just okay
Quizá pueda disfrutar de una canción de música electrónica, pero un álbum entero se hace un poco pesado. Tiene su valor ya que son los inicios de este estilo y Kraftwerk es una banda obligatoria para conocer.
Really quite something - arch, detached, ironic and groundbreaking, these future sounds deliver the goods even today.
Очень специфичная и глубокая электронная музыка
This is horrible. I get the sentiment and what it must have meant for its time but it's just noise on repeat. Nobody can like trains this much
Classic Kraftwerk album. The first Kraftwerk album I listened to - did not like it back in the early 80s, but adjusted my view in the 90s: it is obviously a great album.
Classic Kraftwerk. Didn't grab me as much as Autobahn, though; it felt a bit too repetitive.
The typical Kraftwerk: it has a certain style but is quite repetitive and detached.
I understand the sound was influential for later but I couldn't get into this one.
Super cool. 4/5
Sounds good, would play sonic to this
it was kinda good but also not moody keygen core music
I know it is very influential, but I found it a bit ponderous.
NIIN VITUN LAISKAAAAAAAAAAAA-----naama varmasti niin mutrulla kun olla voi.....ei sätkähdystäkään naama lihaksissa....ei kiinnosta tää musiikki homma PÄTKÄÄKÄÄN. lyriikat bro kirjota kolome lausetta tällä kertaa... jotain vaa...käsi käy...rennolla liikkellä. VITTU EN HUOMANNU EES BIISIENVAIHTOA PAITSI MAINOKSISSA KUN UNOHDIN manuaalisesti klikkaa niin ei tuu spotifyssä mainoksia en jaksa kräkkää VAIHTAA:::::::::::::HUHHUH... the hall of mirrors
Great sound! Few beautiful songs but an entire album gets a bit on your nerve.
Really weird and repetitive but not bad
TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS, TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS.
idk how many times i heard the words trans europe express but i’m not complaining.
Diese verrückten Deutschen sind wieder dabei, ja. Sie lieben die Synthesizer-Musik und sie lieben das gesprochene Wort über Euro Rail und Mirrors so sehr. Bringt mich dazu, mit meinen Händen vor meinem Gesicht abstrakt zu tanzen.
Classic electronic.
Maybe if I had some lsd to pair with this album I could give it a higher rating
Elegance and decadence
4.5
Nice Work. Kraftwerk keeps what they promise.
beep boop
What a wild electronic album. I started to wonder why some songs were 8 minutes long and only the same notes/lyrics over and over again, but after minute 7, I understood and enjoyed it. 3/5. Favorite Track: The Hall of Mirrors
"Trans-Europe Express" is the sixth studio album by German band Kraftwerk. This album was a move away from their Krautrock style of improvised instrumentals to more melodic electronic music. The melodies certainly carry the day in many of these songs. Sequenced rhythms, minimalism and manipulated vocals are also incorporated. Yep, we've covered most of it. The themes include the European rail service, glorification of Europe and disparities between reality and appearance. There was and is very high critical praise for this album: "Timeless, retro and contemporary" and "The modern electronic birth certificate." A high pitch sequencer/keyboard melody begins the album and song "Europe Endless." A happy song. A man's voice and a manipulated man's voice. An ode to Europe...parks, hotels and palaces. "The Hall of Mirrors" has an eerie echoing beat and melody. This song is frightening. Deadpan vocals with a heavy German accent. I hear many a video game soundtrack and noises. It's autobiographical with how stars look at themselves in the mirrors...loathing, self-obsessive. Eins, zwei, drei with a Ramones ode and were off with another creepy song in "Showroom Dummies." A little more dance with the beat. Paranoid lyrics as they compare themselves to mannequins from the point of view of a mannequin. The famous dramatic melody keys begin "Trans-Eurpe Express." The hypnotic repetitive snare-drum beat noise. The robotic repeating of the song title. Hey, a shout out to David Bowie and Iggy Pop at the end. Bowie was a fan. The song is about the modern European railway system. The next two songs, ""Metal on Metal" and ""Abzug" are basically extended codes for "Trans-Europe Express." Keep a good thing going. "Franz Schubert" is an instrumental with repetitive keys. More grandiose with an orchestral background. The album ends with "Endless, Endless" and a manipulated voice repeating endless. I guess you might fall into two categories with this album: either there is not a wasted moment or rather this entire album is a wasted moment. I'm a huge fan. That "Trans-Europe Express" melody will be in my head for the rest of the day. There is no doubt as to the influence of this album in electronic music, other musicians, video games and probably a lot more. This sounded as good today as when I first heard it years ago.
should have enjoyed this more than i did.
Farts along like a pig in a tumble dryer.
Are all Kraftwerk albums on the list? It's fine.
Not their finest but v g
- really liked Europe Endless. Felt familiar? Office-theme vibes? - less fond of hall of mirrors - a little creepy - unexpectedly enjoyable
3.5 if I could JUST WEIRD.But in a good way it feels like one long song.The album really represents it well because it feels so sparse and dark.They keep repeating “trans-Europe express” no idea what that’s about.I can’t see myself listening to one of these songs for fun but I’ll still give it 4 stars because I had a good experience.
Goddamnit, I just love Kraftwerk so much. This certainly isn't my favorite Kraftwerk album, as I like both Autobahn and Man-Machine better, but plenty of songs on this album are great early electronica songs. I will say that I find The Hall of Mirrors to be an absolutely crucifying song to listen to. The title track has the feel of the electro dance genre that would come about a few years later. 4/5
Had never heard of this group before.
There’s a lot of stuff by Kraftwerk that I really enjoy, but this wasn’t one of those things particularly.. very repetitive and just long (even though it’s under 45 minutes) Saved tracks: Showroom Dummies, Abzug
Not too crazy about the album. Just not my taste
4-
What a treat. These guys are the best at what they do. Hugely influential. The sound just envelopes you. Hard to believe this is 46 years old.
В целом, альбом понравился. Конечно, как все отмечали, слишком короткий, но от этого не менее цельный. Концепт выдержан на отлично, и электронный звук очень уместен здесь по смыслу. Кроме того, стилистически альбом цельный, звучит монолитно. Очень годная заглавная песня, действительно передает настроение и заряжает какой-то внутренней, пульсирующей энергией. Вторая The hall of mirrors погружает нас в какой-то внутренний медитативный мир и на контрасте с позитивом первого трека слушается отлично. В целом, мне понравились +- все треки альбома, хотя некоторые и наскучивают к концу. Почему 4, а не 5? Всё-таки музыка эта не для всех, да и довольно монотонная. P.s. Очень круто зашёл для тренировок
Пиздато, медитативно, конечно же не мое потому что я не люблю такое что в СБПЧ, что тут. Но мем в том, что даже сейчас это звучит прикольно и вкусно, учитывая что с релиза прошло 46 лет практически, так что троечка тоже, возможно когда-то упорюсь по подобному и буду это боготворить. 3/5
Охуенно просто (да, я решил не заморачиваться)
Ну, вот теперь мы и добрались до самой настоящей электронной музыки, целиком и полностью. И это что-то тяжеловато слушать. Опять же, если смотреть на весь существующий ныне музыкальный мир, это выглядит как что-то состряпанное в GarageBand на коленке вечером: один синт, разные арпеджиаторы и простой бас/бит. С другой стороны, для 1977 года это было феноменом и чем-то уникальным, новым, экспериментальным. Эдакий робото-поп. Докинув сюда всеобщее увлечение сай-фаем в те годы, получается вполне ясная картина. По ассоциациям, мне напомнило очень сильно то, что делали Барамия и Зайцев в Ёлочных Игрушках (ну и потом на заре СБПЧ). Ход мыслей абсолютно логичен и понятен, так как Илья дико вдохновлялся Aphex Twin (да, мы с ним про это говорили в интервью в Теории Трунь), ну а Афексы в свою очередь черпали идеи и воодушевлялись Крафтверком. Причём забавно, что если слушать всех этих авторов сейчас, все они покажутся новаторскими и экспериментальными для своего времени. Но вернёмся к альбому. Короче, главная претензия к нему - ну не тянет он на полноценный альбом. По факту это всего 5 (а не 8) композиций, я отнёс бы это к EP, а то и вообще - к макси-синглу. Причём если говорить о разнообразии аранжировок... ну, там блин в Europe Endless и Franz Schubert одинаковые ритмические рисунки, такое себе. Но в защиту скажу, что в Europe Endless хорошо прорабатывается кварто-квинтовый круг, там 3-4 тональности кажется используются. Главной заслугой этого альбома я отмечу формирование посыла, что писать музыку по классическим канонам можно и без классических аналоговых инструментов. Доработать бы ещё смыслы... 3/5.
Так, ну это реально мой альбом, потому что только увидев облогу с утра я подумал: ну вот это меня точно чем-то удивит. Удивило. Для меня концепт раскрыт полностью, музыкальные решения пушечка, лирика тут не мешается, но и не вокал не машинальный, за что я 4+ "леди и джентльменам поставил", ну и не затянуто, быстрые 40 минуток. Такой музыкальный тикток 70х: 1,5 семпла, 2,5 музыкальных решения, которые привели к прекрасной поездке. Обязательно буду включать в дальних поездках после выезда из города и прямо перед въездом (для полетов уже есть песенька). Отдельно могу выделить почти все, но титульная композиция прям обязательно. 4-6 треки тоже надо послушать. Пы.сы. первая пятерка! Пы.пы.сы. кажется, я ебнутый, но мне заходит что авангард как визуальный жанр, так и аудиальный, как оказалось. Ещё пару альбомов и созрею до пытки авангардом от славы КПСС Пы.пы.пы.сы. возможно не оч структурировано, но 1) оч эмоций много, 2) хочу с утра получить новый альбом, а сейчас уже в кроватке с телефоном лежу, так что подробнее обсосем на подкасте
Listen, I get that these guys pioneered electronica but it's borderline unlistenable. No good songs or catchy tunes. 2/10.
early techno is really something, man. this is a pioneering album from a pioneering group. there's so much to kraftwerk that's still heard today, because they fucking rule. thank u kraftwerk
Interesting early electronic music. I can hear how this influenced a lot of other electronic music, especially Daft Punk. This was probably groundbreaking when first released but sounds pretty average by today's standards.
Synth meets drum machine. Some cool tracks, some annoying tracks.
I understand why this is supposed to be good but it is very not for me
LP
It is all techno music. Some of it is good but I don't need an entire album of it. It most likely influenced other bands such Daft Punk. I would not listen to the entire album again. I would maybe listen to one or two of the songs again. I will round up
This is the Kraftwerk I've been waiting for. Just the right amount of weird forward-thinking energy without getting too much. Great, catchy songs. A fantastic medley on the back half. This was just what the doctor ordered.
Iconic Suite in the back end, and further solidifies one of the bands I actually would have have been a hard-core fan of in the 70s
not bad but not for me
They earned that third star on my second listen. just some boring ass bloops telling you everything is OK.
I dont care if people think its repetitive and boring, this music is awesome and it came out in friggin 1977! 4/5
Good
These crazy cool kraut cats do it again! Anthropomorphising inanimate objects and giving them emotional depth backed with deep hooks on a bed of synth baths. This record strides between hopefulness, glamour, intense geekiness and brilliance. Loved it.
Amazing the way this album manages to be both futuristic and nostalgiciac at the same time.
Meh. One song was alright. The rest feel aged to me. Not bad, but not my cup of tea.
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Europe endless
1.8
As usual, really interesting to see what these guys were doing way back when. But not an exceptional listen. I did appreciate the theme of the euro trans rail.
While it's still not my genre, this wasn't too bad. The beats and melodies are simple yet entertaining. Overall just too long and repetitive but taking into account the release year, I guess I'll be lenient and give this 3 stars
This album is often on the "most influential albums of all time" or "greatest pop albums of all time" - and I can see why, it has the foundation of something much bigger. Kraftwerk were on to something. Just one listen is enough for me.
So I read a little more about this album in an attempt to understand why it is considered so influential. I can appreciate the groundbreaking, novel looping technology in the synthesizers that they were using to create the music. As I read about that and the impact that the album had on music that followed, I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed. The accolades bestowed on this album and the music I listened to, just didn't match up to me.
They have a unique sound and I think they were ahead of their time and probably a big influence in electronic music is the 80's 90s and beyond. Standouts: Trans-Europe Express 3.5
Is this their best album? Probably first among equals anyway, just fantastic. My kids hate it, such philistines
Brooding German electronic music which encapsulates my theoretical descent to purgatory from tracks 4 to 6.
Yep, still surprised by how much I’m enjoying Kraftwerk. And when I’m not enjoying them so much, I’m still impressed by how ahead of their time they sound. The eerie ascending synths on The Hall of Mirrors are a highlight, and Franz Schubert is a very pretty contrast to the industrial chugging of the preceding three tracks - like a train emerging from a stormy overnight journey into a peaceful valley. Also, Showroom Dummies seems like a very lo-tech precursor to The Robots, which is amusing. Track one really does feel ‘endless’ though - the length of some of the tunes is a bit of a negative. 3.5
Brilliant.
Early German synth? Yeah, I like it. Kraftwerk are obviously the leaders of the genre, but this album was a fun listen. Easy rhythm, simple lyrics. Good album. 4/5.
First time listening to Trans Europe Express. It's what I expect from Kraftwerk based on the other albums I've heard and Kraftwerk never disappoints.
No es lo que más me gusta.
Felt like I was on a long train journey in the future as sewn by a German man in 1977
Interesting, influential, ground-breaking. But somehow disappointing too.
Fun
I do like the journey of the album's concept. If you catch it in the right mood, it can be quite immersive. It's a good one to zone out to, given it was released in 1977, it's a ground-breaking album. Otherworldly. I was going to give it a 4, but feeling optimistic today, 5.
I didn't think I liked Krautrock at all - then I heard NEU! 75 and loved it. But this.. ..meh. Perhaps I only like some Krautrock. I think NEU is slightly more up tempo - or maybe it's just better. I dunno, but this isn't anywhere near as good.
Liked it quite a lot, been meaning to listen to kraftwerk, Abzug is pretty good, ambient techno noise for dramatic winter scenes, stealth scenes, etc
Germans are weird
an electronic feast for the ears
not my usual listen but did enjoy it! think my parents like kraftwrek
I’m giving this a three, but it’s a low three. An electronic-euro music album, I know I would like this if I were in the right mood, but that would probably be if I wanted background music
Didn’t manage to hear every track but I enjoyed what I heard. 3*
Oh I cannot be doing with that.
My third Kraftwerk album in what is short of 70 days long journey and I rate it somewhat in the middle. No annoying parts but no really bangs either. Overall enjoyable music but from time to time I kept thinking: "This sound right here was added just because they could and thought it was cool, not because it sounds good".
Trans rights
Trailblazers. I can hear so much of groups to come on this album - Yaz, Dépêche Mode, Erasure…….so many. I really enjoyed this album and have recommended it to others.
det är inte redigt min musiksmak va
This was probably super influential or something but it is so insanely boring Album Cover: Train 3/5
Now THIS is coding music.
This is my first Kraftwerk experience. Things this album invoked: Adam Sandler's bandmate in The Wedding Singer. Stefon from SNL. Endless track - hear a little bit of Radiohead from Kid A in there. I AM HERE FOR IT.
3 stars
Kraftwerk is kinda growing on me.
ANOTHER ONE!!?!?! I don't think this was necessarily better or worse than the last one, which I gave a two. But this deserves a one. Hopefully they'll look at the low scores and put no kraftwerk on "1001 more albums..."
Je n'enlève rien à la musique ni à l'inventivité, mais vraiment trop répétitif à mon goût. Ça finit par être aliénant – peut-être est-ce le but?
Ground breaking electro album, amazing this came out in 1977, personally though I do find it very repetitive.
I can respect what Kraftwerk has done for music, but this is not music that I enjoy. Early electronic music is like early rap - I understand everything has to start somewhere, but if i'm being honest it's hard to listen to.
Bad
This has to be one of the most abysmally boring albums I've ever heard. The fact that it's early electronica does not excuse them creating a mildly intriguing sound and then proceeding to do absolutely nothing interesting with it for several minutes at a time.
Trains, what's not to love. 4.5 stars
First time hearing this and it’s wide reaching influence is clear to see, I can hear shades of everything from modern dance and electronic music to 80s pop, post punk and bands like Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem, as a result it doesn’t sound dated at all. Great uplifting opener followed by a couple excellent and well written songs, the TEE section is dark and hypnotic, very reminiscent of a modern techno set, and the final two tracks are soothing and melodic with a nice callback to the opener. Sounds fantastic on headphones and flows beautifully as an album, nothing outstays it’s welcome and could easily be listened to on repeat (and will be). Great stuff all round, I imagine this will get even better with time.
Bleep bloop, bleep bleep blorp, I’m just not sure there’s any need
cool voor op achtergrond
Kraftwerk goats heerlijk album om te concentreren op men werk.
Sounds like a bunch of 80s TV themes, probably because they were the future when TV theme writers were getting into writing. Very repetitive, good background music for studying perhaps.
Not my vibe
All in on the synths and I love it
Was pretty stoked for this one after having The Man Machine a few months back. I wouldn’t say it disappointed because I still enjoyed most of it, but one or two of the tracks on the back half didn’t quite have much punch for me. 7/10
Love. It. Makes. Me. Boop. And. Beep.
OK so I'm dumb. For the longest time I thought kraftwerk was that shitty joke from the eric Andre show. But that's kraft punk. I'm smart. But this album is amazing. It's so ahead of its time it isn't even funny. I will save this one for now and check out the whole kraftwerk catalog.
This was all new to me. It feels like they left these songs sparse to let people fill in with their fears and hopes about everything that lay ahead. The theme I got was that we could choose to disconnect from our past and turn it and ourselves into something new. Must have been a revelation at the time. Even though it was years ahead, this album gives me a powerful nostalgia for '80s futurism. I don't think I'd ever just listen again on a random Wednesday. But if I ever need to jolt myself into that headspace, this would definitely do the trick.
Sounds quite cute to listen to now, but you can't argue with their pioneering influence. Lends itself to softly playing in the background whilst you're trying to build out a strategic response. As a result it rather blends into a single moog-based soundscape. Apart from when your ears prick each time the motif sampled in 'Planet Rock' pops up. Better Kraftwerk albums to come...
pioneering work, ahead of it's time, huge influence on modern music, *insert other cliché here*. But if I'm being honest, listening to this for 45mins is a trifle trying.
If I wanted to listen to someone robotically deliver the same thing over and over again I’d watch the government in session
Lovely to work to. The Trans-Europe Express suite is superb