The Man Machine

great

On today's 1001 albums to hear before I die, I rolled a band I have always struggled to get into and appreciate due to how dated their sound is. That band is of course Kraftwerk in all their weird synthy glory. I was intially quite turned off of this project by the first song here, Die Roboter (The Robots) but after that misfire of an opener I found this project to be quite compelling as a Synthpop and Electronic album. For the time this came out it was quite ahead of everything else except for maybe a few Ambient artists at the time utilizing electronics in a very early time before they were everywhere, and surprisingly finding Kraftwerk was using these machines to their fullest potential given the technology. I can totally see why Kraftwerk are such influential and important figures as their music truly helped shift the world of music as we know it even if not nearly enough people know this band's name. Die Mensch - Maschine is not only an essential album to hear, but also a time capsule showing a very direct view at the point in which the world of music started to change as a whole. I can really respect the band continuing to push a boundary no one else had gone to and defining every decade of music since then with their discoveries, and while I may not be the biggest fan of their music and how it has aged in 2025, I can confidently say I am so thankful Kraftwerk exists.

3.5. Дуже люблю попередній, а цей мені так само вже не подобається. Він набагато більш сучасний порівняно з попереднім і відголоски цієї музики вже можна знайти в сучасній чи принаймні більш сучасній електронній музиці. Той самий вокодер який тут нормально так заюзали. Чогось ця траекторія мені менше подобається у порівнянні з більш абстрактним та авнгардним Trans-Europe Express

Varierte mellom ganske gøy og ganske enerveranes, tidvis i samme sang, så æ sett nok mer pris på ka Kraftwerk har gjort for musikk æ like som kommer nu heller enn det dem sjøl holdt på med.

I've made jokes about past electronica albums as "Music for robots to fuck to" but this takes the crown. This is way outside anything I like yet captivated me from start to finish, there was a bit of a dip when it got a little too dragged out, but I definitely got 70's sci fi vibes. I think it helped because I was working a mundane task and the music hit a sweet spot. Dont know if I'll seek this out again but what a fun ride.

This was very interesting. I’ve never listened to techno from this fallback. Really enjoyed it, and the album wasn’t too long and repetitive.

It wasn't bad, wasn't my fave

This must have sounded so alien to listeners in 1978! I knew a little about the history of Kraftwerk going into this album (it’s hard to manage a radio show that plays 80s music and NOT know Kraftwerk), but this was my first listening experience—and a pretty good one overall! Yes, it’s a little repetitive, but given that this was a brand new medium for music-making, I’m not too surprised. Definitely a fun listen!

Cool early electronic ! Banger

Absolutely worth every second of listening! Kraftwerk have a very distinct style, blending in techno, electronics, and plenty of other innovations.

Really real cool

The sound design is incredible. Drums sound amazing. Great song structure especially for itsits time. A bit repetitive

40/1001 :: Kraftwerk - The Man Machine Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Fav Tracks: The Robots I always kinda knew I should give Kraftwerk a spin just never really have for some reason. My only compliant about this album is that wasn’t long enough. Industrial but also felt organic? Sign me up. These songs are really well Krafted and was also surprised that so many had minimal singing. Bottom line is I felt cooler after listening to this. Will return…

This was really great and I'm surprised by how much I liked it. I'm not an expert on electronic music, but this sounds like it was way, way ahead of it's time. It's easy to tell that this still has influences on music today...again, not an expert but from what I've heard from Daft Punk, you can see where they draw inspiration from. It's a great album to listen to with headphones on with some of the music going back and forth from left to right, different layers and textures and moods, in and out, all around. What stops me from giving it a 5 is the vocals. Singing isn't their strength and it doesn't need to be heard, it just gets in the way of the music. Don't need to hear "We are the robots" repeated again and again. Every song after the first one had me hoping that that there wasn't going to be anyone singing. But my head was nodding and foot was tapping more than once. Really enjoyed this one, surprisingly so.

La magnum opus del Kraut rock Asi sonaria la musica si un robot tuviese realmente un alma Es demasiado entretenido 8/10

This is exactly the kind of synth-pop I love. Cold, yet shimmering. Easy to dance to, but also a little dark. This is bound to go on heavy rotation for me. 4/5.

4/5

I listened to this and then my son immediately wanted to play robots. I think it’s a sign. Pretty cool and agreed with the top review.

Erken techno albümleri arasında ilk kez bir tanesi dinlediğimde büyük nir keyif verdi, alman mukemmelliyetçiliğini hissedebildigim bir albüm

An interesting album. I probably won't revisit it but it was definitely trying to do something very different for its time.

Got me moving like a machine, listen to the german version!

This brings back memory from way back. Some of my friends used to break dance to the robots…. ok… perhaps not in style, but cool

Liked this a lot. 1978!!

Another one I have never heard of, but I loved it. Most of the album gave me Celeste soundtrack vibes, which made me happy. And now I want to go play that game again.

This would have broken my brain if I were alive in 1978. How could you not believe that flying cars, moon cities, and recreational space travel were not imminent?

I like that I've finally come around to these guys. The singles (Model and Robots) are great and the overall album is pretty well done. I believe I'm a bigger fan of Trans Europe Express but this gets the job done (8/10, 4/5 on this scale)

And the rest of electronic music was to be born... great that Kraftwerk added some pop touch without sacrificing artistic integrity

Influential and ahead of their time. Pressing the boundaries of what the electronic equipment could do.

I feel like that other album we got earlier was the proof of concept and this was the realized version. Way more enjoyable, and the artists were more sophisticated with their beeps and boops.

I am currently coming off of the acid trip that was dancing with alien strippers on Starcruiser X-§Ă1ç to appease King Gobblygook on his luxury space cruise across the Ligmasigma galaxy. I have never felt this ethereal and sexy at the same time. I will be chasing this high for the rest of my life.

One of those massively influential albums, but this one still sounds good today. Das Model is an obvious hit, but the rest of the tracks are good as well

Fantastic listen. Clearly ahead of their time.

I had never heard of this band before. This was a cool album. A nice touch for my after work scrolling session.

electronic, 1978 -> 4

This is a funny one because they laid the foundations for my favourite dance duo Daft Punk but also influenced some of my least fave in the likes of the Pet Shop Boys. After a minute of the first track I was worried. Clear sailing from there though. I can hear parts of this that could easily be on Random Access Memories. The album is still fresh nearly 50 years later, must have been wild to hear this back in the 78. Didn't think I'd rate this so high so this is a nice surprise from the list. 4/5.

Bleeps and bloops. My preference is for Trans Europe Express, but this is perfectly fine.

Hmm... This was interesting... Great sound that is synonymous to the 80s, but musically very monotonous... But man, the nostalgia, +1 for that...

Most of the way through the first song I thought I was not going to like this album, but it really grew on me by the time it was over. The more basic parts definitely sounded like it was made on a $20 Casio keyboard, but I was actually grooving with it by the end. I wish should've been a bit more involved or had a bit more gloss, but it definitely felt like I was an outer space for 30 minutes.

the 7th album by the multi-media Kraftwerk project, this groundbreaking blend of synthetic voices and computerized rhythms that paved the way for electro, hip hop, techno, and synthpop was the first time that Kraftwerk had molded their computerized sound into something that was danceable. Definitely has a raw computerized sound compared to the music of today, but as trailblazers in the space, this was incredibly innovative and groundbreaking at the time. The album allegedly was highly satirical and covered political topics - however, i can't speak German, so that element is lost on me.

Knew more than I expected. Genre busting

Wtf, I love Kraftwerk? I used to think I disliked this band, because 80s synthy stuff is usually a hard sell for me, but this is the second of their albums the generator has thrown out to date and I've loved both of them. It feels more like 70s experimentalism than 80s reverb dross, which is one of my favourite musical vibes.

найс, сохранил.

Timeless album by Kraftwerk

4 out of 5. First time listening to Kraftwerk and was impressed.

Great sound - robits

Me encanta, es el primer álbum con este estilo tan robótico y tan detallista, Me encanta, 7.1/10

Solid electronic album that I've heard far too many times to rate objectively! Way of ahead of its time naturally; electronic music before it was cool or mainstream. The Model will always be the best track on here but there are gems through out this. Solid pick and probably Kraftwerk's best album (in terms of consistency).

Really enjoyed Robots. Very catchy. Overall I really enjoyed this album and I did not expect to. This entire project is exposing me to a ton of music that I have never bothered exploring and it's a fun ride.

Excellent album by Kraftwerk!

You really can't object to a third Kraftwerk album on this list can you? In terms of genres, they all but invented electronic music and each album is an original improvement on its predecessor. 4/5

Way ahead of their time, you can imagine the Daft Punk’s of the world hearing The Robots and having their entire lives change (3.5/5)

This is one if those influential albums that just feels dated now. But you can hear how important it was at the time.

Beep boop beep! I enjoyed this one. The Model was my favorite song. Interesting that it was made in the 70s.

Have always loved this record.

gori!

Such a good album, it absolutely deserves to be on this list

Perfekte toner natarbejde til. Både på tysk og engelsk. Den er tæt på 5, men tror ikke det er noget jeg vender tilbage til aktivt. Hvis jeg gør, så ændrer jeg nok lidt. 😁

Lyden er på engang både futuristisk og retro. Kraftwerk fungerer for mig bedst når det bliver repetitativt og lidt tungt (industrielt?). Det er det her album næsten hele vejen. Desværre fungerer Neonlicht ikke for mig. Den falder fuldstændig uden for den stemning resten af albummet har.

Groundbreaking and very interesting! The kids wanted to hear the "robot music" over and over.

Solid. You know what you're getting with Kraftwerk.

the minimalism and repetitive nature can make it a tough swallow, but I believe these can be taken as strengths. It's great mood/atmosphere music.

3.5 stars At first I wasn’t sure I liked it. But it quickly grew on me. I immediately went for a second listen. I could imagine little baby Daft Punks hearing this and their heads exploding. The influence on the music of the next decade is obvious. But it’s also a pleasant enough listen. It’s good background music. I liked it!

i liked the mix between how it was electronica and techno

Really good instrumental music I live for that stuff

Rico. Ojalá haya más discos de este grupo. Nota: 3.7

So retro, yet so fresh at the same time. I’ll be looking forward this one next time I’m in a record store.

Above expectation. I was vibing.

Groundbreaking to the point that it sounds ridiculous and silly today. Work of genius responding to a generation trying to make up for being nazis. Also impressed by the humanization of drum machines at the early stage.

Kraftwerk albums are going to be tough to grade. Super influential but also a little tricky to listen to. This is probably the best Kraftwerk album, having listened to it and Computer World. The last two songs are excellent, but "Neon Lights" might be because I enjoyed the U2 cover. The title track is an excellent closer. Overall, worth listening to once, but I'm not sure I'd listen again. But without this one, new wave probably wouldn't have happened, so I can appreciate it for that.

Love these early experiments in popular electronic music. This band's work and Yellow Magic Orchestra are the strange, strange foundation on which rests most 80s synthpop, and we have to thank them for that.

Something relaxing and enjoyable about this one. Not sure id listen to it again

A classic.

It's crazy how it still sounds futuristic after almost 50 years of its release. Loved it.

Not that it doesn't deserve a 4, but I feel like I'm gonna be giving this album the 4 more based on it's influence than my personal enjoyment. Feel like when I started this project, I made a point to not do that and rate purely based on my enjoyment but this record kinda defies it. This album's sound is hyper specific and for me, not really one that I could put on just to listen to. It's basically a soundtrack and not an album to my ears, if that makes sense? And it's purely due to how it's influence has manifested since it's release, basically being a framework for every sci-fi film and video game going forward (and even some early 8 and 16 bit horror). I will say the back half is less soundtrack-y but still. Mass Effect, Tron, Metroid (less so, but still), Axiom Verge, etc etc etc. all owe their existence to Kraftwerk and this album. Outside of those, Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, and Depeche Mode. Their influence is undeniable. Great stuff. Not something I'd necessarily go back to often (Metropolis was playlisted), but yeah.

Nice

Worthy of a listen.

Music that is eerily effective at evoking mood and image, but unlike earlier Kraftwerk outings these tunes also bring the pop goods. Repetitiveness is part of the recipe in creating the hypnotic visual state, and that can grate if not fully dialed into the experience. This ranks with the best electronic records of all time, and is certainly among Kraftwerk’s best.

Kraftwerk, I apologize for not being familiar with your game. Some unique sounds on this album. I was originally going to one-and-done this album but then I heard Computer Love. What a song. Computer World is an incredible album. So then I had to relisten to this album. I think I prefer the poppier sounds of Computer World. I still really appreciate this one though. Feeling strong 3.5.

The feat of achieving the level of atmosphere at such an early time in electronic music is astounding. Some of the songs sound a little cheesy or cliche now, but probably just because they were so influential.

Some fun space music from *the* designated proto-synthpop band, the sci-fi aesthetic is pretty fun and it fits them extra well A little repetition can be forgiven in favor of their distinctive sound, feel, and aesthetic

okay when i first got this album i was unsure to actually try it, especially after playing a bit of the first song. however, once i sat down and actually listened, i kinda liked it. would i go out of my way to listen? no. did i jam along? yes. every song felt unique yet the album itself was cohesive. definitely not my usual style but i can’t hate. 4/5.

The synths are just so crisp

Love it! Favourite track is The Man Machine 4/5

This still sounds like it's from the future.

1001 ALBUMS YOU MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE #4 "The Man-Machine" or "Die Mensch-Maschine" is the 7th album from German electronic group Kraftwerk. And I had never heard of both the album and artist, until now. And I was going into it completely blind. The Album opens with "The Robots", it uses funky synths and a vocoder and is a great tone-setter for the record. the next track "Spacelab" uses less vocoders and a lot more synths, it uses those synths too create a nice atmosphere and general vibe. "Metropolis" is another great track. And the biggest and shortest song of the album "The Model" is by far the catchiest by both production and vocal performances. After that is "Neon Lights" with the softest synths and singing on the album. and the title track closer "The Man Machine" brings back the vocoders since the opener. Overall, a pretty short and sweet electronic album that is fun to listen too. It's catchy, synth heavy, and a good time. Overall Score: 85 / 100 Favorite Tracks: Spacelab, The Model, Neon Lights.

A cold but dancable electronic album

These guys invented electronic music!

+1 for groundbreaking.

It doesn't quite have the beauty and mystery of Trans Europe Express. It feels more functional which may well have been the intention. Still great though. Their technical innovation is important and all that but they also knew how to write a great tune.

Fun album, how have I not run across it at some point

Felt like I was in an 80s movie or a Pixar movie listening to this album

The Man Machine is a fantastic showcase of electronic music that’s truly ahead of its time, especially considering it was released in 1978. The innovative sound and catchy rhythms are impressive, making it a timeless classic.

I am shocked this came out in 1978. True pioneers of this sound, and it’s even more impressive that they’re still keeping at it and just as relevant today. This sounds like a couple of smart nerds making cool sounds on machines, and I love it.

Bom

Feels modern, so it's obvious what an impact it's had on music. I appreciate this album, but I'm not sure I'd want to listen to it again.

Maybe it's because I just started watching VCV Rack videos again, but with headphones on this album ruled.

Heel raar album, maar wel leuk om naar te luisteren

This band was Daft Punk before Daft Punk. They're a pleasant surprise, and the beeps, and bloops make my ears leap, and swoosh. Favorite Track: "Spacelab".

Kraftwerk make music from the twilight zone. It sounds futuristic and vintage all at once. The 1970’s idea of the future was campy and still progressive. This sound helped birth the entire 80’s. They are influential enough that “Spacelab” sounds as if the main synth line is used to sing the Veggie Tales theme song, while they use the highly inventive synth elements of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” in it. This album is not perfect songwise, they have better albums, but for artistry, it’s a hard win, along with nearly their entire catalog.

These are some pretty cool electronic jams, especially for 1978! I was grooving the whole time. They were quite the musical pioneers. Favorite track was The Model. Makes me want to dance like the Sprockets on SNL. I was having a stressful day the last time we had Kraftwerk, so I think I'll revisit Autobahn to see if my opinion on that one changes.

Random thoughts: * I'm mad at myself for never picking up this album. I've loved Trans Europe Express for a long time and never explored more. Thank you 1001. * I was bopping to The Robots. These funky Germans are straight up robots. They are the grandparents of Daft Punk. * I was surprised to see The Model as the top streamed Kraftwerk track on Spotify. But on second listen this is a catchy one. * I feel like Kraftwerk is an acquired taste but one that I personally love just like whiskey, wine, and coffee. Get yourself acquainted.

cool

Melhor do que eu esperava. Com certeza um disco que darei novas chances no futuro. Timbres bem escolhidos de synth ajudam a criar uma atmosfera interessante e os vocais trazem um tom mais dark pra mistura toda. O fato do álbum ser curto ajuda a trazer um senso de coesão maior. Com certeza uma grande melhora em relação a Autobahn, o único disco do Kraftwerk que eu havia ouvido até então.

Yet another Kraftwerk album. These guys were the robots before Daft Punk came around, so I guess that's pretty innovative for the 70s. Recognized the model.

The distant future, the year 2000!

It feels like Im playing a SNES game with 6 different levels.

8/10 A lot brighter and fuller than the record before this, I’m still scared of Germans

OG shit

would listen again 4

Everyone has heard and enjoyed songs from this album. The new sounds created for it are still in use today!

We are the robots

Like this a lot, very cool sound. Can't believe this came out in 78, and they'd already been doing this for 4 years.

I don’t know what it is but I just love picturing these Germans making their weird music in Kling Klang studio. Kraftwerk generally does it for me and that holds here. The Model and Neon Lights were standouts.

Kraftwerk is essential for anyone exploring electronic or video game music. The only song I don't absolutely adore is "The Model", but the rest of the album is just fantastic.

Funky beats!

Es ist ein Album und es hört sich gut an - 4 Sterne

good

F’ing A, if you know what I mean

Nice to drive to.

The godfathers of Electronic music. We must be very grateful for Kraftwerk, who triggered a whole new genre & new culture . This album is very raw and primitive if you compare it to electronica music of the current age, but remind yourself what cars we were driving, what other music was around, and what life was like in the late 70’s this gives you some context on how advanced their music actually was

Surprisingly good in my opinion.

Beep bop boop heavy on the bop

I'd encountered kraftwerk before but I haven't given them much of a listen - I like what I see. Robots is a cool opening track that sets you up for album well. The unrelenting synth part at the beginning of Metropolis remind me of "Welcome to the Machine"; I think it's best used sparingly but I like it in small doses. I have definitely heard "The Model" somewhere before. This album is trancey, textural, and fun. I could imagine coming back to it in the future

Som en elektrisk och fin feberdröm

Fun!

4- Stars (10/15)

If you like “Cars” by Gary Numan or the “New Traditionalist” DEVO aesthetic, then look no further than this album! Fun for the whole family and a sample-rich environment for hip hip-hoppers!

Rather charming.

It's mind-boggling that this came out in 1978 as this could easily be released 20 or even 30 years later. Probably part of the foundation of a lot of electronic music we hear today.

Amazing background music

The precursor to some amazing music like depeche mode and new order…

Super cool. It's neat hearing the beginnings of EDM. I enjoyed this one quite a bit.

Very cool album. Fun listen.

That was pretty cool, I enjoyed it.

Headphones are a must!

I enjoyed the minimalist electronic music "The Man-Machine" and "Space Lab" much more than the pop oriented "The Model" and "Neon Lights." Still a fun album.

Like

All hail our robot overlords. What a fun record. I wouldn’t listen to this every night but it is a great reminder of the optimism of futurism in the 1970s.

My sources tell me that they are the robots

Solid album; probably 4.5/5.0. Title track is mid, but you can hear Daft Punk and LCD in their sound

A bit like old school computer game music. You hear bits of Daft Punk and LCD Soundsystem and so many others in this. Dad Modell is a great single. Listened to the German version of course.

I love how to the sound moves. The layering of the sounds is fantastic and blends well. Like a sci-fi movie.

Such an important album. Pioneering electro work. Can hear the legacy in everything from club music, Rammstein, Owl City. In some places reminds me of 8-bit/chiptune. Sounds a bit naive by modern standards and the vocal performances are a bit choppy. Best track - The Model clearly, but will choose Neon Lights for playlist as it's a great new track for me.

Cool Kraftwerk album but not my favorite

Grayson liked Robot son

The first 90 minutes are incredible. The second 90 minutes are dazzling. It is not until the third 90 minutes that you start to suspect time has stopped.

hay que sentarse y escuchar

Really liked this album. Awesome electronic music, enjoyed the synths and mechanical sound additions. This is one album that felt a little too short. I was listening to it at work and it flowed very well together.

🤖🤖beep🚨🚨🚨boop🤖🤖 this is a vibe with a good pair of headphones. Cheesy but I love them for it. Obviously repetitive but I think that's just the genre. If they could only sing Neon Lights would be such a good song

At this point in their discography, you pretty much should know what you’re “getting” with Kraftwerk. This album doesn’t deviate from the band’s usual critiques of robotic intelligence, industrialization, and conformity, still applying stiff yet innovative synthetic sequencing to drive that message home. If anything, Die Mensch-Maschine is maybe where these themes are the strongest they have ever been. While Kraftwerk have always been theme-forward, this album strikes a balance between being *only* driven by theme, and writing actually catchy songs that can be listened to as songs, all while still experimenting with the latest gizmos and gadgets. Songs like “The Model” and “Neon Lights” hold up under their own weight, while “The Robots” and “Metropolis” work both as pithy commentary and catchy pop tune. Similarly, “Spacelab” and “The Man Machine” are simultaneously experimental electronic suites and strong compositions that you can casually listen to, even if those experiments are just tightened up versions of previous experiments that can finally be executed flawlessly now that the technology has caught up to the band’s vision. For Kraftwerk, Die Mensch-Maschine is a success, and gives you everything you could want out of the band. Or, better put, it gives you everything Kraftwerk could want out of Kraftwerk. It is a Platonic Ideal of a Kraftwerk record, in a sense. While a very good album in its own right, though, to me, it lacks the ✨je ne sais quoi✨ and ✨magic✨ of Trans Europa Express. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this record. I like it quite a bit! Comparing it to their material pre-Trans Europa Express– which is almost entirely theme-focused experimentation with a complete disinterest, or maybe even complete disregard, for songwriting itself– this is a huge leap forward. It’s the best version of Kraftwerk pre-Trans Europa Express. And yet, because it lacks the SONGS of Trans Europa Express, I can’t help but feel it’s a weaker album. Sure, this album has songs, but while songs do have a seat at the table this time compared to, say, Autobahn, they are not allowed to speak up as much as the themes and the experimentation elements. By focusing again so strongly on theme and experimentation, I feel like Kraftwerk loses something that made their last album so special. No matter how hard I try, I can’t really listen to Die Mensch-Maschine for pure enjoyment; I always have to put my thinking cap on and dissect the message. There’s a time and place for that, sure, but it’s hard to appreciate when I know there’s an album that explores the exact same things with the exact same message that also can be enjoyed purely as a fun pop record. For all its artfulness and flawless execution of the band’s vision after nearly 10 years of attempts, at the end of the day, it feels like Die Mensch-Maschine is trying too hard. But again, that doesn’t in any way mean this is a bad record. It’s a very good record, actually. But it’s lofty, and great records sometimes buckle under the weight of their own lofty ideas. For my money, I would’ve skipped this and highlighted Computerwelt instead, which adds in new themes and new experiments while once again centering pop sensibilities, and may actually be the more influential record overall. But that’s just me. I still enjoy Die Mensch-Maschine a lot, but will always grab Trans Europa Express first.

Ah, the first electronic album to be recommended to me. This is exciting. I love this era of electronic music because it truly was the wild west. "EDM" didn't exist in the same sense that it does today and artists were experimenting with different sounds, rhythms, and instruments. This was very interesting.

This is my kind of music. I can hear the early versions of Blue Monday, Daft Punk and others

very funky, recommended to a friend and they already knew it

Hmm, pleasant

I'm not one to usually enjoy electronic music, but "The Man Machine" from electronica pioneers, Kraftwerk delivers an album that sounds as fresh as when it was released in the late 70's. I'm more of a music traditionalist, so I wasn't looking forward to hearing this, but the future has spoken and it says, "chill out" and let the machines take over and create music we can all enjoy. Well, it's hard to argue with that at least under the skillful guidance of Kraftwerk.

One really cool thing about this record for me is hearing the Krautrock ancestry. That DNA combined with the heavy injection of dance rhythms really makes Kraftwerk such a unique act.

The german accent is fucking excellent ptdrr we are ze rrrobots meeeeeetrooooopoliiiiis That album is weird but, oddly, i like it 4

A lot of fun. Very nice melodies. Quite revolutionary for 1978

This is not the best new wave, but I have to give it four stars because of the awesomeness of we are the robots and the accents in models. This is good stuff.

A couple days ago I was bellyaching about all the 70s albums I’ve been getting, but these last two are good reminders that there are real gems from that decade. This project has shown me that I’m pickier than I realized when it comes to electronica - and I have a hard time pinning down what exactly it is I like and what I don’t within that category. This album definitely falls in the “like” category, even though complaints I’ve made about other albums could be applied here (too repetitive, etc.).

This is an electronic music classic. It has an accessibility that their previous albums sometimes struggled with. 4.5/5

She's a model and she's look-ing good

Sounds very retro and like a breath of fresh air at the same time, which is pretty impressive.

🤖😍

A weirdo experience? Yes! Would i listening to it again? I don't think so. But i won't lie, the concept of "The Man Machine" is easy to catch up. A little silly to me but still a great concept. Maybe this could be the music of future. We'll see...

Amazing, is was difficult for me listening but when i search for the complete proyect and the videos all makes sense.

I really enjoyed this, it was repetitive but can see early draft punk in there

TUDO ISSO TU ENCONTRA NUMA RUA LOGO ALI, É MOLINHO DE ACHAR É LÁ NA FEIRA DE ACARI! É, SIM. LÁ EM ACARI!!! pedradaça, apenas. ótimo album pra dar uma dançadinha robótica. bom demais ter o cérebro 100% corroído por mashups suspeitos de das modell btw

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10

Mr. Krabs: [calls the radio station] Yes, hello. I was wondering if you could play that song again. Radio DJ: [from the phone] Hmmm... which one, man? Mr. Krabs: The one that goes "bee-boo-boo-bop, boo-boo-beep." Radio DJ: No, man. You're thinking of "bee-boo-boo-bop, boo-boo-bop." Mr. Krabs: Bee-boo-boo-boo-boo-bop, [garbled telephone noise] bee-boo-boo-bop, [garbled telephone noise] boo-boo-bee-bop? [garbled telephone noise] Not bee-boo-boo-beep? [garbled telephone noise] Bop? [garbled telephone noise] Beep?! [garbled telephone noise] Boo-boo-bop?! [SpongeBob screams.] SpongeBob: Oh my gosh. Why was Mr. Krabs making all those beeping sounds? Could it be that he's... [scene zooms in on him] ...a robot?

This is just the soundtrack to Astro bot. But it’s pretty good actually.

Great album. The introduction to electronic music. X

This album grew on me the more I listened. Had it at three stars after the first listen, but it worked it’s way up to four.

8bit video game. Really good. The model 💜

4.5

😇

This was interesting! Didn't think I'd like it but honestly pretty perfect for work.

Still relevant. They really were EDM trailblazers, weren't they?

Ich wusste gar nicht, dass es eine englischsprachige Version gibt. Klingt komisch für mich. (Die Beatles haben auch einige Singles auf Deutsch eingespielt - klingt auch "strange"). Von daher habe ich mir Die Mensch-Maschine angehört und bilde mir ein, dass es im Vergleich zur 74er Autobahn Album (#38 vor einem Jahr bei mir) etwas weniger experimentierfreudig, dafür melodiöser und elektro-poppig tanzbar ist. Außerdem erscheint es mir merkwürdig alterslos, irgendwie gar nicht wie 45 Jahre alt. Gefällt mir gut.

Given the time this was made it is an amazing accomplishment, goes to show electronic music was as legitimate as any other style of music 4*

they still sound futuristic even 30ish years later.

the birth of electronic music, really. a bit slower paced than i'd typically go for, but it's aged super, super well. i come back to kraftwerk every once in a while and i'm never disappointed.

If you listen closely, you can hear that beneath the cold, metallic bleeps and bloops of these tracks, there is a very human heart pumping very human blood.

Heard many of these songs before but it was good to hear the album as a whole. Will listen again to the tracks less familiar to me such as Neon Lights. I grew up with Joy Division and a New Order. A classic and hugely influential.

Interessante futuristische muziek

I'll revisit so just about meets the 4* threshold. Normally prefer shorter tracks but the longer songs worked here. I was happy throughout

German electronica from legendary band. Robotic rhythms. Originated dance music and electronic music. Very 80s, very sci-fi, very cool.

Music for robots, enjoyed by humans. Just what the robots want.

The granddaddy of dance music. Still sounds good

I don't normally like electronica, but this was really good and not too long. Makes me feel like a cool robot, not the boring one I usually am.

A clearly highly influential album that was ahead of it's time. The vocals in Neon Lights reminds me a lot of Teleman.

Kraftwerk's sound sounds like the perfect stereotype of "modern music" or "music of the future" The first 3 tracks are basically composed of a unique and singular sound and the lyrics were basically repetitions of the name of the song, as if they were Pokémon shouting their own name. Then I was surprised by a song called "Das Model", which uses the same unique sound that had been presented until then, but this time with lyrics that talk about a woman. This ends up transforming the track into a great pop song! I was curious about the origins of Krautrock, so I opened the wiki and discovered that this name is nothing more than a media stereotype. Then, while listening to Neon Lights, I found myself reading an entire page of Wikipedia about the health benefits of German sauerkraut... Wonderful! In the title track that closes the album, we have the return of the Pokémon shouting its own name... but it's good too! Today I'm going to give it 4 stars! This is the second album by this band that I have listened to through this site and this one was much better than the previous one, Autobahn.

Isso é sensacional nos dias de hoje, imagina o impacto no ano em que foi lançado. Fizeram escola!

blip blup ich tanz instant blup blup blip. es isch mega repetitiv aber gnau wenns mi wür verlüre machts amel öpis neus. spacelab isch etz ehner unspektakulär aber isch halt ultra crazy für 1978. aber chani mi nöd defür begeistere. metropolis au. model mega banger ich lieb d akzent text arsch aber huere funny. neon lights findi cooler als die andere woni nöd kennt han wells halt au tönt wie neon lights. moll find au de teil am schluss mitem vocal synthi ding easy geil. scho pionier die buebe. VIEEEEEER

kraftwerk! han hert verpennt, wenn mich das nöd ufmunteret weissi au nöd scho passiert!! we arre the rrrrrobots find die chline text fetze so lustig iwie HAHAHA jz meh gsang miteme lieechte dütsche akzent I love it han churz gluegt, ich han auscho bim trans europe express gschribe dass ich zwüscheme 3 und 4 bin, da au scho wieder sötti eifach es 4i geh us Fairness? oke nei ja ich hans jz zweimal durreglost und finds soo cool, iwie isches so beruhigendi musig (und erinneret mich immer wieder ah game-musig?) und glichzitig regts zum tanze ah. das git es 4i

You definitely have to be in the right frame of mind to listen to this album and be able to try your hardest to put yourself back in 1978 where this was genuinely the first of its time. An album made with no instruments whatsoever, electronic music came from Kraftwerk and laid the path for everything that came after it. I know 'The Model' is the famous track but actually probably is my least favourite on the album, but I can see how it would be the most commercially successful. 'Spacelab' to me is the one that sounds most like it came from robots/aliens and for that it is quite eerie, I would not like it blasting in my home at night when I was alone. 'Neon lights' has quite a driving quality to it and it's minimalist nature adds to its attraction. My favourite though is title track 'The Man Machine', I love the opening of this track and the solo beat to begin with and then more and more layers are added. Later it gets stripped down again to the beat which I am a big fan of and is definitely a bop. Second listen I was definitely a bigger fan than I was from the first!

Nice electronic sound, maybe a little bit simple

Ik was vroeger fan van die synthesizer muziek met theme from Airwolf enzo. Daar doet me het eerste nummer aan denken, die Roboter. Ik denk overigens dat ik dit nummer al kende van Kraftwerk. Ik kan dit album beter hebben dan die Autobahn die we niet zo lang geleden mochten beluisteren. Ze hadden alleen beter alle stemmen door een vervormer mogen halen, want als die zanger Metropolis jengelt, dan schieten mijn haren overeind. Als nagels over een krijtbord. Of hou het gewoon lekker instrumentaal, want dat is fenomenaal op dit album. Electro met sfeervolle synthesizers. Het is gelukkig slechts een kleine afleiding, want verder is dit the benchmark voor elektromuziek. Veel beter dan Autobahn. Dit is een album dat ik vaker zou kunnen luisteren. Geen 5, maar het schurkt er wel dicht tegenaan

Easily one of the most influential groups in all modern music. Am I going to listen to this album much? No. Do I appreciate its impact on modern music? Absolutely.

I will listen but haven’t yet ok?

My personal favorite of Kraftwerk’s. Sounds the most like more modern electronic music they inspired.

What a trip. I can't believe this came out in the 70s.

This record is so influential on all electronic music. You can hear the influences it had on 80s new wave. It influenced artists like Daft Punk and is still influencing artists today. It sounds like they used modular synths or sequencers to produce those driving hypnotic sounds and then they must have used some synth keyboards to play over the top of it. I also love the vocoder for the vocals. It's a bit slow for me so I don't revisit this album very often but I do like to revisit it to try and pick out what they're doing with their synths since I am a big fan of electronic music. My favorite band was heavily inspired by this record to start dabbling in electronic music using the same kind of technology so I've been very interested in this.

听着让人想到一些7，80年代蓄着Mustach的男同穿白色Disco衬衫起舞的场景，肌肉daddy在后面拿鞭子抽“快跳！”这样子。 喜欢，科幻又有点子诙谐，1978年的歌听着像未来2050年的跳跳糖，我完全会用来做我视频的bgm。9 of 10 古人写出这样的音乐真是了不起

kraftwerk have better in my opinion but this is pretty good

i usually dislike electronic music but this is good! 3.5 < x < 4

This might be my favorite kraftwerk so far. I kept Robots, Spacelab, and Man Machine. I really liked the futuristic almost cyberpunk type sound.

Rating: 8.5/10 Electronic robot music with genuine human elements as well. Unbelievable this came out in 1978, very catchy while also being cutting edge. Favorite songs: The Robots, Metropolis, The Model, Neon Lights, The Man Machine. Worst song: Spacelab.

Some songs that I knew and had completely forgotten about. Good stuff

Iconic, though it lacks a bit of energy in the second half. My favorite Kraftwerk album.

I imagine this was groundbreaking in 1978. This sounds pretty cool nowadays, so I believe that back then this was something unheard and amazing. Great work!

They are the robots !!!

I generally this Kraftwerk is a bit too repetitive, but on repeat listen I kinda get it. Front to back a futuristic experience that pulls you in. A pleasant listen I'll come back to. 4/5

A lot of fun to listen to. It sounds so clean and strange but it's also quite catchy. I really enjoyed the contrast between the raw vocals and the artificial instrumentation, particularly in Neon Lights. Most of the songs last for a little too long though.

This was The Model. With Neon Lights flashing in my minds eye, it felt like I was in the Metropolis.

Man alive, feel the influence. While Johnny Lydon and chums were still flicking bogeys at each other up the back of the class, these white German cycling nerds were in the lab laying down the blueprint for some all-time-great hip hop, house and techno samples. Even if those eventual end-points are often more fun to listen to than an entire album of cool-blooded Teutonic metronomy, this is astonishing gear. I for one welcome our peculiar, analogue-techno overlords.

Hard not to enjoy this offering. All the beeps and blings just work and the album flows and feels eminently listenable. Will have to revisit this one I think.

I liked this album. Very techno and a little odd. I don’t know why I liked this one, but I did. Favorite song: The Man Machine

Huge fan of the band, but this record isn't their best. Groundbreaking, important, well worth a listen. I like "The Robots" and "The Man-Machine" the best, I'm not as big of a fan of the softer more lyrical tracks... which also explains why this record isn't my favorite Kraftwerk album.

Lots of late 70s and early 80s films seem to have listened to this before composing their soundtracks,quite a relaxing listen

Innovative and influential, but did I enjoy listening to it? Yes, actually. It can be a tad too repetitive which is standard fair for a lot of electronic music but it lacks some variation, which is of course understandable for the time period but nevertheless, it felt a bit too samey at some points. Neonlicht suffers heavily from this problem. Despite these drawbacks however, the tracks are quite enjoyable and have a somewhat warm atmosphere to them. These robots certainly have a soul.

Ahead of it's time. Great!

magam is meglepődtem, de ez nagyon tetszik! I mean, nem szerelem, de one night standnek csodálatos 🤣

Best wel nice

Very catchy! I think they were the start of a bunch of German bands that became popular in the west in the 80s. Funnily enough you do not see many anymore.

sounds like a video game ost in the best way

Not even close To my preferred cup of tea but this was a surprisingly pleasant listen. Very fun

Cool album.

4☆/5 09.27.2024

As somebody who is listening to Kraftwerk for the first time, I had to double check the year this album was released; because while it came out in 1978, it honest-to-god sounds like something that could realistically be released today and it could still hang with the best electronica has to offer. Every song has an almost futuristic sci-fi dystopian feel to it; phenomenal use of keyboards, synthesisers, and vocoders with fast based drum programming. The sparse lyrics allow the music and production to speak for itself. You, as the listener, will be painting your own picture as the 6 tracks seemingly fly by. You can hear the influence this band must have had on music. Just a quick look at their Wikipedia page reveals a list of acts who borrowed from them, were influenced heavily by them overall, and they seem to be looked at as the gold standard of electronica. While I’m only discovering them for the first time here, I can definitely hear it on this album. Personal highlights: ‘Spacelab’, ‘Metropolis’, ‘The Model’, and ‘The Man-Machine’. I would honestly recommend this album to anybody. It’s a great showcase of electronica and what the genre can truly pull off. It’s simple on the surface, yet complex in its production. It’s melodic, vibrant, unashamed, and the mood it creates is absolutely captivating. I could honestly listen to a longer version of this LP as ‘The Man-Machine’ left me wanting a lot more. 4/5

This music reminds me of the colourful synthy-ness pioneered (arguably) by several Pink Floyd projects – including Any Colour You Like from The Dark Side Of The Moon and the entirety of the Wish You Were Here Album. The overlapping synthscapes here are clearly inspired by one of the best aspects of mid-career Floyd (and a lot of 70s prog rock). It's certainly the highlight of the album, and justifies some of the long track runtimes by kind of mesmerising the listener in most of the songs. Neon Lights may actually be the best track here, because despite its lack of catchy lyrical hooks, it takes you on a dizzying techno-journey that lets you forget about silly human-run reality. Sometimes you'll get bands that can't quite pull off the electro-trend (see: mid-80s Queen) but then MJ, Rush, and other 70s/80s bands – including Kraftwerk – prove that the genre has potential. There are a few things that bring this down. For one, the vocal is quite deadpan, which is either hilarious or lazy depending on what mood you're in. I personally don't mind it, but I can see how some people would, given the incredible vocals of 70s music contemporaries. Additionally, most of the tracks are six to eight minutes long, and there's little in the way of variation within each. This is a bit of a sin for me, but at least it doesn't verge into prog rock (dangerous territory). Every bit as good as Autobahn, another Kraftwerk release that's also included on this list. 4/5 Key tracks: The Robots, Neon Lights

Not bad for a bunch of robots.

Wow! Such an impressive sound for 1977. You know how you can tell they were one of the first electronic bands? Because in the first song they just repeat “we are the robots” which is exactly what someone discovering they can make that voice for the first time would say. Every song settles into a nice little groove that entrances you. And they even sprinkle in a little velvet underground-esque jam with Neon Lights.

Favorite Tracks: The Robots The Model

Estuvo bueno, pero no es mi estilo.

Yes, nice work and some deft touches well ahead of their time (our time). I wouldn’t rush to any of their gigs without a large amount of mind bending substance , but a decent listen.

As an album just to listen to it’s not amazing, but has some highlights. Robots is kinda idiosyncratic of Kraftwerk, and I’ve always found it as deliberately ironic. The Model is such an outlier, but a cool tune, which is such a precursor to tonnes of 80s acts. The rest, while the style is a bit 70s sci-fi dated, it’s really interesting hearing some of the sounds and textures which influenced, well all of future electronic music. Special nod to whatever that wave like sound acting as a bass in Spacelab and the beeps in Neon Lights is/are, the 90s owe you a massive one!

I really loved this album. It's hard for me to give it 5 stars, because, it didn't really blow me away and isn't an album I'm going to be listening to all the time, but I definitely will put it on when I need something chill or in the background while I'm working or am doing things around the house. I was surprised at how smooth and almost ambient it is, as I didn't think Kraftwerk made music like this, having only listened to their later stuff that has more teeth.

Some great innovation here with the model clearly a stand out and withstanding time - still sounds great today

Never heard this before. Kraftwerk was certainly way ahead of its time. This is a great early electronica album that's still a lot of fun to listen to. The album seems very subversive. Bears similarities to Jean-Michele Jarre's early albums which came out around the same time. "Я твой слуга Я твой работник"

This is great, I'm glad this album came up on rotation otherwise I would never have heard it. Sparse, hypnotic and melodic. Can't believe this EDM type sound was created in the 70's. Will listen again when I'm in a contemplative mood.

Although some of these are fairly simple and repetitive, they are well crafted and cleanly implemented. Geared a bit more towards a dance club, I was surprised to see the majority of Kraftwerk's output is from the '70's: well before the other electronic music. They were clearly ahead of their time and the music is impressive considering the era they had to work with. I enjoyed this and other Kraftwerk albums and will be listening to more in the future.

super funky; loved the vibes

The OG. Way ahead of their time.

A short album! Thank god Beep beep boop This was fun! 3.5 or 4/5

### **"The Man-Machine" by Kraftwerk: An In-Depth Review** "The Man-Machine" (originally "Die Mensch-Maschine"), released in 1978, is Kraftwerk's seventh studio album and one of their most influential works. It marked a significant milestone in the band's evolution, embodying their fascination with the relationship between humans and technology. This review delves into the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and lasting influence while providing a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. ### **1. Lyrics and Themes** "The Man-Machine" is thematically dense, reflecting Kraftwerk's vision of a future where humans and machines coexist symbiotically. The lyrics, often minimalistic, are delivered in a robotic, emotionless manner, emphasizing the connection between man and machine. - **“The Robots”** opens the album with a stark declaration: "We are the robots." The lyrics explore the idea of humans becoming like robots—obedient, efficient, and emotionless. The repetition of the phrase “we are the robots” reinforces the notion of mechanization and dehumanization. The track is partly self-referential, as Kraftwerk portrays themselves as robotic performers, blending man and machine identities. - **“Spacelab”** and **“Metropolis”** offer more abstract lyrical content. "Spacelab" suggests a futuristic vision of humanity expanding its horizons beyond Earth, possibly referencing space exploration and the quest for knowledge. "Metropolis," named after Fritz Lang’s 1927 film, draws parallels between the dystopian cityscape and the mechanized modern world, reflecting concerns about industrialization and the alienation it brings. - **“The Model”** is arguably the most accessible song, blending a satirical view of consumer culture and media obsession. Its lyrics narrate the story of a model who captivates everyone, revealing society’s obsession with superficial beauty and fame. This critique is presented in a straightforward manner, which contrasts with the more abstract themes of other tracks. - **“Neon Lights”** is the most lyrical song on the album, celebrating the urban landscape with poetic imagery of city lights. Here, the lyrics offer a rare moment of warmth, suggesting a sense of wonder in an otherwise mechanical world. - **“The Man-Machine”** brings the album full circle, contemplating the fusion of human and machine elements. The lyrics suggest a future where the line between organic life and mechanical life is blurred, creating a hybrid that symbolizes technological evolution. The album's themes revolve around mechanization, technology's impact on society, urbanization, and the loss of individuality. Kraftwerk conveys a sense of both fascination and anxiety about the future. The lyrics are deliberately sparse, allowing the listener to fill in the gaps, which aligns with the album’s minimalist aesthetic. ### **2. Music and Composition** Musically, "The Man-Machine" is a quintessential example of electronic music from the late 1970s, showcasing Kraftwerk’s pioneering use of synthesizers, sequencers, drum machines, and vocoders. The album is a balance of cold, mechanical sounds with melodic, sometimes surprisingly emotional, compositions. - **“The Robots”** uses synthetic bass lines, sequenced drum patterns, and a robotic voice to establish a futuristic atmosphere. The melody is catchy yet minimalistic, with repetitive motifs that create a hypnotic effect. The use of vocoders and synthesized voices contributes to the sense of robotic impersonality. - **“Spacelab”** is more ambient and atmospheric, with its sweeping synth textures and soaring melodies evoking images of outer space. It relies heavily on phased synthesizer lines and a steady, pulsating rhythm that mirrors the steady movement of a spacecraft. - **“Metropolis”** features a driving rhythm that reflects the industrial theme of the song. The melody is repetitive but complex, layering different synthesized sounds to create a sense of urban chaos and mechanical life. - **“The Model”** stands out with its pop sensibility. The song features a straightforward melody and structure, making it more radio-friendly. The use of bright, catchy synthesizer hooks and a steady, danceable beat exemplifies Kraftwerk’s ability to blend pop and avant-garde elements. - **“Neon Lights”** is one of the more melodic tracks on the album, with its lush synth layers and arpeggiated sequences. The track gradually builds, adding layers of sound to create a shimmering, nocturnal soundscape that captures the ambiance of a city at night. - **“The Man-Machine”** closes the album with a repetitive yet intricate structure, combining different rhythms and melodies. The song uses a mix of robotic voices and warmer synth tones, symbolizing the merging of man and machine. The composition of the album is characterized by Kraftwerk’s signature minimalist approach, with each track building on repetitive patterns that slowly evolve over time. This approach creates a hypnotic and meditative quality that draws listeners into Kraftwerk’s futuristic world. ### **3. Production** "The Man-Machine" was produced by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, the core members of Kraftwerk, at their Kling Klang Studio in Düsseldorf, Germany. The album's production is meticulous, utilizing cutting-edge technology of the time, including analog synthesizers (such as the Minimoog and ARP Odyssey), custom-built electronic percussion, vocoders, and sequencers. The production quality is exceptionally clean and precise, with every sound carefully crafted and positioned in the mix. The album features a blend of warm analog synth sounds and crisp digital textures, creating a dynamic range that is both futuristic and timeless. Kraftwerk employed multi-tracking techniques and layered their sounds to produce rich, textured compositions that remain compelling even decades later. The use of stereo panning and spatial effects is another hallmark of the album's production, providing a sense of depth and dimension. The electronic percussion is sharp and punchy, driving the rhythm forward without overpowering the melodic elements. The production’s emphasis on clarity, balance, and texture helps to convey the themes of technological precision and modernity. ### **4. Influence and Legacy** "The Man-Machine" is widely regarded as one of Kraftwerk's most influential albums, serving as a bridge between early electronic music and the genres that emerged in the 1980s and beyond. It has had a profound impact on numerous musical styles, including synth-pop, techno, hip-hop, and even rock. - **Influence on Synth-Pop and New Wave**: The album’s clean, minimalist aesthetic and use of synthesizers influenced a wide range of artists in the 1980s, from Depeche Mode and The Human League to Gary Numan and Ultravox. Kraftwerk's approach to electronic music, focusing on melody and structure rather than just experimentation, helped lay the groundwork for the synth-pop genre. - **Pioneering Techno and Electro**: "The Man-Machine" also had a significant impact on the development of techno and electro music. Artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Afrika Bambaataa have cited Kraftwerk as a major influence. The beats and rhythms of tracks like “The Robots” can be heard in early techno and electro productions. - **Impact on Hip-Hop**: The album’s rhythmic innovation and use of electronic sounds were also embraced by hip-hop artists in the early 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa’s track “Planet Rock,” for example, samples Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express” and draws heavily from their style, merging it with African-American funk and hip-hop rhythms. - **Cultural and Conceptual Influence**: Beyond its musical impact, "The Man-Machine" has influenced the cultural discourse around technology and its integration into human life. The album’s exploration of the relationship between humans and machines has resonated with discussions on artificial intelligence, cyborg identity, and digital culture, making it a significant work not only musically but also philosophically. ### **5. Pros and Cons** **Pros:** - **Innovative Production and Sound Design**: The production of "The Man-Machine" was groundbreaking for its time and remains impressive today. Kraftwerk’s meticulous attention to detail and innovative use of technology created a sound that was ahead of its time and continues to influence modern music. - **Cohesive Thematic Vision**: The album is thematically consistent, exploring the relationship between humans and technology from various angles. This thematic coherence enhances its conceptual strength, making it more than just a collection of songs but rather a unified artistic statement. - **Catchy and Memorable Melodies**: Despite its experimental nature, the album contains some of Kraftwerk's most memorable melodies, such as those in "The Robots" and "The Model." These tracks combine accessibility with complexity, appealing to both mainstream audiences and avant-garde listeners. - **Pioneering Role in Electronic Music**: As a whole, "The Man-Machine" helped to define and shape the sound of electronic music. Its influence can be seen in numerous genres, from synth-pop to techno, and it continues to inspire artists today. **Cons:** - **Repetitive and Minimalistic**: While the repetitive, minimalist nature of the album is part of its charm and innovation, it may not appeal to all listeners. Some might find the songs monotonous or lacking in variety due to their focus on repetition and subtle variation. - **Emotional Distance**: The album's cold, robotic aesthetic can be off-putting to listeners seeking emotional warmth or depth. The synthetic sounds and mechanical vocals may feel alienating, making it harder for some listeners to connect with the music on an emotional level. - **Lack of Lyric Depth**: The lyrics, though thematically consistent, are often sparse and simplistic. This minimalism, while fitting the album's aesthetic, may be perceived as lacking depth or complexity compared to other contemporaneous works. - **Niche Appeal**: As a pioneering work of electronic music, "The Man-Machine" may not cater to listeners who prefer more conventional rock or pop music. Its futuristic sound and thematic focus on technology can feel niche, appealing more to enthusiasts of electronic and avant-garde music than the general public. ### **Conclusion** "The Man-Machine" by Kraftwerk is a seminal work in the history of electronic music. With its innovative use of technology, minimalist compositions, and cohesive thematic vision, the album explores the symbiosis of man and machine in a unique and thought-provoking way. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its repetitive structures, sparse lyrics, and emotionally detached aesthetic, its influence on countless artists and genres is undeniable. Kraftwerk’s exploration of technology’s role in society remains relevant, making "The Man-Machine" a timeless piece that continues to resonate across generations.

Kraftwerk being Kraftwerk — nothing to complain about!

Solid techno vibes

very interesting, Early synth pop I guess but not that poppy. Defo some Pink Floyd influence (Welcome to the machine)

A goofy concept executed perfectly; like anything Deep Purple or the first Earth Wind & Fire album.

Sounds stereotypical now, probably revolutionary back than

This impressed me in 2024, if I heard this in 1978 my mind would've been blown.

Might be the best Werk. Interesting album. 3.5/5

favorite Kraftwerk so far

OK, this is more like it. Second Kraftwerk album in a row for me, but THIS is what I was expecting to hear from the group. Electro pop that one can dance do, but also simply sit down and digest. Most of the album sounds soft and uplifting, which you didn't really hear much in this era of early electronic music. I think this is the Kraftwerk album that you can point to in terms of being the bridge to the synth-pop era of music that emerged in the early 80's.

Pretty damn innovative, undeniably groundbreaking, but nevertheless, a little sonically sparse

i love me some electronic music WE ARE THE ROBOTS i love it its so chill but groovy at the same time my favorite song: the robots

A very high 4.

Computer Love is the sample for Talk by Coldplay!

First time listening to a Kraftwerk album. Great futuristic sound from 1978

A little too hard in spots, but so pivotal given the era

What's there to say? It's EDM... from 1978... People were trying to be like John Travolta when this came out, in their white leasure suit, pointing fingers in the air, which makes it amazing. Also, anytime you can hear a thick German accent, it's worth a listen... Metropolis!

It was pretty good. Nothing particularly had a wow factor to it but the complete package was tight, short, and well composed.

Love to listen to this while tossing power pellets into my giant triangle mouth and escaping from ghosts.

weon beep bop

If you have a band that, mainly, has a signature sound throughout their career then you should - if you are chooising one album to highlight - use the album that created that signature sound. Which, in the case of Kraftwerk would be 'Autobahn'. Instaed, the chosen album is the one with the massive hit-single. Which is great, but this album probably doesn't show the band at its creative heights. Jusdt its comercial heights. The Robots is annoyingly simplistic and Spacelab hasn;t done anything Georgio Moroda hadn't been doing for a decade beforehand. Metropolis is very Vangelis, soundtrack-esque. It appears they are wearing their influences on their sleeve rsather than influencing. Admittedly, The Model is something else. They say the sign of a perfect pop song is that you can play it on an acoustic guitar and it still sounds brilliant. This stands up to that test. The Am Em verse, C Bm G bridge is just classic less is more. No chorus. Just classic arpeggio influenced folk music all in all. Neon lights is great. {roper progressive electronic music with a classical twist. Great but not their best.

I wonder if these guys would’ve exploded if they had better lights and there was more access to MDMA when this album dropped. Definitely pioneers of the sound in general and at times sounds like modern jamtronica bands.

I finished my first listen thinking I love the music this group inspired more than these actual tracks. Daft Punk, Justice, The Midnight: all these groups (and so many more) are standing on the shoulders of these Kraftwerk giants. But this album is so blessedly short; I found myself coming back to it. No earworm, but in the moment, it's so catchy.

Hoy toca volver a esta icónica banda, que hace tiempo no escucho. El disco arranca con "Die Roboter", temazo de Kraftwerk, vanguardistas a más no poder con respecto a proyectos como Daft Punk o The Chemical Brothers. Los sonidos de éste disco me recuerdan en lo particular al Family Game (Famicom, si no me equivoco). Gran trabajo de canciones bailables y reflexivas, con ritmos mecánicos, repetitivos.

unexpected 'I know this one' with Model. a vibe for playing in the background but I need more drugs if I'm going to really get into this haha. can definitely see how it's influential

fun!

This shit rules and must have blown people's minds in '78.

Some grooves, and made a big impact on electronic music. But like their descendants, Daft Punk, many of the songs just repeat a bit too much and don't go anywhere.

favorites - The Robots, Neon Lights

I think these guys might be the robots… Good, influential, idk if I’d come back to it a ton but it’s good

The Man Machine is the seventh Kraftwerk album, and it may be their most accessible album. This collection of tracks is not "as minimalist" as their earlier work; the songs have more of a melodic sense and incorporate more danceable rhythms. Kraftwerk's minimalism - their "music made by automatons" - pioneered electronic music, and this album is a midpoint between the band's first few albums and 80's synth-pop. The Man Machine opens with "the Robots," which was part of the band's presentation of themselves as automatons.

Kraftwerk is amazing

electronica. Sounds like the soundtrack to a science fiction SNES game. To be honest, I kinda liked it. My only real complaint was that I felt that the songs were a little bit too long, which wouldn’t be a problem if they weren’t so repetitive.

Fun and very interesting. Borderline 3 or 4. I'll round up.

It was ok.

++: Das Model, Neonlicht +: Die Roboter, Metropolis, Die Mensch-Maschine +-: Spacelab 7,6/10

Kraftwerk son el grupo esencial de la música electrónica (más allá de Tangerine Dream u otros) y The Robots es una de las canciones fundamentales de la música electrónica. Spacelab, Metropolis y Neon lights anticipan el Tecno, Tecno Pop, o lo que fuera que vino después. The model es, sin duda, el tema de mayor éxito del disco. The man machine presenta un ritmo repetitivo y voces robotizadas en una oda a la industrialización de la sociedad. La portada es otro clásico. Otros discos editados en 1978: debuts de Kate Bush, Pere Ubu, Magazine, , Public Image Ltd., Dire Straits, Police, The Only Ones, Devo, The Cars y Siouxsie and the banshees, (también Chris Rea y Midnight Oil), así como discos esenciales: C´est CHic, Plastic letters y Paralell Lines, Some Girls, This year´s model, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Incantations, Équinoxe, Ambient 1: Music for Airports, All mod cons, Some girls, One Nation Under A Groove, Outlandos d´amour los directos de Cheap Trick, Thin Lizzy, Bob Marley, AC-DC y The last waltz, e incluso Grease.

Hm. Hard to review electronic music from the 70s when they probably only had a moog and basic synthesiser. But without Kraftwerk… would Joy Division, New Order, Ultravox, Depeche Mode etc etc have had the same foundation… hmmmmm

Liked it more than I expected. It's wild this sound came out of the 70s

Didn't expect to but loved this!

Brilliant synth-pop.

8/10 I love Kraftwerk, and this is a great album. I don't have to justify myself to you!!! 6-17-2024

mag das deutschsprachige Album lieber

3.8/5 - listened 4x and really like it but prefer the other Kraftwerk (TransEurope) as an overall album

LOVED this. I’d been meaning to listen to some kraftwerk for a while now and they did not disappoint. The model was a highlight

As the oft quoted Bob Dylan statement on the Man Machine said, “without Man machine there could never have been a Kajagoogoo.” I didn’t own this in 1978 only coming to Kraftwerk when “the model” made it in 1982. The precursor of so many future trends in music. A solid 4.5 out of 5 (5 is reserved for albums I still listen to frequently). I can definitely hear some Moroder here on The Robots.

Had a previous Kraftwerk album that didn't impress, but this is most likely their best one. 'The Robots' and 'The Models' are great songs that do sound old, but still hold up very well today. 'Neon Lights' is also a pretty nice song. In general I'd say it's overall a quite tight album. All songs are decent, and keeping it fairly short ensures that no other garbage gets in there. If there's one Kraftwerk album you should hear, it's probably this one.

I think this is the third Kraftwerk album we have on this list and it's the best by far. A few really good tracks "The Model" and "The robots", and the rest while not great do not overstay their welcome. It's a very unique sound. Weak 4 maybe?

Phenomenal work.

It was weird, but in an enjoyable way

Like this, and definitely a grower. Every few years or so I give it another go and always thought ‘aye its canny but I dont get the hype’. But each listen it gets better and having listened to it 3 times today already I can confirm its a grower for me. It’s quite simple in some ways, especially compared to todays electronic standard. But that simplicity helps it stand out. Becomes more accessible almost. Also, LCD Soundsystem have borrowed a loooot from this record, which is always a good thing in my books. 4.5

Thought this was loads better than autobahn, felt like autobahn was just experimenting with synthesisers while this had actual songs. For that reason I assume the man machine isn't for the purists, probably their 'sellout' album. I recognised the model but generally thought it was all very listenable. I do think most of these songs would be better with a wider range of instruments but I guess that's not the point. Not sure id listen to it again but if it came on unexpectedly I'd be happy enough. 3.5.

Been a while since we've had Kraftwerk. I think this is really on par with Autobahn. The experimentalism is a big more focussed on Man Machine, but still retains a lot of the silliness. Solid 4 stars, would be happy to listen again. Flew by.

kraftwerk have always sounded very cool to me but they dont manage to grow past being a novelty. i prefer the silver apples over kraftwerk generally. 7/10

Man Kraftwerk rules so hard. This is what I said while listening to this album. The Robots was my introduction to Kraftwerk years ago. I stumbled on a YouTube video of them playing it live and couldn’t help but think are these guys actually robots!? I’m still not sure. Their mastery of electronic music and monotone singing voices makes me question their humanity to this day. If this is what AI music had turned out to be, instead of just wonky covers of other artists, I’d be ready to assimilate. The Robots also sparked my love for vocoders. It’s easily my favorite song on the album, possibly mgmt favorite Kraftwerk song. Although, Europe, Endless is up there too. The rest of the album is also amazing. Spacelab is sparse but beautiful. Metropolis is the darkest sounding song on the album, and The Model is also eerie but less so. The Model is the low point for me, the vocals/lyrics on it kind of ruin it for me. But right after that is the beautiful Neon Lights, followed by the closer which is techs and robotic like the opener. There’s not a bad song on here! I am knocking off one star because when these guys aren’t using vocoders they are not great singers. The singing can be a bit monotonous and annoying for some. But the music is so good it doesn’t ruin the songs.