Reviews (page 5 of 14)
i hate to admit this but unfortunately it's a great album to code to.
og daft punk
Pozytywnie się zaskoczyłem. Ładne syntezatory, jest Vibe, ale nie wiem czy elementy wokalu były potrzebne. 8,5/10
Really cool instrumental songs,some cheeseball vocal songs. Need to listen again, album gets indistinct but is surely hugely influential. Dudes discovering genuinely new sounds and making music with them.
I really enjoyed this, I know of Kraftwerk but hadn't sat and listened to an album. Fun fact - I didn't know 'The Model' was a Kraftwerk song, I only knew the Big Black version.
We've come a long way since this. obviously the german version of the album is better
Best album I've listened to so far from this experiment. Very impressed with the engineering and production of the album from 1978. Incredible sound. I felt like I was a machine floating in space the entire time. Good stuff. Big big fan of synths.
Niiiiiiiiice Kraftwerk. I’ve listened to Autobahn and Trans Europe Express, but not this. This album uses a lot of ascending and descending melodies—a little too blatant at times in terms of sort of seeing the scaffolding behind the songs, but the melodies never become stale, and it really does work perfectly with their synth-pop sound. That scaffolding is also something I see in just about every book I read and movie I watch, so it’s probably a personal thing. I really enjoy the synths here. Even fifty years later, they sound futuristic and one-of-a-kind. The aesthetic of this band still feels incredibly unique and relevant as well. While this is much better than Autobahn, I will say that I enjoyed Trans-Europe Express more—thematically and musically. The cultural context of TEE, with the conflicts and hopes of Europe that are incorporated into it, are incredibly compelling, and its running symbolism of a train is very well-done. Overall, TEE just comes off as more cohesive and culturally in-tune. And being culturally in-tune is something essential to Kraftwerk’s concepts and aesthetics. At times, Man Machine can seem a bit like it’s just re-using many of TEE’s components in a lesser way, but it still holds up quite well and is a fantastic album. It leans into even more of a pop sound, which was incredibly new at the time and ended up being highly influential. It also has songs like The Model that offer a lyrical narrative unlike anything I’ve heard from Kraftwerk. The songwriting is also excellent, and there are tons of layers here. I feel as if I’ll need several more listens to truly notice everything going on.
I really didn't expect to enjoy it so much. The first song really threw me off. Otherwise, great album.
Ej, kul prvi komad ("The Robots"). Elektronika, ki dejansko zveni prijetno. Kak komad je bolj minimalističen z besedili, kak jih ima malo več, vsi pa so prijetni za uho. "Neon Lights" ti res z zvokom pričara luči. Ni to nekaj, k čemer se bom ful vračala, ni bla pa grozna izkušnja, sploh.
I'm not a huge of fan of electronic music, but I enjoyed this album. I would never guess this is from 1978. There is a timeless quality to this album. My favorite track was The Model, and I'm pretty sure I've heard this song before.
Album 6 Top 3 favorites off the album: Metropolis, Neon Lights, The Robots Kraftwerk has been recommended to me by friends before this, and I did give them a listen before now. I liked the song recommendation from then, and thoroughly enjoyed listening all the way through this album. It's excellent for late night public transportation vibes. This isn't something I'd normally seek out for myself. As far as electronic music goes, I'm gonna say this is my favorite type I've encountered! Maybe that will change! For now, I like how... bouncy the album is. That sounds like a juvenile description, but deal with it. It's bouncy. And smooth. It's all of the above. It's like contemporary art. There are doohickeys and whatchamacallits and gloopy sounds and growls, and it's all very exciting for me. Thank you. I particularly enjoyed Metropolis for the siren quality of some of the synths. Some of Neon Lights reminded me of Bob Hund. Does it make sense? Not even a little. Can I tell you what song or why? Maybe. Something off Omslag: Martin Kann. Possibly "Reinkarnerad exakt som förut." Might be owing to the tempo and pronunciation of "lights" and the like. Other than that, no similarity. But here we are. I liked this one a lot! I've been saying that a lot! I'll keep doing it!
What if German robots made music and were highly influential?
The songs on this album definitely get across the sound the band was trying to create - robotic, machine-like, mechanical vibe. I think the album has good flow and it's clearly meant to be listened to as an album and not individual songs, which I like.
Old school
This really is the sound of future nostalgia for me. You can hear the 80s midi synth sound coming into focus. Its full of rich full electronic sounds and could quite easily have been any number of late 80s or early 90s video game sound tracks.
A made-for-headphones, protoelectronic gem by masters of the genre. Still sounds like the future to me
What do we say about ourselves when we talk about what it means to be a robot? What values or characteristics are we saying are the most intrinsically human; once lost, irredeemable? What about ourselves must we sacrifice in order to make space for the excess of whatever it is that makes a robot a robot? Choice. It’s always been choice, I think. Decisions are agency (and it’s a privilege, I suppose, to have questions posed to us). Here, and as a species generally, we’re never far from the question of free will versus pre-determinism. Music might seem a strange place to be asking these questions, but since music is an original and creative human pursuit that must abide by myriad rules both internal (scales, keys, time signatures…) and external (authenticity, performance, culture…) it’s sort of perfect for taking on the higher order existential stuff. Nowhere does man and machine more mellifluously interface than within music. The Man Machine is an approach to that interface – a joyful, wildly innovative and ultimately comically scholarly one (only the nation that produced Heidegger could seriously undertake so rigorous an act of philosophising as on this record). Its many gifts would later empower an incalculable number of musicians – from synth pop to experimental noise. And it would thrill me, here on the threshold of the next leap in the great enmeshment of man and machine, inviting me back into the cave to wonder what about being human most matters. There’s no machine that can tell us that; I guess, at a certain point, it all comes down to choice.
7.0/10 Liked this a lot more than I expected!
Very chill/cozy. Sometimes you can hear the german pronounciation pretty well. Overall i liked listening to this.
I listened to the German version. I loved it! Favorites: Metropolis and Neonlicht.
So ahead of it's time, especially now that people are literally using AI to make music.
Very interesting sound to this album. The opening is a standout for me, as the synths used consistently through the song are very pronounced yet work very well and are very groovy. The album follows a similar sound and rhythm in all it's songs. However, the songs do drag for me, just dead space being filled at the end of the song with the same repetitive melody that was played through the song. Not necessarily an issue but for me I want to experience a new sound and a new single and that's what is struggle with on this. Overall though it it very good
Coming back to this one after initially feeling indifferent. This record has definitely grown on me. I have grown to love the barebones techno of it and the dystopian theme it presents. It can come off as slightly goofy with the repeated phrases and stereotypical electronic sounds, but this is the genesis of that sound. Kraftwerk cultivated a sound that is iconic and deserves respect. The album isn’t perfect, it could be longer and more fleshed out. Regardless, it’s an enjoyable piece of electronic music history with great ideas.
I love how this is both unapologetically nerdy AND has a song about sleeping with models. Kraftwerk were doing something right.
nice
Never really a huge fan of techno, electric music but this album is really fun. The grooves and melodies are really catchy. Though there are some parts on the album that overstay their welcome, this is still a really fun, enjoyable album.
Great album- loved this one! I’m definitely going to revisit this one- if had me dancing, but it was also mellow enough to just have in the background.
They didn't have me in the first half, but the last half banged. So would probably re-listen to certain songs out of the album.
Still sounds modern which is wild. Metropolis specifically sounds like the Fringe soundtrack to me (positive). It's the progenitor of a genre but still sounds like the genre itself.
Give credit where credit is due. I had no business loving this but I did.
Beep boop, this stuff actually slaps. It’s catchy, rhythmic, and weirdly danceable. This is robot music with a soul. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - The Robots - Spacelab - The Model - Neon Lights
I wasn't ascending to heaven with this one but man, perfect timing for this album as I just got soundcore headphones. Pretty cool mixing and fun songs that I'll come back to in the future, even if they didn't do a ton for me right now
I resisted listening to this album because I thought it would be it would be hard-to-listen-to experimental electronic music, and the first minute of the first track (The Robots) only confirmed my suspicions. But by the time we’d got to the instantly recognisable The Model I was in synth-heaven. You can hear the future influences in the music - Vangelis’s Balderunner in Metropolis, Gary Newman’s synth, the 80s techno-pop. Some of the tracks didn’t grab me (Spacelab felt like a retro-futuristic disco hit, and Neon Lights was a bit too simplistic), but overall I loved it.
4* top
Kennst du daft punk?
Love the melodies. Love the synths. Love the German accent, even. Ahead of its time but still as good as ever. Faves: The Robots, Spacelab, The Model
Amazing how fresh this still sounds. I can hear so much influence on the electronic music styles I've listened to for decades now. Weirdly enough, the title track is the only one that didn't do much for me. A little too repetitive without much variation. Otherwise, great album.
Pioneers.
Great music, crap lyrics. Vor allem geil.
Moooooogie love it, early Daft Punk vibes.
Brilliant, trend setting album.
Great
Enjoyed!
Rating: 9/10 I really like synthy progressive electronic music and as the prototype this is still really fun and holds up against the modern stuff it influenced. I think the the concept and themes behind “The Man-Machine” with its artificial futurism sound is really cool. Basically the Blade Runner of music if that makes sense
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again; it might have been the new sounds that made their name but it's the strength of the melodies that have given LPs like this their enduring quality. Kraftwerk may have pushed the boundaries of technology in music and smashed through any concepts of what electronic music could actually be, but the smartest thing they did was remember to write truly superb songs. Strong 4
Classic for a reason - oddly familiar given that I never listened to them when I was younger.
This was much more chill than I expected from the one Kraftwerk song I thought I knew. I like it!
Interesting that this is album #686 for me yet is only the first (for me, not chronologically) of three Kraftwerk albums in this collection. Regardless, it's nice to get the OG electronica band, and this seems like a great sample of their style. Funny too how similar their music was to industrial, just skewed towards the electronic noise end rather than found-object noise. And interesting that this is considered their most club/dance-friendly album; I suspect the other two albums may be even more industrial/art-noise adjacent. Somewhat unexpectedly, I enjoyed the entire album much more than I expected to, and found it strangely soothing or maybe just hypnotic); my favorites are "The robots", "Metropolis" and the title track, but there really isn't a bad track on this compact album. And kudos to them for laying the groundwork for literally generations of bands in the decades since.
Charming European electronic that lets instruments just breathe and have fun; honestly, a very enjoyable listen!
Mad this was released in the 70s
Easy, po jų koncerto viską buvau perklausius.
Best thing to come out of Germany since [redacted]
only love for my komputer guys
This seems ahead of its time, and I can hear the influence it had in bands like LCD Soundsystem and Daft Punk.
Great.
The godfathers of electronic music. The German version is better imo. 9/10 Favourite track: Das Model or Neonlicht
Not to be daft but these German punks are pretty good at electronic music
Cool
Vibes
Landmark electronic album. My inner synth geek and keyboard lover found this album phenomenal. I was familiar with Kraftwerk before (I'm the operator with my pocket calculator.......beep boop bop), and this album has made me respect the group even more. With that said, I don't think it's quite a 5/5 record, I do think there are improvements to be made and don't know if it quite matches up with other timeless indisputable greatest albums of all-time, but it's quite close to a 5/5.
These ARE the droids you’re looking for.
Enjoyable, easy listening.
Resulta refescante un poco de electrónica de , sorpresa!!, 1978. Se escucha con agrado.
Classic
OK! I was never really exposed to Kraftwerk other than incidentally. This album is freaking cool! So very ahead of its time. I can see how this influenced a great deal of the new-wave that came after. I like what one review stated, "surprisingly fresh and modern". 4-star for sure. And for an album I've only just heard today, this could potentially go higher when I spend some time with this!
I like the old style synth and the early techno.
I mean u gotta love kraftwerk. This album is poppier than TEE in a weird way? Love love love it regardless
Banging electronica
Great, one of their best
Bliss, I'd say their best
My favourite album by them. Some melodies.
Vraiment pas mal pour du techno. J'ai bien aimé Robots, et the Model, qui sont apparemment les singles. Par contre, ça peut pas être 5 étoiles parce que je comprends que c'est là que l'enfer du techno a commencé... En changeant les pneus hier, ça faisait bien, je me sentais moi-même comme une man-machine.
If you are reading this review to find some new insight on this album, unlucky lad. Basically is great, a classic, wonderful, inspirational, influential
Amazing album! Loved every track. The "robotic" atmosphere was cool but the album included some popular music vibes too and was easy to listen to. Best album I have listened so far. No mistakes.
Not their best album as far I'm concerned, but it contains their iconic tracks "The Robots" and "The Model".
In addition to the electronic innovations and boundary-pushing sound, it’s remarkably well-paced for its era.
Really groundbreaking synth work for the time, lyrically, not the most expansive. Who knows where we would be now without Kraftwerk!
Day 6: Best tracks: Metropolis, The Robots, Neon Lights, The Model No hard skips. But definitely prefer a few over others. Metropolis might be one of the first "synthwave / out run" tracks, and I love it. I was introduced to Trans-Europe Express and Computer World well before this album, but this is the one that I listen to more often now, 20 years later. 9/10.
Nie wiem, co się ze mną dzieje, że podoba mi się taka muzyka. Ale ma w sobie coś niezwykłego. Jak nie z tego świata. Ścieżka dźwiękowa do filmu sci-fi. I ja to kupuję. 7/10 a to u mnie, jak na elektronikę, dużo.
For a 1978, I found astonishing how good and futuristic it sounds. The work put on the synths is top notch, even for today's standards, I'll dare to say. Apart from the clear definition of the sounds, I loved how this album was able to mentally transport me to cyberpunk type of scenes. While listening to this, I was constantly thinking of the aesthetic and moments of certain cyberpunk animes such as 'Akira' or 'Neo Tokyo', with cities composed by super tall skyscrapers and artificial lights. I think the tracks that accomplished this feeling the best are 'Spacelab', 'Metropolis' and 'The Model'. The rest of the tracks, while still being quite good, I think they don't reach the same highs as the mentioned ones, specially 'The Man-Machine', which I think is the weakest one. The synth melodies are not as memorable and it has the most repetitive vocals. Nevertheless, a very unique experience. Really liked this one.
Ptn c'est trop ma came y'a une vibe synthwave cyberpunk j'ai tellement écouté ça en bossant. 1978 par contre ils sont tellement en avance !?!?
Great! Catchy melodies, funky electronic sounds. You can definitely hear their influence on acts like Daft Punk. Standouts: Metropolis The Model (a classic!) The Robots WE ARE THE ROBOTS.
extremely influential work in the realm of electronic music and synth-pop. Great listen, will return to this in the future.
Very interesting album. Lots of cool sounds and certainly different from what I usually listen to. Didn’t love everything, but would recommend it overall.
This album isn't to my personal taste, but the artistry and place in pop history are easy to see. The threads that became synth-pop and new wave are all here, and you can hear everything from Depeche Mode to Taylor Swift to Daft Punk all over this record.
beautiful and sweet and incredibly innovative
Surprisingly enjoyable since I don’t listen to much electronic music. Very good album.
Sleek synthy and minimalist electronic album. Hadn’t listened to these much before. Enjoyed quite a lot
Track by track- 1. We are the robots! Apparently. Cool. 2. Spacelab- about a young spacelab and his attempts to fit in with the other spacelabs and earn their spacelab approval. 3. Metropolis- about a young metropolis sent to live with her adoring grandparents in their haunted castle, only to discover a scary metropolis secret. 4. The model- in which a model is looking good and stuff. 5. Neon-lights- this city’s made of light! 6. The Man-Machine- a tale as old as time; a man who is also a machine, and the lady machines who love him. FOUR STARS
I wish I could’ve heard this for the first time when it came out and changed the game. A great album and the sort of music you can put on near any time. 4.6/5.0 Best Song: The Model
I bet there was a salary raise in the orthodontic industry in the late 70’s because of the tremendous amount of jaws dropping to the floor following the release of this. still goes hard today, though, both in the club and over homework. don’t even get me started on influence. so many artists — from british twinks with slickbacks of the 80’s to black fascists of today — owe their existence and popularity to kraftwerk, it’s insane. hell yeah
30.10.25 #26 Favourite: The robots rate: 8/10
Tyfusoud bliep en bloepwerk met overmatig vocoder gebruik. In 1978 moet dit enorm dik zijn geweest, nu is pijnlijk oud, maar daardoor vind ik het als hipster ook wel weer vet juist. Ik ben blij dat ik hem een dagje heb uitgesteld want gister had ik hier geen zin in en vandaag glijdt het prima naar binnen. Het is een stuk makkelijker weg te luisteren dan dat Autobahn album, tegelijkertijd is dit mede daardoor misschien ook wel iets meer vergeetbaar. Ondanks dat het oud klinkt is het album nog steeds wel bezwerend en dat gaat er tijdens het werk altijd heel goed in. Ik nam hier op geen enkel moment aanstoot aan en voor ik het wist was het voorbij. Ik heb voor m'n gevoel weer een mooi stukje muziekhistorie meegepakt. Ik neigde eigenlijk naar 3 sterren, maar deze krijgt een bonuspuntje omdat het toch flink meeviel. En omdat ie net wat hoger moet scoren dan Autobahn.
Better than I thought it was going to be. I knew a few of the songs and I knew a few songs from the D&B demo's I've seen over the years.
Solid beats The echo makes it sound really full even though there's only usually 2 or 3 things happening at once. Simple but good Mostly same repeating rhythms
Very electronic. Big on vibes.
This album sounds EXACTLY like I would expect an album by a band called Kraftwerk to sound. It was the perfect accompaniment while I was setting up my classroom this morning. I am also struck by how modern it sounds. You could have told me this came out this year and I'd believe you. It also grew on me with subsequent listens.
Always enjoy Kraftwerk, although this isn’t as innovative or as interesting as Autobahn. Solid though and easy to listen to.
This was cool
I'm not a robot ✅️
Kraftwerk are at their most timeless when ambient with minimal lyrics. For that reason I slightly prefer Trans Europe Express. This is still strong though, and Neon Lights is a particular highlight. Crazy ahead of its time. 4/5
People will often point to how ahead of its time and cutting edge Kraftwerk are but it’s important not to pull focus from how robust and confident the songwriting across this record is. The Model and Neon Lights are my highlights because of the former’s punchy melodies and the latter’s gorgeous repeating hooks. At points it sounds like an embryonic form of one of my favourite albums - The Human League’s Dare! which came just three years later.
Interesting early electronic music. Suprised this came out in 1978, it's very different from the typical music of the Era. This was likely a very influential album for all the synth based new wave music of the 80s, and later electronic music.
01) The Robots - 10,0 02) Spacelab - 8,0 03) Metropolis - 7,5 04) The Model - 10,0 05) Neon Lights - 8,0 06) The Man-Machine - 8,0 TOTAL: 8,58 (86/100) Current ranking: 109/691
It's great and surprisingly interesting considering it's a 1978 album
very bloopy. very bloppy. a fun enough album but nothing here super enthuses me. i did like the retro synth sound and the production, but the songs here don't do a whole lot for me. it was still an enjoyable listen, but not something i think i would regularly come back to.
this is how you do beep boop music
7 Kommen sie bitte und listen to kraftwerk
Classic that stands the test of time , might age nicely in my work mellow edm vibes . Can def see it’s influences
I like it but I like other KW better
Otroligt inflytelserikt, och håller än idag!
Nämen asså det är en vibe ändå, svårt att bedöma så här långt senare men jävligt töntcoolt på nå vis.
WE ARE THE ROBOTS
Häftigt sound!
WE ARE THE ROBOTS BLIPP BLIPP
Droning sounds and dancing synths make this record sound like it's from the 80s synth pop movement - instead, this record is a precursor and an inspiration to the genre. It's catchy yet alien, and somehow kraftwerk finds a way to put it together in a pleasing way!
82% Best: Spacelab; Neon Lights; The Man Machine Must-Hear? Sure
If you're new to Kraftwerk, The Man-Machine is a good place to start. They definitely moved in a more pop direction with this album but still kept their futuristic and experimental style. I really like how the album has this underlying theme of how humans and machines interact with advancing technology, and it also creates this feeling of being emotionless. It’s interesting to think that this futuristic, mechanical world they created is now in the past, with everything becoming more digital.
Surprisingly better than I remember. I think the key is not giving myself permission to turn it off. Its obviously a key album to the digital my music I like, but I think it took more talent and I think there was more cultural relevance at least in America through switched on bach and the BBC composers that did the Dr who theme for mainlining digital music to the masses. This seems a bit dull and more by the books sequencing then actual music.
Way ahead of it's time, this album is very good.
Strongest 4 - this has so much personality and it is a really incredible piece of art. Must have sounded so forward-thinking at the time and so much followed from this in the 1980s. Would have preferred it finished slightly stronger but can't really complain.
Amazing album. Kraftwerk were on a major role! 6 tracks, all bangers. 4.5 rounded down Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes 15/1001, 15/57 (26%) Will I get? Already have
Love the bleeps and bloops - it's fully electronic but still maintains an organic sound.
Started slow but absolutely finished strong in the second half. Title track is an instant classic and has been sampled in some classic hip-hop tracks
we are the rrrobots
Good Songs: The Robots, Spacelab, Metropolis, The Model, Neon Lights Mid Songs: The Man-Machine Bad Songs:
Bleep bloop
1970s daft punk, how the fuck they get ahead of soundscape
Cold, atmospheric, futuristic sound. Would be interesting to watch something like Metropolis with this album as a soundtrack
82/100. Classic synthpop album, might be my favorite Kraftwerk record. Very good and innovative.
had no clue what to expect but i dug this. especially the first song
This album was definitely ahead of its time... by about 6 years because every song sounded like a 1984 Commodore 64 game's soundtrack. In the best possible way.
Wait this is what Kraftwerk sounds like? I liked this and don't know why I was scared, maybe I was worried it would be too mechanical and not have any emotion. I see exactly how we get to Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys in about a decade. Really cool melodies and sounds on this, the electronic drums didn't even suck! 4/5
Follaron una placa base con un mullet en los end 70s
Obviously the origins of a genre
Robotunes, liked it.
The Model
Influential, German, trance-like, repetitive, atmospheric, ahead of it's time cyborg music. Not something I would listen to every day but I think it deserves a 4. Can't imagine what this would have sounded like in the 70s. Been listening to a lot of Joy Division and New Order lately, the influence is evident!
Me ha encantado, además de The Model que ya la tenía guardada he añadido Spacelab y Neon lights.
Pretty awesome, must’ve been cutting edge and influential at the time
I like electronic music, 80s New Wave, and synth pop. Thank you, Kraftwerk, for inspiring musicians to make music I love. You're not so bad yourself either! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
The better of the two Kraftwerk's I've heard so far. Not my preferred style of music, but I enjoy the presentation, sound, and feel.
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