Kraftwerk: Autobahn

Kraftwerk: Autobahn

Album #238 - November 1974

Episode date - January 8, 2025

The Top 500 of The Top 40
0:00
0:00

Looking back from a modern-day perspective, I find myself with alternating viewpoints concerning the relevance of Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn.”

On one hand it strikes me as simplistic and dated, but on the other, I am amazed by just how important and influential this album has been – and still is. In 1974, electronic music had almost no place at all in American culture. Although keyboard ‘synthesizers’ were commonplace in rock and roll music, they existed as an addendum to the traditional band lineup of guitar, bass drums, piano and/or organ.

Exclusively ‘electronic’ music was little more than a novelty, and almost immediately sounded dated after one or two listens, but “Autobahn” was different. Where other electronic recordings offered little more than a short-lived curiosity, Kraftwerk touched a nerve. The album’s title track provided an evocative soundscape that brought detailed imagery to mind, unearthing an emotional reaction that was almost disarming. I believe this was the very first fully synthesized record album that triggered our imaginations. Even today, years after the novelty has worn off, it still sounds like a dream.

Featured Tracks:

Autobahn

Kometenmelodie 1 ("Comet Melody 1")

Kometenmelodie 2 ("Comet Melody 2")

Mitternacht ("Midnight")

Morgenspaziergang ("Morning Walk")

November 1974 - Billboard Charted #5

 

 

Related Shows

Joni Mitchel - Court and Spark

Joni Mitchel - Court and Spark

Album # 228 - January 1974

0:00
0:00
Paul McCartney and Wing - Band on the Run

Paul McCartney and Wings: Band on the Run

Album #227- December 1973

0:00
0:00
The Who: Quadrophenia

The Who: Quadrophenia - Part 2

Album #226 - October 1973

0:00
0:00
The Who - Quadrophenia

The Who: Quadrophenia - Part 1

Album #226 - October 1973

0:00
0:00
Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Part 2

Album #225 - October 1973

0:00
0:00
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John

Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Part 1

Album #225 - October 1973

0:00
0:00
Poco - Crazy Eyes

Poco: Crazy Eyes

Album #224 - September 1973

0:00
0:00
Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention: Over-Nite Sensation

Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention: Over-Nite Sensation

Album #223 - September 1973

0:00
0:00
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd

Lynyrd Skynyrd: (Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd)

Album #222 - August 1973

0:00
0:00
Stevie Wonder: Innervision

Stevie Wonder: Innervision

Album #221 - August 1973

0:00
0:00
Mavin Gaye - Let's Get It On

Marvin Gaye: Let's Get It On

Album # 220 - August 1973

0:00
0:00
Steely Dan - Countdown to Ecstasy

Steely Dan: Countdown to Ecstasy

Album #219 - July 1973

0:00
0:00