Complete List Of Kraftwerk Albums And Songs

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Kraftwerk was founded in 1970 in Düsseldorf, Germany, by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, is renowned for their pioneering work in electronic music. The band’s core idea was to create a “robot pop” style that integrated electronic sounds with minimalist rhythms. Over the years, Kraftwerk released a total of ten studio albums, a number of live albums, and several notable compilations. Their musical innovation is credited with laying the foundation for various music genres, including hip-hop, synthpop, and techno.

Kraftwerk’s unique approach to music production, featuring custom-made instruments and a distinctive use of robotic and computer-generated vocals, has earned them numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. They achieved considerable chart success, especially with albums like Autobahn and Computerwelt, which resonated with a wide international audience. The band’s lineup has changed over the years, but they remain influential figures in both the music and art scenes worldwide.

KRAFTWERK STUDIO ALBUMS

Kraftwerk

Released 1970

Kraftwerk is the debut studio album by the German electronic band Kraftwerk, released in November 1970. Recorded at Star-Musik Studio in Hamburg, this album marked the beginning of Kraftwerk’s exploration into the electronic sounds that would later define their style. The band at this time consisted of founders Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, who experimented with a minimalist, avant-garde approach. The album did not chart but remains a significant piece in the evolution of electronic music.

CD Track Listings:

“Ruckzuck” – 7:47
“Stratovarius” – 12:10
“Megaherz” – 9:30
“Vom Himmel hoch” – 10:12

Kraftwerk 2

Released 1972

Kraftwerk 2, released in January 1972, continued the band’s journey into electronic experimentation. Recorded at Kling Klang Studio in Düsseldorf, the album features a more refined sound with greater use of electronic instrumentation. Like its predecessor, it did not achieve commercial success but is praised for its innovative use of synthesisers and sound modification. The album was produced by Conny Plank and the band itself.

CD Track Listings:

“Klingklang” – 17:36
“Atem” – 2:57
“Strom” – 3:52
“Spule 4” – 5:20
“Wellenlänge” – 9:40
“Harmonika” – 3:17

Ralf und Florian

Ralf & Florian by Kraftwerk (1995-08-03)

Released 1973

Ralf und Florian, released in October 1973, is the third studio album by Kraftwerk, recorded at their personal Kling Klang Studio in Düsseldorf. This album saw a further shift towards a more coherent electronic sound with the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and vocoders becoming more pronounced. The album features a mix of ambient and melodic electronic music, showcasing the duo’s growing mastery over their new tools. It was self-produced by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider.

CD Track Listings:

“Elektrisches Roulette” – 4:19
“Tongebirge” – 2:50
“Kristallo” – 6:18
“Heimatklänge” – 3:45
“Tanzmusik” – 6:34
“Ananas Symphonie” – 13:56

Autobahn

Released 1974

Autobahn, released in November 1974, is often considered the breakthrough album for Kraftwerk, featuring the 22-minute title track that simulates a journey on the German Autobahn. Recorded at Conny’s Studio in Cologne, this album combined electronic instrumentation with traditional melodies, creating a futuristic and repetitive sound that mimicked the feel of highway travel. Autobahn was a commercial success, reaching number five on the Billboard 200 in the United States, and it marked Kraftwerk’s entry into mainstream music. The album was produced by Conny Plank and Ralf Hütter.

CD Track Listings:

“Autobahn” – 22:43
“Kometenmelodie 1” – 6:26
“Kometenmelodie 2” – 5:48
“Mitternacht” – 3:43
“Morgenspaziergang” – 4:04

Radio-Aktivität

Released 1975

Radio-Aktivität, released in October 1975, marks a pivotal point in Kraftwerk’s discography, introducing a concept album centered on the themes of radioactivity and the use of radio waves. Recorded at Kling Klang Studio, this album features a blend of electronic sounds and minimalistic lyrics, with titles in both German and English, reflecting their international ambitions. It peaked at number 140 on the Billboard 200, showcasing their growing influence. The album was produced by the band along with Conny Plank.

CD Track Listings:

“Geigerzähler” – 1:05
“Radioaktivität” – 6:42
“Radioland” – 5:51
“Ätherwellen” – 4:55
“Sendepause” – 0:39
“Nachrichten” – 1:30
“Die Stimme der Energie” – 0:55
“Antenne” – 3:42
“Radio Sterne” – 3:33
“Uran” – 1:27
“Transistor” – 2:15
“Ohm Sweet Ohm” – 5:39

Trans Europa Express

Released 1977

Trans Europa Express was released in March 1977 and is considered one of Kraftwerk’s seminal works, symbolizing their fascination with European identity and technology. Recorded at Kling Klang Studio in Düsseldorf, the album features a mix of electronic rhythms and minimalistic lyrics that explore themes of travel and technology. It achieved notable success, particularly in the US, where it reached number 119 on the Billboard 200. The album was produced by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider and includes the iconic title track, which became influential across various music genres.

CD Track Listings:

“Europa Endlos” – 9:41
“Spiegelsaal” – 7:56
“Schaufensterpuppen” – 6:15
“Trans Europa Express” – 6:52
“Metall auf Metall” – 2:12
“Abzug” – 4:54
“Franz Schubert” – 4:26
“Endlos Endlos” – 0:55

Die Mensch-Maschine

Released 1978

Die Mensch-Maschine (The Man-Machine), released in May 1978, further cemented Kraftwerk’s legacy as pioneers of electronic music. Recorded at Kling Klang Studio, this album features a futuristic blend of electronic instrumentation and robotic vocals, with themes centered on the relationship between humans and technology. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 130 on the US Billboard 200 and number nine in the UK. It includes the hit “Das Modell” (The Model), which later topped the UK singles chart in its English version.

CD Track Listings:

“Die Roboter” – 6:11
“Spacelab” – 5:56
“Metropolis” – 6:01
“Das Modell” – 3:39
“Neonlicht” – 9:03
“Die Mensch-Maschine” – 5:28

Computerwelt

Released 1981

Computerwelt (Computer World), released in May 1981, explores the increasing impact of computers on society. Recorded at Kling Klang Studio, this album showcases a sleeker, more dance-oriented sound, reflecting the digital age. Computerwelt reached number 72 on the Billboard 200 and is known for tracks like “Computerwelt” and “Computer Liebe” (Computer Love), which have been sampled and covered by various artists across different genres. The album was produced by the band itself and features precise electronic rhythms and computerized vocals.

CD Track Listings:

“Computerwelt” – 5:05
“Taschenrechner” – 4:55
“Nummern” – 3:19
“Computerwelt 2” – 3:21
“Computer Liebe” – 7:15
“Heimcomputer” – 6:17
“It’s More Fun to Compute” – 4:13

Electric Café

Released 1986

Electric Café was released in November 1986 after a five-year hiatus, featuring a more techno-pop-oriented sound. Recorded at Kling Klang Studio, this album includes tracks that utilize digital synthesis and sampling technology. Although it did not achieve the same level of critical acclaim as their earlier works, it reached number 105 on the Billboard 200. The album was produced by Kraftwerk and includes the notable tracks “Musique Non Stop” and “Der Telefon Anruf.”

CD Track Listings:

“Boing Boom Tschak” – 2:57
“Techno Pop” – 7:42
“Musique Non Stop” – 5:45
“Der Telefon Anruf” – 3:50
“Sex Objekt” – 6:51
“Electric Café” – 4:16

The Mix

Released 1991

The Mix, released in June 1991, is a compilation album featuring re-recorded and re-arranged versions of Kraftwerk’s earlier songs. This project was recorded at Kling Klang Studio and was designed to update the band’s classic tracks with modern sound technologies. Although it received mixed reviews from critics, it successfully introduced Kraftwerk’s music to a new generation and reached number 115 on the Billboard 200. The album was produced by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider.

CD Track Listings:

“Die Roboter” – 8:56
“Computer Liebe” – 6:35
“Taschenrechner” – 4:32
“Dentaku” – 1:07
“Autobahn” – 9:27
“Radioaktivität” – 6:53
“Trans Europa Express” – 3:20
“Abzug” – 2:18
“Metall auf Metall” – 4:58
“Heimcomputer” – 8:02
“Musique Non Stop” – 5:45

Tour de France Soundtracks

Released 2003

Tour de France Soundtracks, released in August 2003, was Kraftwerk’s first studio album in over a decade, inspired by the cycling event and the band’s passion for cycling. Recorded at Kling Klang Studio, the album includes a blend of electronic and ambient sounds, creating a rhythmic and melodic homage to the sport. It reached number 40 on the UK Albums Chart and was well-received, reflecting the band’s continued relevance in the electronic music scene.

CD Track Listings:

“Prologue” – 0:31
“Tour de France Étape 1” – 4:27
“Tour de France Étape 2” – 6:41
“Tour de France Étape 3” – 3:56
“Chrono” – 3:19
“Vitamin” – 8:09
“Aéro Dynamik” – 7:13
“Titanium” – 3:21
“Elektro Kardiogramm” – 4:23
“La Forme” – 8:41
“Régéneration” – 1:16

3D-The Catalogue

Released 2017

3D-The Catalogue, released in May 2017, is a live album featuring performances of Kraftwerk’s eight classic albums re-interpreted and performed on various tours around the world using 3D audio-visual technology. This release showcases the band’s innovative approach to live performances and their ability to blend art with music technology. The album was well-received for its high-quality production and immersive experience, offering a new way to appreciate Kraftwerk’s pioneering electronic sound.

CD Track Listings:

“Autobahn” – 14:27
“Radioaktivität” – 7:42
“Trans Europa Express” – 7:36
“Die Mensch-Maschine” – 7:54
“Computerwelt” – 7:15
“Techno Pop” – 7:39
“Die Mensch·Maschine” – 7:55
“Tour de France” – 8:02

Remixs

Released 2022

Remixs, released in June 2022, is the latest compilation by Kraftwerk, featuring new remixes of their classic tracks. This album highlights the timeless nature of their music, reinterpreted through contemporary electronic lenses. Recorded at Kling Klang Studio, Remixs includes modern takes on iconic tracks like “Trans Europa Express” and “Die Roboter,” showing Kraftwerk’s lasting influence on music across decades.