Kraftwerk Albums Ranked

Kraftwerk (German: [ˈkʁaftvɛɐ̯k], lit. “power station”) is a German band formed in Düsseldorf in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider. Widely considered as innovators and pioneers of electronic music, they were among the first successful acts to popularize the genre. The group began as part of West Germany’s experimental krautrock scene in the early 1970s before fully embracing electronic instrumentation, including synthesizers, drum machines, and vocoders. Here are all of Kraftwerk albums ranked.

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8. Tour De France Soundtracks (2003)

“This album is new not just in the case of writing new songs, but in the sense that KW now use computer-based composing and performing techniques. The sounds can be clinical and dry, and takes a couple of listens to adjust your ears, I think. Other than the great instant classics listed above, some of the other tunes are perhaps a bit long considering the repetitive material, but overall it is a great listen.”

7. Minimum-Maximum (2005)

“A collection of uniformly brilliant Kraftwerk songs. In fact, this album sounds so brilliant that it doesn’t even sound live. A timeless compilation from a truly timeless band – even their “Electric Cafe” stuff sounds excellent here. If you’re a Kraftwerk fan or a general electronic fan, do not miss this under any circumstances.“

6. Electric Café (1986)

“It’s telling when one of Kraftwerk’s worst albums is still really good. This one, in particular, may lack any revolutionary streak that “Autobahn” had or the sublime melodies found in “The Man-Machine”, but by subtly enveloping the listener in a melancholic atmosphere, “Electric Cafe” manages to create a world of its own. This particular atmosphere really complements the record’s cyber-paranoia themes, which seem to revolve around the monotony of technology and our reliance on it.”

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5. Radio-Aktivität [Radio-Activity] (1975)

“Even if it’s slightly inferior to Kraftwerk’s very best albums, “Radioactivity” still remains remarkable, pioneering, and timeless. The fusion of chilly, futuristic electronica and electricity/telecommunications / nuclear (disaster) subtext is utterly bewitching. A highly underrated concept album and one of the greats of the decade.”

4. Autobahn (1974)

“Kraftwerk’s fourth studio album marked a dramatic change in genre, from Krautrock jams to progressive electronic music, and what a refreshing revamp. The 22-minute title track is, simply put, one of the best tracks of all time. Innovative and transporting, “Autobahn” is a sublime track with Kraftwerk’s trademark humor and playfulness sprinkled on top. Side B is also transporting as it takes you on a journey down the autobahn through the dead of the night leading into the beautiful morning on “Morgenspaziergang” complete with tuneful flutes! A seamless, landmark journey.”

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3. Computerwelt [Computer World] (1981)

“There is no question that Kraftwerk were remarkably prescient with this 1981 album, foretelling as it did the rise of home computing, on-line dating services, and so forth. Like Kraftwerk’s earlier albums, Computerwelt/Computerworld was also influential on the rising hip-hop/techno/house scenes. Given its relative obscurity nowadays, it would make a fine gift for any person either not familiar with it, or who may be learning to speak German…the track Nummern/Numbers is particularly great for that!”

2. Die Mensch·Maschine [The Man-Machine] (1978)

“This landmark synthpop record from Kraftwerk is absolutely stunning throughout and really did set the precedent for the entirety of 80s electronic pop. The shift in genre from prog electronic to more accessible poppier compositions works incredibly well. From hip-hop to dance to rock, there are many worlds of music that have been directly influenced by “The Man-Machine”. It’s no coincidence that “The Model” topped the charts in 1981 in the UK, over 3 years after this record was released… the world wasn’t quite ready for its futuristic pop sound back in ’78. Nothing less than a monumental achievement and one of my very favorite pieces of art.“

1. Trans-Europa Express (1977)

“Trans-Europe Express”, a return to excellence for the Teutonic pope of electro. This is an opportunity for Kraftwerk to invite us once again to travel. This is an opportunity to glorify the old and modern Europe. The only way out of this magnetic torpor is to dance to the syncopated and enjoyable rhythm of “Trans-Europe Express”. A glossy electro-funk album that allowed Afrika Bambaataa a few years later to sign a hit with “Planet Rock” (Kraftwerk being a source of vintage samples for hip-hop). One day, when the world will be less solemn but funkier, we will replace the 9th Symphony of Beethoven with “Trans-Europe Express“.