Kraftwerk - Autobahn

Autobahn was Kraftwerk's breakthrough album, and also the revolutionary one. Although arguably Neu or even Can could be the first pioneers in the field of hypnotic motorik minimalist drive, Kraftwerk converted the style they had established to a more electronic and exclusively synthesizer-based robotic pulse. With this, the transition from rock and modern electronic pop was complete. Its infamous title track "Autobahn", lasting nearly 23 minutes, also differs from other classic 10-20 minute Krautrock epics that are very mantra-like in nature and run with repetition, by being very multi-sectioned but the sections are very similar in their mesmerizing quality. Two-part "Kometenmelodie", first part being slow and dark, the second one being more uptempo, is also an impeccable showcase for their classic sound.

All the same, Autobahn is still a transitional effort - from that point on their music became robotic and synthesizer-based, but a few spots still feature guitar, flute or even a little spooky dissonant violin freak-out on the sinister "Mitternacht". And the album closer, the serene "Morgenspaziergang" sounds surprisingly acoustic and human. It is also the closest thing to Kraftwerk's pre-Autobahn material, it would've fit perfectly on Ralf and Florian. Part of this record's appeal is that while their classic robotic style has reared its head here full blown, there are occasional elements and non-electronic instrumentation still harking back to Kraftwerk's initial art-rock phase. Autobahn is groundbreaking and innovative without being a demanding listen as was the case with 1970-73 albums, as well as presenting their trademark Teutonic android futurism that isn't as overtly cold or detached as on subsequent Kraftwerk discography.