| |||||||||
| Autobahn | ||
|---|---|---|
| LP by Kraftwerk | ||
| Released | 1974 | |
| Recorded | ??? | |
| Genre | Electronic | |
| Length | 42 min 27 s | |
| Record label | Philips (Rereleased on EMI Electrola) | |
| Producer | Conrad Plank | |
| Professional reviews | ||
| Allmusic.com | 5 stars out of 5 | |
| Robert Christgau | Grade: B- | |
| Q | 4 stars out of 5 | |
| Kraftwerk Chronology | ||
| Ralf und Florian (1973) | Autobahn (1974) | Radioactivity (1975) |
Autobahn by Kraftwerk, released 1974, is considered one of the most pivotal albums in music history. The 22-minute single (curtailed to around 3 minutes for radio) went to #25 on the US Billboard charts and charted even higher around Europe. The album is often credited for bringing electronic music to the public for the first time. However, it is not a completely electronic album, as violin, flute, and guitar were also used with synthesizers. Kraftwerk used a Minimoog as one of their synthesizers, which were known to cost as much as a Volkswagen at that time. Kraftwerk would lose the rest of the non-electronic instruments for their next album, Radio-activity. The title track was used to capture the feelings of driving on the Autobahn. From the high-speed concentration of the fast lane, to the tuning of the car radio, to the monotony of a long trip, the song captures it all. Autobahn is also the first of Kraftwerk's concept albums, in which they have done upto 2003. The cover was painted by long-time friend of Ralf and Florian and artist, Emil Schult.