Kraftwerk Autobahn First Listen Reaction

[@Alun49]

The birth of electro-pop and so much more. Their legacy is phenomenal, and heard on tens of thousands of records over the past fifty years. They are probably the most influential band of all time, surpassing the Beatles by a long way.

[@octaviussludberry9016]

Errr, OK. They weren't even the first electronic music band and I think The Beatles have had way more influence. I love Kraftwerk, but I can be objective, which you appear to be missing.

[@Alun49]

@@octaviussludberry9016 On the contrary, their influence can be heard all over pop music in its use of synthesisers, electronics, sequencers etc. I also did not say they were the first electronic band. I was listening to Tangerine Dream for instance long before Kraftwerk. I actually am being objective. Despite the Beatles success, few bands emulated their sound. On the other hand, Cream spawned countless imitators and can be seen as being more influential, laying the bedrock for Heavy Rock and subsequently Heavy Metal. (This is something that Baker and Clapton in particular have found an irritation) It very much depends upon your definition of 'influential'.

[@windnchgo]

@@Alun49 I agree with you but you left out how many have SAMPLED Kraftwerk. I argue with the possible exception of James Brown no other artist in history has been sampled as much as Kraftwerk.

[@johankaewberg8162]

Listen to Plonk!

[@goytabr]

@@octaviussludberry9016, I think @Alun49's definition of "influential" is "creating something that will shift the future direction of music (or some other form of art) as created by later artists". An influential band doesn't have to sell a gazillion records or make megaconcerts, it doesn't even have to be widely known by the general public (even though Kraftwerk was far from being obscure and unknown), as long as other artists do know it and assimilate what it does. I can give another example: few people can claim to have been more influential in music than Brian Eno, who among many other feats created ambient music and a widely imitated style of record production, yet very few people other than musicians have even heard of him. By that definition, Kraftwerk is really hard to beat in terms of influence. True, they didn't invent electronic music (Stockhausen was already experimenting with it decades earlier, the theremin is from the 19th century, and there were even earlier experiments). But it was Kraftwerk that brought it to the mainstream and to the center stage. Not only that, they created a lot of techniques, from playing the music itself to arranging it and incorporating it, that remain in wide use. Even today, half a century later, it is IMPOSSIBLE to listen to the radio or Spotify without stumbling in things that we now take for granted, but can ultimately be traced to Kraftwerk. This is why their pioneering can't be overstated.

[@teddine7366]

And you have to give "Man Machine" a spin too. That album was sampled on a lot of hip hop records.

[@fords_nothere_100]

Such a great song. And 70s "Kraut rock" is a fun and fascinating rabbit hole. The band Neu, formed by 2 former Kraftwerk members in 72, has also created some groundbreaking and influential music. Plus other bands like: Can, Faust, Tangerine Dream, etc. Thanks John.

[@thelwulfeoforlic6482]

Fords_ nothere - the term “Kraut Rock” was a derogatory term, coined by the British music press to describe something that their feeble minded journalists didn’t have the wits to understand; it was meant as an insult and is a crass and offensive term even now!

[@frankj10000]

@@thelwulfeoforlic6482 I'm German and I don't think it's offensive at all. To me it's just a genre term defining a certain style of music from a certain period of time and a certain country of origin. And, as far as I know, some of it was actually more appreciated in the UK than in Germany at that time. Of course, some people are more easily offended than others. Some Italians might hate the term "spaghetti western" for example, while others don't care.

[@entermesser178]

A derogatory term like "Made in Germany"? I like Krautrock. "Made in Germany" and "Krautrock" means Quality! Brits failed in both cases! @@thelwulfeoforlic6482

[@christopheradderley45]

Still sounding like the future from the past. Kraftwerk are the perfect band ❤️🖤 Thank God I was wired at birth to love electronic music...

[@hermansiebers9435]

I heard this song in 1975 and it blew my mind. It still does.

[@fredholland7525]

I haven't listened to this in at least ten years. I first heard it in 1974 when I was in Junior High. They were cutting edge techno before there was such a thing as techno.

[@3axapTv]

I love that middle section where synths used like a sounds of cars with Doppler effect. Interesting how were they planned this part, not with notes sheets, but maybe it was like a movie script.

[@robertgyurjan4607]

Recommending you Oxygene from Jean-Michel Jarre.

[@michaelnettles-kf2bl]

I was stoned out of my gourd in high school the first time I heard this...listening on the 8 track player of a friend's car. Listened to it just the other day 45 years later. What's good never get's old, except maybe me.

[@undergroundwarrior70]

Kraftwerk started out around 1968, but their debut album ("Kraftwerk 1") was recoreded and released in 1970, more experimental electronic music and sounds as well their second album (1972, "Krafrtwerk 2"), and their third album (1973) "Ralf und (and) Florian", which was more ambient sounding (before being called ambient music, which that was coined by Brian Eno around 1978). Both Ralf Hutter (founding member) and Florian Schneider (co- founder) had a strong background in classical music. The album "Autobahn" was released in November of 1974. Ralf Hutter: vocals, electronic, music, concept, production. Florian Schneider: vocals, electronic, music (flute), concept, production. Wolfgang Flur: percusion (electronic, which one can tell by listening to it has that early techno sounds way before techno). Klaus Roder: violin, guitar. He left shortly affter and he was replaced by Karl Bartos who did percusion (electronic). The classic lineup of Kraftwerk were Ralf, Folorian, Wolfgang and Karl up until the late 80s. Wolfgang left Kraftwerk before the the recording and release of their 1986 album in early November "Electric Cafe," even though there is a picture drawing of him on the album cover. Karl Bartos left Kraftwerk in August of 1990 due to his frustration with the slow band's progress in their activitvites and to the increasingly perfectionist attitude of Ralf Hutter and Florian Schneider. Florian Schneider left Krafwerk in November of 2008. He sadly passed away of cancer on April 21, 2020 at the age of 73. Today Kraftwerk still perform live concerts worldwide with founding memeber Ralf Hutter with a new lineup, and still have a very strong following. You can watch many of these live concerts on KZbin. Also, good reaction on Kraftwerk's "Autobahn."

[@teddine7366]

Autobahn is amazing considering it was released in '74. I have an early pressing of that on vinyl. Sounds amazing. Not a bad synth track for being just under 50 years old.

[@michaelayliffe7238]

The start is the door cloing the turning on of a wolkwagon beetle. Preitty cool for 40 year old electric music.

[@commanderkruge]

The guitar and the flute in Autobahn are actually real. Other tracks on the album use an electric violin. It's pretty much the last time they ever used non-synthesized instruments.

[@asprinklingofclouds]

This is the remastered version, the original was almost purely electronic with no flute or guitar.

[@commanderkruge]

@@asprinklingofcloudsNnnnope. Flute and Guitar are part of the original from 1974. They didn't just appear on my original record years later. :D

[@asprinklingofclouds]

@@commanderkruge Thanks for the correction, I thought the version I downloaded years ago was the original, but it turns out to be an edited version. The edit takes out all the non-synthesised instruments and comes in at 9:26 which is a lot shorter than the original but too long to be a single edit.

[@commanderkruge]

@@asprinklingofclouds Interesting - But it IS the original version otherwise? Or - perhaps - one of the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3D versions? Those are official live recordings and they sound much closer to the original than the "The Mix" version, but without the "real" instrumentations.

[@edsonballa4535]

This sound will be worshiped for centuries

[@jessem470]

Incredible 1974 Kraftwerk influenced as many bands as say the Stooges of Velvet Underground Everyone from Human League to NIN , Gary Numan to Depeche Mode

[@papalaz4444244]

This is one of the albums using the Minimoog, that had just come out, and turned me onto electronic music and in love with the Minimoog sound today :)

[@ingovonderluhe2174]

1974...when MY HOMETOWN DÜSSELDORF Heroes changed the Music Scene FOREVER !!!! STILL the MOST SAMPLED BAND EVER IN MUSIC HISTORY !!!!

[@andyturner3056]

Bought it when it came out and still love it. So ahead of it's time. Got all Kraftwerk albums and have even seen their live shows. Computer World is still my favourite album by far

[@michaelmueller8772]

Kraftwerk are actually Daft Punk's grandparents.

[@curupirauirapuru3368]

Daft punk smell sucks

[@JimReem]

When this was written, there was no speed limit on the German Autobahn or highway, that is why Mercedes and Porsches are made to go so fast. Imagine doing 190 mph and listening to this.

[@glennaustin37]

50 years! Why no massive celebration? 🎹🖤🎹🖤🎹

[@kurodoragon5154]

That was no Truck. That was the original VW Käfer from Ralf Hütter

[@johankaewberg8162]

In a famous review on Swedish TV one guy, looking flabbergasted just said “Huh. This is the future of music?”

[@Watchyr]

This is so awesome, in '74 as a kid going down the autobahn the precussive sound of the concrete joints was perfectly replicated in the album I heard a couple of years later. When I next drove on the autobahn in the '90s I was a little dissipointed to not hear the joints on the tires that I remembered. So looking forward to hearing more Kraftwerk in Auckland NZ in December. Great reaction to this iconic music, but turn over the album and hear the next under appreciated side.

[@frankj10000]

This seems to be a remastered version. Sounds a little bit different to how I know it.

[@johankaewberg8162]

The joy of traveling, but also “Wilted forests, brown water”. Kraftwerk was ever critical against the very technology that was their main theme.

[@impudentdomain]

In fact the entire album Computer World is fantastic, and made to be played at MAXIMUM VOLUME

[@tubefreeeasy]

You’ve got to hear the newer Kraftwerk Catalog 3D version (red picture on YT). More ear candy.

[@glennaustin37]

Newer? 😂

[@reactionfan1448]

Absolute classic remember first hearing this way back in the early 80's even though it was back in the 70's this is best played when on a long drive Preferably down a motorway Freeway

[@maurobiolchini2557]

Uno dei primi capolavori assoluti dei Kraftwerk datato 1974, l'anno che precedeva "Radioactivity". Unici nel genere!❤❤❤

[@RushSmith65]

I first heard this album back in 1980. Nice.. Had the album at one point too.

[@thelwulfeoforlic6482]

They’re even better live!

[@glennaustin37]

Only a quarter of them now.

[@treyjohnson4035]

I have hope for those.in their.20s liking old synth music.inwas 2 in 1978,when Man Machine was released my ear was glued to the speaker

[@1683clifton]

The fucking honking horns made me flip my lid bro! Super stinky fat bass riff and them horns and motor sounds. Gonna be on my playlist riding for sure.

[@impudentdomain]

I was in high school when this came out. Me and my buddies got this album and listened to it on a lazy sunday afternoon while smoking a little batch. It was great. after that I collected all Kraftwerk stuff.

[@michaelnettles-kf2bl]

"We're driving driving driving driving on the autobahn"

[@Vanedis]

I really feel like I'm hearing the foundations for the soundtracks of Escape From New York and Book of Eli in this song. It makes me nostalgic.

[@Invisible-Rhino]

the travel metaphor works in so many contexts.,.,., they were very disciplined to mention only things that fit every interpretation imaginable.,.,,.,. the car-synth effects were apparently done by the Band's Engineer Conny Plank, but less and less credit has been given over the years to all members but Ralph and Florian sadly,., (pleasepleaseplease would you do a video on ozric tentacles?)

[@michaelnettles-kf2bl]

Get the doppler effect on the passing cars?

[@fenderchamp8241]

Always loved Autobahn. First heard in '75?

[@kraftwerklover69]

Such an artistic song and album. It really is a musical journey.

[@jhavajoe3792]

I must must be thinking of the times ( in comparison to 2024)- it s feels so peaceful.

[@80Jay71]

Looking through your list of videos makes me think you're quite open. Try searching for "she's gone aramenian". Tony Iommi and Ian Gillan gets a reality check when doing a pr-tour. Cheers!

[@looksee2506]

Take a couple of bong hits and take that ride...

[@impudentdomain]

now you need to do their masterpiece Computer Love, but do the long version remastered from their greatest hits album

[@curupirauirapuru3368]

Autobahn tututururu i love Kraftwerk

[@michaelnettles-kf2bl]

Even looked up the German translation

[@TheSteveDallas]

I haven't heard this remastered version before. Still prefer the original version. Still a good song.

[@keether1135]

That was an adventure. 😮

[@ВладиславИргивцев]

Крафтверк золотой фонд планеты🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@rouguy1972]

❤

[@ritagryphon222]

Love this one!

[@Farmlandsfallfan]

If you're gonna release a record that's 22 minutes long it had better be good, this is good and then some.

[@treyjohnson4035]

Check out Bruce Haack

[@chucku00]

Modselektor are somewhat the grandsons of Kraftwerk. They took the same apparently simplistic way to compose their songs and they added their own twist. Their 2020 livestream concert is a good way to discover them : kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2qkiqGErbCHmtE

[@DanielTaylorOCMD]

One of my favorite pieces of music I only discovered a couple of years ago, but the whole album is worth the time for a listen. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHjRd3lrrJqmqNE It's a tribute album by Senor Coconut to Kraftwork.

[@thelwulfeoforlic6482]

Daniel Taylor - HOW is that excrement a ‘tribute’ to Kraftwerk? Unfortunately I will NEVER unheard that garbage 🤢🤮🤬

[@juandesalgado]

Tangerine Dream was always more interesting to me than Kraftwerk. The song "Remote Viewing" is a good representative example of their work.

[@428chase]

come on man you always talk about the love of Synthesizers you got to listen to this much better then autobahn