Trans-Europe Express

by Kraftwerk

Overview

Although Autobahn was a left-field masterpiece, Trans-Europe Express is often cited as perhaps the archetypal (and most accessible) Kraftwerk album. Melodic themes are repeated often and occasionally interwoven over deliberate, chugging beats, sometimes with manipulated vocals; the effect is mechanical yet hypnotic. Thematically, the record feels like parts of two different concept albums: one a meditation on the disparities between reality and image ("Hall of Mirrors" and "Showroom Dummies" share recurring images of glass, reflection, illusion, and confused identities, as well as whimsical melodies), and the other the glorification of Europe. There is an impressive composition paying homage to "Franz Schubert," but the real meat of this approach is contained in the opening love letter, "Europe Endless," and the epic title track, which shares themes and lyrics with the following track, "Metal on Metal." The song "Trans-Europe Express" is similar in concept to "Autobahn," as it mimics the swaying motion and insistent drive of a cross-continent train trip. What ultimately holds the album together, though, is the music, which is more consistently memorable even than that on Autobahn. Overall, Trans-Europe Express offers the best blend of minimalism, mechanized rhythms, and crafted, catchy melodies in the group's catalog; henceforth, their music would take on more danceable qualities only hinted at here (although the title cut provided the basis for Afrika Bambaataa's enormously important dancefloor smash "Planet Rock"). ~ Steve Huey

Product Details

Release Date:	10/19/2009
Label:	Polygram Uk
UPC:	5099996602027

Tracks

1. Europe Endless
2. Hall of Mirrors
3. Showroom Dummies
4. Trans Europe Express
5. Metal on Metal
6. Abzug
7. Franz Schubert
8. Endless Endless

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Kraftwerk   Primary Artist,Vocals
Florian Schneider   Drums,Vocals,Voices,Vocoder,Keyboards,Electronics,Synthesizer,Electronic Sounds
Ralf Huetter   Drums,Vocals,Voices,Keyboards,Electronics,Synthesizer,Electronic Sounds,Orchestral Keyboards
Karl Bartos   Drums,Percussion,Electronic Drums,Electronic Percussion
Wolfgang Fluer   Drums,Percussion,Synthesizer,Electronic Drums,Electronic Percussion

Technical Credits

Kraftwerk   Composer
Florian Schneider   Composer,Engineer,Lyricist,Producer,Group Member
Thomas Kuckuck   Engineer,Mixing Engineer
Ralf Huetter   Composer,Engineer,Lyricist,Producer,Amplifiers,Group Member
Karl Bartos   Group Member
Bill Halverson   Mixing Engineer,Engineer
Peter Bollig   Engineer,Recording,Audio Engineer
Noel Summerville   Mastering Engineer
Emil Schult   Composer,Lyricist
Maurice Seymour   Photography
J. Stara   Photography
Peter Boug   Engineer
Dave Thompson   Liner Notes
Wolfgang Fluer   Group Member