The German electronic group, Kraftwerk was founded by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1970. Florian Schneider would eventually leave the group in 2008. Kraftwerk is considered a pioneer group in electronic music because they were one of the first groups to make the genre popular. Kraftwerk's sound is made up of repetitive and driving rhythms combined with catchy melodies. Sound patterned after Western Classical harmonies, with minimalistic and strictly electronic instrumentations.
In 1974, Kraftwerk released the album, Autobahn. This was the group's fourth studio album. The album was not fully electronic because guitar, flute and violin were used with synthesizers. For the title track Autobahn, the group wanted to capture the feeling of driving on the Autobahn, using high speed concentration on the fast lane, the monotony of a long trip and tuning of a car radio.
In 1975, Kraftwerk released the album, Radio-Activity. This was the group's fifth studio album. This was the first album that did not use violins, guitars and flute. The track, Radio-Activity was a single that was a hit in France after being used on a popular music show.
In 1976, Kraftwerk released the album, Trans-Europe Express. This was their sixth album. The 7 track album showed much change from their earlier improvisational style and consisted of more formatted melodic electronic songs.
In 1978, the group released their seventh album titled, The Man-Machine. The 6 track album reached number 12 on the Germany album charts. The song, The Model topped the charts in the United Kingdom in 1982.
In 1981, the group released their eighth album titled, Computer World. The 7 track album was released in both German and English languages just like the 2 previous albums. The single, Computer Love peaked at #36 on the charts. Computer World, was listed as the 25th best album of the 1980s's by Slant Magazine.
There are many things that have made Kraftwerk pioneers in the electronic music genre. The group was constantly pushing music technology to the limits by using instruments they created and built themselves. P. Leunig and R. Obermayer from PTB Braunschweig built the custom vocoder the band used on a few of their albums. Most of the group's lyrical content was based on technology and European urban life. Their songs displayed a side of modern urban life from a parodical nature. Celebrating the joys of modern technology with a strong sense of alienation.
I became a fan of Kraftwerk from learning about them in the Music History I course. Now working here in Germany where electronic is the most popular music in my area. I have spoken to a few electronic deejays and they have had nothing but good things to say about the group. From an industry standpoint to learn about a group that wanted to push the musical envelope by building their own instruments in remarkable. Even more than that to achieve the success that they have had over such a long period of time is even more amazing.
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