Arriving at the origins of Kraftwerk's "classic era", Autobahn is the record often sighted as the first to articulate electronic music into a popular format. Moving away from Krautrock to fully embrace synthesizers and electronic percussion, the group channel humble inspirations from Germany's limitless motorway, birthing this legendary twenty two minute novelty. Does it stand the test of time? Absolutely. There is an adorable charm within, as square and sawtooth waves pan the stereo spectrum, snowballing with resonance, only to vanish like a passing car. Primitive sound design yet utterly effective and visionary for the time. This spectacle gives way to a lengthy melodic stretch where flutes, synth bass and glossy plucks croon in a wholesome goodness. Cycling again between its main theme, another sound design motor engine escapade plays out. With childlike wonder, as if kids playing with toy cars and making imitative sounds, now adults creating joyous soundscapes from travels on their musical toys.
The second half of Autobahn was fresh to my ears. A interesting collection of instrumentals, alternating between droning soundscapes of curiosity and tuneful electronic pop. Its last two tracks perk the ears with a collection of synthesized sounds imitating nature, from birds tweeting, to gushing flows of water river and the siren calls of distressed mammals, the band show of a mastery that is still impressive today. It seems the record was intentionally split. Side houses its opening epic, a fully formed work. Side B an offering of unresolving ideas. Depending on ones mood, either is a delight but its title track is champion, a remarkable piece of music for all time.
Rating: 7/10