THE MAN-MACHINE [AKA: DIE MENSCH-MASCHINE]

The Man-Machine is the pinnacle of cheesy progressive robo-electro rock. The tracks on this album seem to run together in almost the same manner as the self-titled track from Autobahn, but sectioned off into shorter tracks.

From the slightly ominous album cover to the very dark melodies and sinister vocals, this album evokes feelings of complete domination (if you can listen to the German version of "The Robots" called "Die Roboter", it is surprisingly amplified in creepiness). I've never gotten much of a horror sci-fi film soundtrack vibe from a Kraftwerk album except for on this album, which almost sounds like it could've been on an Argento film soundtrack from the '80s (something I mention frequently in my reviews). This music is creepy, dark, foreboding, repetitive, and pacing. The dead robo-electro beats pulse in the mind, and every track seems to last forever, eventually amplifying itself in whatever quality seems most prevalent at any given moment. This is one of Kraftwerk's most creative moments, it seems to me. About every track on this album has a melody that progresses in a simple, and barely noticeable way, unless you really pay attention to it. The sound is very full and lush compared to other Kraftwerk albums, and there are plenty of experimental, peripheral sounds added to the atmosphere.

This album, The Man-Machine, is the absolute masterpiece in the Kraftwerk discography. It has everything that anyone would expect from this group, but with an added sophistication that isn't so present on their other albums. Definitely an essential listen, definitely regarding Kraftwerk's krafty werks.