COMPUTER WORLD [AKA: COMPUTERWELT]

I very rarely see Kraftwerk get any credit for the advancements they made in electronica and synth based pop. "Computer World" came out eleven years after their first recording and by the band, and at this point the style that they were pioneering was becoming to be more universal. "Computer World" (despite being only 35 minutes long) proved that Kraftwerk could more than hold their own amongst all of their new disciples. The number of times this album has been sampled is unreal.

The focus here is electronic minimalism. Electronic drums, synthesizer based (composition and just sounds). It is maddeningly catchy, and flows rather nicely with theme reprisals throughout the entire album. It is also a concept about an overtly computer based society. The lyrics are mostly just there to complement the songs, but it does all fit in conceptually even if they are enjoyably silly. This is some of the best formulaic electronica out there.

This recording is very quirky. With upbeat little synth lines, simplistic... well EVERYTHING the album all fits in nicely. The key to great electronica is repetition without becoming monotonous. This is achieved very nicely on the album. I give my guarantee that you will not get bored, this album is anything but dull.

The album, however, doesn't tread any new ground. A small complaint, but to really be blown away by something it has to do something new and appropriate. Kraftwerk was playing it safe, and just released something they knew would be good without having to take any risks. 35 minutes is also fairly short for any type of album.

"Computer Love" is an amazing track, the lyrics (although weather its bad English or intentionally bad writing is unknown to me) actually come off as well thought out if the inherent silliness is ignored. The synth is easily amongst the greatest and catchiest electronic compositions. I honestly cant help but mime the playing while I listen. "Pocket Calculator" is hilarious and lighthearted, and one would have to be a grouch not to admit they like it at least a little. The two "Computer World" tracks lay the foundation of the album and stand out, even if only because of the reprisal. "It's More Fun To Compute" would have to be the worst track because it fails to measure up to an entire album of quirky, excellent, minimalism.

If you are an electronic fan, you need this album. It manages to fit into the new electronic scene of its time, without straying from the Kraftwerk sound. Give it a spin, you'll not be disappointed