The Man-Machine is a 1978 album by Kraftwerk. It was released in German as Die Mensch-Maschine. It contains the song "The Model" which was a #1 single in the UK in 1982 and has been covered by bands such as Carter USM, Electric Six, Rammstein, Yat-Kha, Spanish pioneers Aviador Dro, and the influential noise rock band Big Black.

This was the first Kraftwerk album to see Karl Bartos co-credited with song-writing along with Hütter & Schneider. Emil Schult co-wrote the lyrics for "The Model".

Musically, it builds on the already impressive Trans-Europe Express, further refining Kraftwerk's by then unique sound – the tracks are more concise, the melodies even stronger and the electronic percussion & sequencing even tighter.

The album was voted #96 in Q Magazine in February 2006's List of 100 Greatest Albums.

Controversy

This album, and Karl Klefish's cover design in particular (which featured photography by Günther Fröhling), led some critics to accuse the band of experimenting with fascist imagery. The use of red and various Russian phrases, with a design based on the work of Soviet artist El Lissitzky, actually suggests an attempt to reference a broader spectrum of pre-war totalitarian art.

Track listing

English release

1. (06:11) "The Robots"
2. (05:51) "Spacelab"
3. (05:59) "Metropolis"
4. (03:38) "The Model"
5. (09:03) "Neon Lights"
6. (05:28) "The Man-Machine"

German release

1. (06:11) "Die Roboter"
2. (05:51) "Spacelab"
3. (05:59) "Metropolis"
4. (03:38) "Das Modell"
5. (09:03) "Neonlicht"
6. (05:28) "Die Mensch-Maschine"

Equipment

• 2 "Synthorama" 16-step custom analogue sequencers built by Matten & Wiechers
• Farfisa electric piano
• Custom-built electronic drum pads
• Moog Minimoog
• Moog Micromoog
• ARP Odyssey
• Vako Orchestron

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Kraftwerk | Kraftwerk albums | 1978 albums

The Man Machine | The Man Machine | 人間解体 | The Man Machine | The Man Machine | Die Mensch-Maschine