German band Neu! is one of the most influential and innovative acts of the 1970s krautrock movement. Formed in Düsseldorf in 1971 by multi-instrumentalists Michael Rother and Klaus Dinger, the band’s unique approach to rock music combined experimental and avant-garde elements with propulsive rhythms and hypnotic melodies, resulting in a sound that was both groundbreaking and timeless.
Neu!’s influence can be heard in countless bands and genres, from post-punk to electronic music, and their legacy continues to inspire and captivate listeners to this day.
In this list, we take a look at the 10 best Neu! – Neu! songs of all time, showcasing the band’s incredible range and creativity, from the pulsing and hypnotic “Hallogallo” to the haunting and introspective “Leb’ wohl.”
Each of these tracks represents a unique and important chapter in the band’s storied career, and together they showcase the incredible depth and breadth of Neu!’s musical vision.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band’s music, this list is sure to provide an illuminating and rewarding journey through some of the greatest experimental rock music ever created.
1. Hallogallo
“Hallogallo” is a seminal piece of music that helped define the sound of German krautrock in the 1970s. Clocking in at just over 10 minutes, the track is a hypnotic and propulsive journey that is both meditative and invigorating.
The driving motorik beat is underpinned by a repetitive bassline and shimmering guitars that build and build, creating a sense of momentum and propulsion that is both powerful and alluring. The track’s simple yet effective structure allows for a sense of improvisation and experimentation, with the musicians pushing the boundaries of what was possible with rock music at the time.
“Neu! – Neu! Hallogallo” remains a timeless classic that continues to influence and inspire musicians to this day, and is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of experimental music.
2. Isi
“Isi” is a captivating and dynamic track that showcases the innovative approach to music-making that the German krautrock band Neu! was known for. The song opens with a simple yet alluring guitar riff that is soon joined by a driving beat and layers of atmospheric sound effects.
The hypnotic rhythm and the interplay between the various musical elements create a sense of tension and release that is both thrilling and satisfying. The track’s dynamic structure allows for a sense of spontaneity and experimentation, with the musicians exploring different textures and sounds as the song progresses.
“Neu! – Neu! Isi” is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that was both experimental and accessible, and it continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
3. Für immer (Forever)
“Für immer (Forever)” is a haunting and introspective track that showcases the depth and emotional range of the German krautrock band Neu!. The song opens with a sparse and mournful guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track.
The melancholic melody is soon joined by a pulsing beat and atmospheric sound effects that create a sense of tension and unease. The hypnotic rhythm and the haunting vocals add to the song’s introspective and contemplative mood, inviting the listener to reflect on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. ”
Neu! – Neu Für immer (Forever)” is a powerful and moving piece of music that speaks to the human experience in a profound and affecting way, and it remains a timeless classic of experimental music.
4. Negativland
“Negativland” is a thrilling and dynamic track that showcases the innovative and experimental approach to music-making that the German krautrock band Neu! was known for. The song opens with a cacophony of discordant sounds and disorienting rhythms, creating a sense of chaos and confusion.
The relentless and driving beat propels the track forward, while layers of atmospheric sound effects and distorted guitars add to the song’s disorienting and otherworldly feel. The track’s complex and unpredictable structure invites the listener to let go of their preconceptions about what music should sound like, and to embrace the unknown and the unexpected.
“Neu! – Neu Negativland” is a bold and fearless piece of music that pushes the boundaries of what was possible with rock music, and it remains a testament to the band’s ability to create music that was both challenging and rewarding.
5. Seeland
“Seeland” is an iconic track that helped define the sound of German krautrock in the 1970s. The song opens with a hypnotic and repetitive guitar riff that is soon joined by a driving motorik beat, creating a sense of momentum and propulsion that is both powerful and alluring.
The interplay between the various musical elements creates a sense of tension and release that is both thrilling and satisfying. The track’s structure allows for a sense of improvisation and experimentation, with the musicians exploring different textures and sounds as the song progresses.
“Neu! – Neu Seeland” is a timeless classic that continues to influence and inspire musicians to this day, and it is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of experimental music.
6. Leb’ wohl
“Leb’ wohl” is a haunting and poignant track that showcases the emotional depth and range of the German krautrock band Neu!. The song opens with a simple and melancholic guitar riff that is soon joined by a sparse and mournful beat.
The hypnotic rhythm and the haunting vocals add to the song’s introspective and contemplative mood, inviting the listener to reflect on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The track’s emotional intensity builds slowly but steadily, creating a sense of catharsis and release that is both powerful and moving.
“Neu! – Neu Leb’ wohl” is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that was both experimental and deeply affecting, and it remains a timeless classic of avant-garde music.
7. Hero
“Hero” is a powerful and evocative track that showcases the German krautrock band Neu!’s ability to create music that was both innovative and emotionally resonant. The song opens with a mesmerizing and propulsive beat, which is soon joined by layers of atmospheric sound effects and a soaring guitar riff.
The hypnotic rhythm and the interplay between the various musical elements create a sense of drama and intensity that is both exhilarating and cathartic.
The track’s dynamic structure allows for a sense of improvisation and experimentation, with the musicians pushing the boundaries of what was possible with rock music.
“Neu! – Neu Hero” is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that was both challenging and accessible, and it remains a timeless classic of experimental music.
8. Weissensee
“Weissensee” is a mesmerizing and atmospheric track that showcases the innovative and experimental approach to music-making that the German krautrock band Neu! was known for. The song opens with a haunting and dreamlike guitar riff that is soon joined by a pulsing beat and layers of atmospheric sound effects.
The hypnotic rhythm and the interplay between the various musical elements create a sense of tension and release that is both captivating and alluring. The track’s dynamic structure allows for a sense of improvisation and exploration, with the musicians pushing the boundaries of what was possible with rock music.
“Neu! – Neu Weissensee” is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that was both challenging and rewarding, and it remains a timeless classic of experimental music.
9. Neuschnee
“Neuschnee” is an innovative and mesmerizing track that showcases the German krautrock band Neu!’s unique ability to create music that was both experimental and accessible. The song opens with a driving and hypnotic beat, which is soon joined by layers of atmospheric sound effects and a mesmerizing guitar riff.
The interplay between the various musical elements creates a sense of tension and release that is both thrilling and captivating. The track’s dynamic structure allows for a sense of improvisation and exploration, with the musicians experimenting with different textures and sounds as the song progresses.
“Neu! – Neu Neuschnee” is a testament to the band’s ability to push the boundaries of what was possible with rock music, and it remains a timeless classic of experimental music.
10. Super
“Super” is a powerful and dynamic track that showcases the German krautrock band Neu!’s ability to create music that was both innovative and emotionally charged. The song opens with a propulsive and hypnotic beat that is soon joined by layers of atmospheric sound effects and a driving guitar riff.
The interplay between the various musical elements creates a sense of tension and release that is both exhilarating and cathartic. The track’s dynamic structure allows for a sense of experimentation and exploration, with the musicians pushing the boundaries of what was possible with rock music.
“Neu! – Neu Super” is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that was both challenging and accessible, and it remains a timeless classic of experimental music.