Trans-Europe Express (German: Trans Europa Express) is the sixth studio album by German electronic music band Kraftwerk. Recorded in mid-1976 in Düsseldorf, Germany, the album was released in March 1977 on Kling Klang Records. The album’s themes were influenced by friends who suggested writing songs about the Trans Europ Express to reflect Kraftwerk’s electronic music style. Critics have described the album as having two specific themes: celebration of Europe and the disparities between reality and image. Musically, the songs on this album differ from the group’s earlier Krautrock style with a focus on electronic mechanized rhythms, minimalism, and occasional manipulated vocals.

Trans-Europe Express charted at 119 on the American charts and was placed number 30 on the Village Voice’s 1977 Pazz & Jop critics poll. Two singles were released from Trans-Europe Express: “Trans-Europe Express” and “Showroom Dummies”. The album has been re-released in several formats and continued to receive acclaim from modern critics.

Released: March 1977

Recorded: 1976 at Kling Klang Studio in Düsseldorf, Germany

Genre: Electronic

Length: 42:45

Label: Kling Klang

Producers: Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider

Singles released from the Album:

“Trans-Europe Express” Released in April 1977

“Showroom Dummies” Released in June 1976