With their reputation starting to build even more outside of Germany thanks to Autobahn and Radio-Activity, on Trans-Europe Express Kraftwerk reached a level of pinpoint focus and precision, at once codifying what synth-pop would become as well as laying the unplanned groundwork for much of electro and hip hop that soon followed. Understated vocals, mysterious lyrical scenarios both attractive and uneasy, the feeling of sparkling but dominant machinery, all combine here to awesome effect.