Live at SO36 cover

Released 10 years ago

Live at SO36

Nena · 2016

88 min · 21 tracks · new wave

A vibrant live performance that captures the explosive energy of Nena's hits and the spirit of 80s Neue Deutsche Welle.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Noch einmal Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    99 Luftballons — This track remains Nena's most famous song and exemplifies her signature blend of catchy melodies and poignant political commentary. Its inclusion reinforces the album's nostalgic appeal and connection to global anti-war sentiments.
  • →
    Leuchtturm — This song showcases Nena's infectious energy and vocal prowess, making it a fan favorite that captures the essence of her pop rock roots. Its upbeat nature serves as a highlight of her live performance.
  • →
    Irgendwie, irgendwo, irgendwann — The track represents a defining moment in Nena's career, blending synth-pop with romantic themes that resonate strongly with audiences. Its performance in this live setting amplifies its emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

62 /100
Foothills
Higher than 24% of albums we've rated

The live setting captures Nena's energy but lacks a strong narrative arc across its lengthy tracklist.

What we noticed

  • The album features a continuous flow of live tracks, with Nena engaging the audience between songs, creating a sense of immediacy.
  • Several tracks are extended with instrumental solos and audience participation, enhancing the live experience.
  • The setlist prominently includes her biggest hits, which are often reinterpreted with slight variations in arrangement and tempo.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic sing-along experiences
  • dynamic live performance energy
  • wave-like pacing for engagement
  • celebratory moments with friends
  • vibrant anthems for dancing

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quiet introspective moments
  • prefer short concise albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Captures Nena's live energy and features beloved classics, appealing to dedicated fans.
Career context
Released in 2016, this live album came during Nena's resurgence in popularity after decades since her iconic single '99 Luftballons'. At this stage, she had transitioned from a pop icon to a respected live performer, often revisiting her classic tracks with renewed vigor. This album serves as both a celebration of her legacy and a testament to her lasting appeal in the German music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Falco· Kraftwerk· Alphaville

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Noch einmal Start here 4:32
  • 2 Lieder von früher 3:06
  • 3 Ja das wars 2:44
  • 4 Betonblock 3:07
  • 5 Kreis 3:50
  • 6 Zaubertrick 4:07
  • 7 Ecstasy 3:06
  • 8 Nur geträumt 4:52
  • 9 Willst du mit mir gehn 4:31
  • 10 Sonnemond 3:11
  • 11 Leuchtturm 6:09
  • 12 Berufsjugendlich 3:05
  • 13 99 Luftballons 4:20

Disc 2

  • 1 Genau jetzt 4:10
  • 2 Pi Ich rechne mit allem 5:46
  • 3 Peter Pan 4:00
  • 4 Bruder 3:40
  • 5 Wunder geschehn 5:13
  • 6 Irgendwie, irgendwo, irgendwann 4:09
  • 7 Schicksal 4:19
  • 8 Zusammen 6:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata