What makes Neu! 4 by Neu! notable?

Neu! 4 is notable for its critical reception, often regarded as a seminal work in the Krautrock revival movement of the mid-'90s. The album's innovative use of rhythm and texture influenced various genres, including electronic music and post-rock, inspiring a new generation of artists. Released in 1995, Neu! 4 marked a significant return for the band after a long hiatus since their last album, Neu! 75. This album came during a period of renewed interest in Krautrock, as the genre's influence on electronic and alternative music became more apparent. The band sought to explore new sonic territories while retaining their signature sound.

How many songs are on Neu! 4?

Neu! 4 has 14 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Neu! 4

Neu! · 1995

57 min · 14 tracks · Krautrock

A hypnotic blend of minimalist rhythms and shimmering melodies that embodies the experimental spirit of '90s Krautrock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nazionale — Opening with driving rhythms and layered textures, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of soundscapes that blend traditional rock elements with avant-garde experimentation.
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Crazy — With its catchy melody and syncopated beats, this track showcases Neu!'s ability to merge accessibility with experimentalism, making it stand out within the album.
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Schöne Welle (Nice Wave) — This track exemplifies the band's distinctive sound, combining lush instrumentals with a sense of ethereal beauty that captures the essence of Neu!'s artistic vision.
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Dänzing — The rhythmic pulse and unique structure of this song reflect Neu!'s innovative approach to composition, marking it as an essential moment on the album.
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La Bomba (Stop Aparthijd World Wide!) — Closing the album, this track combines playful rhythms with a politically charged message, demonstrating Neu!'s continued relevance in addressing contemporary issues through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Neu! 4 combines hypnotic rhythms and textures, marking a strong return for the band in the Krautrock revival.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks that often build gradually, layering minimalist rhythms with melodic elements over time.
Several tracks utilize repetitive motifs that create a hypnotic effect, inviting deep listening rather than casual engagement.
The instrumentation is predominantly electronic, with a focus on texture and atmosphere rather than traditional song structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Nazionale 3:11
2 Crazy 3:15
3 Flying Dutchman 3:56
4 Schöne Welle (Nice Wave) 4:30
5 Wave Naturelle 5:37
6 Good Life (Random‐Rough) 3:51
7 86 Commercial Trash 3:18
8 Flying Dutch II 5:06
9 Dänzing 5:08
10 Quick Wave Machinelle 3:46
11 Bush Drum 3:10
12 La Bomba (Stop Aparthijd World Wide!) 5:59
13 Good Life 3:42
14 Elanoizan 3:24

What to play next

Listen next

Neu! '72 Live in Dusseldorf

1996

Go back to

Black Forest Gateau

1982

Full Neu! discography Artists like Neu!

Krautrock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata