NENA ? Fragezeichen (Question Mark) 12" Vinyl LP Album

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Nena's "? (Fragezeichen)" propelled her to superstar status within the German New Wave scene. The album blends Nena's catchy pop melodies with bolder instrumentation and synthesizer use. It features anthems like the title track and showcases Nena's growing songwriting involvement and lyrical depth. "? (Fragezeichen)" solidified her as a dynamic force in German pop music.

NENA ? Fragezeichen (Question Mark) 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Band Description:

Nena's second studio album, "? (Fragezeichen)" (Question Mark), arrived in 1984 to massive success, propelling her to the forefront of the Neue Deutsche Welle (German New Wave) movement. The album showcases an exciting evolution in her sound and a willingness to take creative risks.

Sonic Exploration

"? (Fragezeichen)" finds Nena embracing a greater variety of musical styles. Infectious pop hooks still dominate, but there's a newfound edge thanks to punchy guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and a bolder use of synthesizers. Songs like the iconic title track, "? (Fragezeichen)", and the anthemic "Rette Mich" embody this dynamic New Wave infused pop sensibility.

Nena: Taking Charge

While her debut album saw her as a fresh-faced pop star, Nena asserted greater control over her music on "? (Fragezeichen)". She contributed to the songwriting, ensuring the album reflected her personal experiences and perspective. Her vocals retain their signature playfulness, but there's an added depth and confidence in her delivery.

The Production Team

Reinhold Heil and Manne Praeker served as producers, shaping the album's signature sound. The band Nena, a tight-knit unit since her debut, provided the instrumental backbone. This lineup included keyboardist/guitarist Carlo Karges, bassist Jürgen Dehmel, and drummer Rolf Brendel.

The Power of Questions

The question mark motif of the album extends beyond the title. Lyrics explore themes of uncertainty, love, and social consciousness, reflecting a maturing artist with more to say than her initial breakout hits.

Music Genre:

 Pop, Krautrock Music 

Album Production Information:

Produced by Reinhold Heil, Manne Praeker, Rico Sondegger,

Recorded Oct-Dec 1983 at Spliffstudio Berlin, Germany

Album Packaging:Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics by Nena and photos.   

Record Label & Catalognr:

 CBS 25 870 (25870) 12--025870-1, Hate Edition

Media Format:

 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record  

Year & Country:

  1984 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: NENA ? Fragezeichen (Question Mark)
    Band/Musicians
  • Nena
  • Dave Sanborn
Complete Track Listing of: NENA ? Fragezeichen (Question Mark)
    Side One:
  1. Rette Mich
  2. ? Fragezeichen
  3. Das Land Der Elefanten
  4. Unerkannt durchs Marchenland
  5. Kuss mich wach
  6. Lass mich dein Pirat sein
    Side Two:
  1. Ich hang an dir
  2. Sois Bienvenu
  3. Kein Antword
  4. Der Bus is' schon weg
  5. Es Regnet
  6. Der anfang vom Ende
Index of NENA Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery
NENA - Eisbrecher 12" Vinyl LP
NENA - Eisbrecher album front cover vinyl record

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NENA - Feuer und Flamme 12" Vinyl LP
NENA - Feuer und Flamme album front cover vinyl record

Musically, "Feuer und Flamme" showcases Nena's signature blend of infectious energy and a newfound maturity. Tracks like the title song, "? (Fragezeichen)", and "Haus der drei Sonnen" retain a playful quality

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NENA - ? Fragezeichen 12" Vinyl LP
NENA - ? Fragezeichen album front cover vinyl record

"? (Fragezeichen)" finds Nena embracing a greater variety of musical styles. Infectious pop hooks still dominate, but there's a newfound edge thanks to punchy guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and a bolder use of synthesizers.

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NENA - 99 Luftballons DEMO 12" Vinyl Maxi Single
NENA - 99 Luftballons DEMO album front cover vinyl record

The NENA "99 - Luftballons"- Demonstration Not for Sale 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl represents a fascinating chapter in the career of German singer NENA and the enduring popularity of her breakthrough song.

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NENA - 99 Luftballons 7" Vinyl Single
NENA - 99 Luftballons album front cover vinyl record

"99 Luftballons" is deceptively catchy. Underneath its bouncy new wave melody lies a story about the paranoia of the Cold War, inspired by guitarist Carlo Karges seeing balloons released at a Rolling Stones concert.

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NENA - Self-titled 12" Vinyl LP
NENA - Self-titled album front cover vinyl record

Nena's debut exists firmly within the Neue Deutsche Welle (German New Wave) movement. Songs like "Kino" and "Leuchtturm" ("Lighthouse") are infused with the era's signature blend of quirky synths, driving rhythms, and playful melodies

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NENA - Self-Titled International Version 12" Vinyl LP
NENA - Self-Titled International Version album front cover vinyl record

This is the international version of Nena's self-titled album. The song 99 Red Balloon has been remixed and is sung in English

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NENA - Songs and Photos 12" Vinyl LP
NENA - Songs and Photos album front cover vinyl record

Musically, "Songs & Photos" features a mix of existing Nena hits, including "? (Fragezeichen)" and an English version of "99 Luftballons." There's a strong emphasis on showcasing Nena's pop sensibility, offering a more accessible side

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