Legendary techno masterpieces that go down in history. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.

Derrick May

Strings of Life

Derrick May’s “Innovator (Mayday)” opens with a refreshing piano sound.

He’s considered one of the pioneers of Detroit techno.

The interplay between the soaring strings and piano is marvelous, and his skill in laying down electro beats and ultimately distilling it into techno is stunning.

If dark, mysterious techno isn’t your thing, I highly recommend giving this track a listen.

Plastikman

Plastikman – EX (Full Album)

A mix titled ‘Musik’ produced by Plastikman, one of the world’s leading minimal techno artists.

This must-hear set transitions from dark, deep electro sounds to bright, ethnic-tinged vibes.

The dynamic rises and falls showcase a singular technique.

When the tempo is slower, the arrangement is denser; when the tempo is faster, the elements are sparser—overall, it’s a well-balanced mix.

The Prodigy

The Prodigy – The Fat Of The Land Live

A classic album that Prodigy fans call “the crab.” Pretty much looks like it, right? As an aside, in 2019 a track with a visualizer that blatantly copied this cover went viral on TikTok.

They were influenced by rave culture, sparked a global big beat craze, and later impacted the rise of electro as well.

In Japan, there was even a time when they were revered as one of the “Four Heavenly Kings of Techno.” It’s what you’d call UK-style techno.

Carl Craig

Carl Craig – Landcruising (Full Album)

This is Landcruising, a classic album by American techno artist Carl Craig.

It opens with the ambient first track Mind Of A Machine, where soft pads drift in the background, and as you listen on, it gradually shifts into a futuristic, light-footed beat.

Although the atmosphere remains dreamy throughout, the wide variety of synthesizer tones keeps it from ever becoming monotonous.

The unconventional, irregular rhythms interweave skillfully, making you increasingly excited for what comes next.

Model 500

Model 500 – Deep Space (Full Album 1995)

This is Deep Space by veteran techno artist Model 500.

As you’d expect from one of the heavyweights of the techno world, the meticulous processing of every single sound is stunning.

The album ranges from pleasantly swaying, horizontal-groove tracks to more vertical, driving ones, creating a dynamic ebb and flow.

I was especially impressed by the metallic, high-pitched synth sounds.

By the time you’ve listened to the whole thing, you’re left completely satisfied.

CJ BOLLAND

CJ Bolland – The 4th Sign Full Album HD

CJ Bolland is a legendary UK techno DJ.

Those familiar with him will recognize his work, as he has released on labels like R&S, and he continues to put out music to this day.

He’s been featured by modern top techno label Drumcode alongside artists like Adam Beyer.

Among his catalog, this album might be considered one of the standout hits that represents his career.

Ken Ishii

Ken Ishii – Sleeping Madness (Full Album)

Ken Ishii, known worldwide by the moniker the Techno God of the East, released the album Sleeping Madness in 1999, and it is still regarded as a classic today.

While the album is filled with simple, stress-free synth sounds, the use of delay and resonance-like tonal changes keeps it from ever becoming boring.

I also find it interesting that live instrument sounds are used for the percussion and bass.