Six Techno Tracks for Detroit

Berlin is the go-to destination for techno tourism, but first you need to learn about the genre’s history. Birthed in the Motor City, here are six classic tracks that take you back to 1980s Detroit.

“Big Fun” by Inner City (1988)

It’s hard to decide if this is better than “Good Life” or not. Produced by Kevin Saunderson aka The Elevator, “Big Fun” was an early crossover hit for Detroit, though its still up for debate whether the track qualifies as house or techno.

“Cosmic Cars” by Cybotron (1982)

Juan Atkins states his music has always been inspired by a sense of escape. “Cosmic Cars” recreates the feeling of driving on the highway before transporting you into space.

“The Art of Stalking” by Suburban Knight (1990)

Also known as James Pennington, Suburban Knight was a high-school classmate of Kevin Saunderson. True to its name, “The Art of Stalking” is a dark portrayal of Detroit.

“Sharevari” by A Number of Names (1981)

Sampling “It’s More Fun to Compute” by Kraftwerk, “Sharevari” is one of the contenders laying claim as the first techno song in history. Its main competition is Cybotron’s “Alley of Your Mind.”

“Strings of Life” by Rhythim Is Rhythim (1987)

Derrick May’s most iconic track transcends both house and techno, reminding listeners the early pioneers of the genre imagined a bright, not dystopian future.

“Goodbye Kiss” by Eddie Fowlkes (1986)

The “Belleville Three” (May, Atkins and Saunderson) get all the fame, but Eddie Fowlkes was right there with them in the early days of techno, even producing “Goodbye Kiss” on Atkins’ gear.