Album Review: Und Die Sonne Zieht Gegen Den Wind by NF (1984)
Alright, let’s talk about this gem from the ‘80s—Und Die Sonne Zieht Gegen Den Wind. It’s one of those albums that feels like it was plucked straight out of a dreamy, melancholic German seaside town. Released in 1984 under the label All-Wa, this pop masterpiece has an understated charm that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. And trust me, once it gets its hooks into your soul, there’s no letting go.
First off, can we just appreciate the tracklist? Songs like Die Grunen Winter Von Irland and Strandkorb nr. 334 immediately transport you to somewhere cold but cozy—a place where the wind bites at your cheeks but somehow makes everything feel more alive. But if I had to pick two tracks that stuck with me, they’d be Und Die Sonne Zieht Gegen Den Wind and Der Bernsteinjager.
The title track, Und Die Sonne Zieht Gegen Den Wind, is hauntingly beautiful. The melody builds slowly, almost shyly, before sweeping you away with these lush synths and vocals dripping with emotion. You don’t even need to understand every word—it’s the kind of song that speaks directly to your heart. There’s something so raw and unfiltered about it; it feels like watching the sunset over a lonely beach, knowing full well tomorrow might not bring anything better, but still finding beauty in the moment anyway.
And then there’s Der Bernsteinjager. Oh man, this one hits different. It’s got this driving rhythm paired with lyrics that paint vivid pictures of amber hunters chasing treasures along the Baltic coast. Every time I hear it, I imagine myself walking through misty dunes, boots crunching against frost-covered sand. It’s nostalgic, sure, but also kinda hopeful? Like maybe life isn’t all bad after all.
One thing I love about this album is how it doesn’t try too hard. It’s not flashy or overly produced—it’s just honest music made for people who want to feel something real. Even the little imperfections—the slightly off-key note here, the unexpected pause there—add character. These songs breathe. They live.
Reflection time: Listening to Und Die Sonne Zieht Gegen Den Wind feels like flipping through an old photo album you found tucked away in your grandparents’ attic. Each track tells a story, faded around the edges but brimming with meaning. Honestly, I think NF created something timeless here, even if most folks outside Germany probably never heard of it. And hey, isn’t that what makes discovering music so magical? Sometimes the best stuff flies under the radar, waiting patiently for someone to stumble across it decades later.
So yeah, give this album a spin if you ever get the chance. Just don’t blame me if you end up daydreaming about windy beaches and amber sunsets for days afterward.
