Tour de France (song)

Tour de France (song) refers primarily to a series of songs by the German electronic music band Kraftwerk inspired by the famous bicycle race of the same name. The first song, simply titled "Tour de France," was released as a single in 1983. It marked a shift for the band, incorporating more real-world sounds related to cycling, such as the clicking of gears and the sound of breathing.

The initial "Tour de France" single was notable for its use of sampling and vocoder vocals to create a rhythmic and evocative soundscape that captured the essence of the race. The lyrics, sung in French, simply narrate aspects of the event.

In 2003, Kraftwerk released the album Tour de France Soundtracks, their first full studio album in 17 years. This album expanded upon the original "Tour de France" theme, featuring updated versions of the original song as well as several new tracks that further explored the themes of cycling, technology, and human endurance. Tracks on the album included "Tour de France Étape 1-3," "Vitamin," and "Aéro Dynamik," among others.

The Tour de France Soundtracks album was generally well-received and demonstrated Kraftwerk's continued relevance in the electronic music scene. It is often considered a concept album due to its cohesive theme. The album's music was also used in a video game based on the Tour de France. The entire project, encompassing the original single and the subsequent album, is seen as a significant contribution to electronic music and a testament to Kraftwerk's innovative approach to sound design and thematic exploration.