"The astronaut needs to get going, the astronaut needs to travel on …", a ballad that brings you to your knees, sung in a sentimental E flat major. After this song alone, there was no more doubt in the jury’s mind. In 2008, Udo Lindenberg set a milestone in German rock music with "Stark wie Zwei" ("As Strong as Two"). His 41st album is his greatest life’s work in both a compositional as well as a poetic sense. With it he landed his first number one in the charts. With it he orchestrated unforgettable moments at his sold-out live concerts. With it he crowned a career that was always a musical seismograph for the state of the nation as well as a unique artistic language that reflected the state of Lindenberg’s soul. His songs are like faithful companions that tell tales of home. His new songs nurture the self-reflexive, deeply impressing comeback of an artist who proves that he’s to be reckoned with anytime, anywhere. "Or will my spaceship be consumed in a fireball?", the ballad continues. No, Udo Lindenberg, hopefully that won’t be the case for a long, long time.

Foto: © Arne Weychardt for HÖRZU