Falco
Einzelhaft

The debut album, which is in all likelihood to be considered his most “genuine” work.

At the time, almost unknown outside of his beloved Vienna and thus sheltered from external pressures (which would characterize the majority of his later releases), Falco put together an LP that is as simple and straightforward in its musical production (handled by his trusted producer Robert Ponger) as it is abrasive and overflowing with lethal black humor in the lyrics.

His popularity instantly exploded mainly in German-speaking countries, with the megahit “Der Kommissar”—actually his second single, following the smoky and controversial underground gem “Ganz Wien”—catapulting itself to the top of various European charts.

In Italy, however, the LP "Einzelhaft" was met with indifference by both the public and critics, probably due to disappointment at the lack of tracks with the same immediate (and devastating) impact as the aforementioned single, which itself spent a long time at number one on our 45 rpm chart.

A reaction that may seem a bit superficial, but still understandable, considering the major handicap of the language: English-language records were the norm, while those sung in German were far rarer.

Other noteworthy tracks on the album’s setlist include the amazing yet overlooked “Auf der Flucht,” with formidable dancefloor potential that was basically misused or never fully exploited (except at the local club U4, a true institution of Viennese nightlife), and the respectful “Helden von Heute,” which can be considered an unofficial cover of “Heroes” by his all-time idol, David Bowie.

The decision to release the tough “Maschine Brennt” as the second single from Einzelhaft proved baffling: a risky move that didn’t pay off, either in his native Austria or, even less, internationally.

This tendency towards daring artistic—and personal—decisions would recur many times over the course of Hans Hoelzel’s career and life.

Falco’s opinion on his debut album was clearly stated in one of the last interviews he gave before his death, over fifteen years later.

He stated without mincing words: "Einzelhaft was my best album."