"Angstlos" (or "Fearless" in its English version) is the second solo album by German singer Nina Hagen, released in September 1983 by CBS Records. Produced by Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsey, the album marked a significant departure from Hagen's previous new wave style, leaning heavily into dance-pop with disco influences, alongside elements of hip hop.
Critically, "Fearless" received mixed reviews upon its release. While some appreciated Hagen's bold musical evolution and the infectious dance rhythms, others were less enthusiastic about the disco-oriented sound. Despite this, the album achieved moderate commercial success. It became Hagen's second album to chart in the United States, reaching number 151 on the Billboard 200. In Germany, it fared better, peaking at number twenty-four, and it also charted in several other countries including Austria, Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Two singles were released from the album. The lead single, "New York New York," performed well on American dance charts, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The second single, "Zarah," a cover of Zarah Leander's "Ich weiss, es wird einmal ein Wunder geschehen," also found success, reaching number forty-five on the Dance Club Songs chart in the US.
One of the notable tracks on the album is "What It Is," which was written by Flea and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Interestingly, the Chili Peppers recorded a demo version of the song around the same time as Hagen, which later appeared on their 1994 album "Out in L.A."
Overall, "Fearless" remains an important milestone in Nina Hagen's career, showcasing her versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories beyond her punk and new wave roots.
