Nena is the stage name of German singer and actress Gabriele … An English-language version titled "99 Red Balloons", with lyrics by Kevin McAlea, was also released on the album 99 Luftballons in 1984 after widespread success of the original in Europe and Japan. Originally written in German by the band Nena, this protest song set in 1983 tells the story of a couple who releases a group of 99 red balloons and their effect on Cold War Germany. 80s. "99 Luftballons" (German: Neunundneunzig Luftballons, "99 balloons") is a song by the German band Nena from their 1983 self-titled album. german.