Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" is a fascinating song with several interesting facts:
Global Hit: "Somebody That I Used to Know" became a massive international hit. It topped the charts in over 20 countries and achieved multi-platinum status in many of them.
Collaboration: The song features the guest vocals of Kimbra, a New Zealand singer. The unique blend of Gotye's and Kimbra's voices is a significant factor in the song's appeal.
Record-Breaking: Gotye's song set a record in Australia by spending eight consecutive weeks at the number one spot on the ARIA Singles Chart. It also topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making Gotye the fifth Australian artist to achieve this.
Creative Music Video: The song's music video is well-known for its innovative stop-motion animation. It features both Gotye and Kimbra painted to blend in with the background, creating a visually striking effect.
Inspired by Art: Gotye mentioned that the song was inspired by a painting by Belgian artist René Magritte. The painting, titled "The Lovers," depicts two people wrapped in a single cloak, which symbolizes both connection and separation.
Sampling: "Somebody That I Used to Know" uses a sample of Luiz Bonfá's song "Seville." The sample provides a distinct and memorable acoustic guitar riff in the song.
Critical Acclaim: The song received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and distinctive sound. It won two Grammy Awards in 2013 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Impact on Gotye's Career: Despite his earlier music career in Australia, "Somebody That I Used to Know" brought Gotye international recognition and success, establishing him as a major artist on the global music scene.
These facts highlight the significance and uniqueness of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" in the world of music.