"Somebody That I Used to Know" is a song by Belgian-Australian musician Gotye (real name: Wouter "Wally" De Backer) featuring New Zealand singer Kimbra. The song gained widespread international acclaim and commercial success. Here are some interesting facts about Gotye and the song:
Breakthrough Success: "Somebody That I Used to Know" was released in 2011 as the lead single from Gotye's third studio album, "Making Mirrors." It quickly became a global sensation and topped the charts in numerous countries.
Chart Domination: The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making Gotye the fifth Australian artist to achieve this feat. It also topped charts in several other countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and many European nations.
Record-Breaking YouTube Views: The music video for the song garnered immense popularity on YouTube. It became one of the most-watched music videos on the platform, with billions of views. The unique visual style and the intricate body paint of the performers contributed to the video's allure.
Kimbra's Breakthrough: The song also served as a breakthrough for Kimbra, who provided the female vocals. Her performance received widespread acclaim, and the song helped elevate her career internationally.
Grammy Awards Success: "Somebody That I Used to Know" won two Grammy Awards in 2013. Gotye received the Grammy for Record of the Year, and the song also won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Sampled Artwork: The cover artwork for "Making Mirrors" and the single "Somebody That I Used to Know" features a self-portrait of Gotye. The artwork was created using a technique called lenticular printing, which gives the illusion of movement when viewed from different angles.
Gotye's Multitalented Background: Gotye is not just a singer and musician; he is also a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. His musical style often blends elements of indie pop, alternative rock, and electronic music.
Retirement from Music: After the success of "Somebody That I Used to Know" and the associated touring, Gotye announced in 2014 that he was taking a break from music and had no plans to release new material. He expressed a desire to explore other creative pursuits.
While "Somebody That I Used to Know" remains Gotye's most prominent and successful single, it's worth exploring his other work to appreciate the depth and diversity of his musical talent.