Choosing another sad break-up song, may indicate deep psychological scarring, but it commonly accepted that most artists produce their best work after heartbreak or a separation. Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" is the most quoted example, but you could also include "Sea Change" by Beck and Bon Iver's debut.
Gotye's all-conquering "Somebody I Used To Know" includes this agony, but with a twist as we hear from both parties (like Human League's "Don't You Want Me ").
The Australian Gotye leads with his memories of the relationship, she was happy, but he was always dubious ("felt so lonely in your company"), assuming that love was always painful. He professes a relief (" I'll admit that I was glad it was over"), but it may be denial. What is not in doubt is his shock at how she acts afterwards.
She had promised that they would remain friends, but she had shunned him ("you treat me like a stranger") and the "stoop so low" is very harsh. He feels victimised and the injured party.
However when Kimbra enters, she paints a very different picture. She wasn't happy, and recalls ("all the times you screwed me over"). She felt an unease ("believing it was always something that I'd done"), and changing her number, suggests a more abusive affair. Towards the end, he sounds more cowed and defensive.
Gotye sounds like Peter Gabriel, a pained, hushed spoken narrative, raising in the chorus, contrasts with Kimbra's sweet but powerful harmony. The addictive melody came from "Seville", a 1967 instrumental by Brazilian jazz guitarist Luiz Bonfá, and Gotye added beats, keyboards, other samples and a wonderful xylophone part (we don't have enough xylophone in modern music).
The memorable video also added to the effect, with Gotye and Kimbra's body paint merging into a work of art.
"Somebody I Used To Know" was a massive hit, going to number one across the world, won Grammys and was the biggest selling single in the UK and USA in 2012. It is a great and memorable addition to the treasury of break-up songs.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY
Hear Next -
I have not heard any of Gotye's other releases, but I really enjoyed Kimbra's
"Vows" album.
