STAFF PICK OF THE DAY: This Song Gets You Thinking Of That “Somebody” You “Used To Know”

“Somebody That I Used To Know” reminds me of Adele’s record-breaking single, “Someone Like You,” in that it captured listeners by its lyrical content and the emotionally charged vocals, rather than the bells and whistles of electro beats. The song is by Belgian-Australain artist Gotye (pronounced “go-tea-yay“) and features New Zealand sensation Kimbra. The song released last summer on July 6, 2011 and is the off his third studio album Making Mirrors.

The song has been the most successful work by both artists to date, reaching No. 1 in Australia, New Zealand and Poland and breaking into the US Billboard 100, peaking at No. 50.

The track opens with a sample of “Seville” by Luiz Bonfá, closely followed by the delicate tones of a xylophone. As Gotye begins to sing, he somberly reminisces about a past lover and when he touches upon how she has left and cut him out of her life, his voice soars an octave. Soon, Kimbra’s soft vocals counter the sudden rush of emotion in response to his protests, explaining how his actions made her feel as if she were always at fault. Gotye’s voice then lifts back into the flushing vocals, reflecting the back and forth rhythms of an arguement.

The music video itself is a simple wonder. Colors and shapes painted onto their bare bodies move in motion with the lyrics, portraying the breakdown of relationship featured in the song.

Watch Gotye “Somebody That I Used To Know” ft. Kimbra below: