Gotye 'Making Mirrors' album review (for kevchino.com)

Gotye has been playing around the traps in Australia for many years now, so it’s nice to see him finally getting some critical acclaim, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. His latest album, Making Mirrors seems to have taken over the world, with the first single “Somebody That I Used to Know” (featuring Australian female artist Kimbra) charting in the top ten in over twenty countries, six of which were at the number one spot. It also won a whopping six out of a nominated seven ARIA awards in his country of residence, Australia.

With one listen of the album, you can see why. With his expert use of varied instruments, keen ear for sampling and loops, and heartfelt lyrics, Gotye has hit the mark with this album. “Somebody That I Used to Know” is a great track, but definitely not the standout on the album.

“Easy Way Out” is a weighty tune featuring 60s-style guitar riffs and some nice drum fills, with whispering verses leading into a heavy mod-esque chorus. “Smoke and Mirrors” features some old-school-sounding keys, tribal drum beats, and some fine sampling work, a laid-back, eerie tune. This is followed by the modern Motown tribute “I Feel Better” (reminiscent of one of his previous hits, “Learnalilgivinanlovin”—if you don’t know it, look it up), an upbeat, soulful track that makes you instantly feel better (funnily enough). “In Your Light” is about as Australian as it gets as it transports you with an acoustic guitar and some hand clapping into the sunshine on the beach. And “State of the Art” is an amazing tribute to a man and his instrument, an insanely innovative and imaginative song that basically takes you through Gotye’s creative process in his lounge room, all done in a vocal effect akin to Lurch from The Addams Family. Definitely the show stealer for me.

Gotye’s pure talent at bringing together such an eclectic use of instruments, samples, loops, and vocals shines through on this album. It is original, interesting, passionate, and inspiring. He has managed to harness an international flavor while keeping his Australian undertones, which is what makes him unique, and he fully deserves every piece of success and critical acclaim that comes his way.