“Somebody That I Used To Know” by Australian indie artist Gotye (Wally de Backer) has become the surprise hit of early 2012 in the United States.   The song is currently the number one most popular track on Spotify.  Gotye is currently the most popular homegrown artist is Australia (arguably). From the looks of it, Gotye is on his way to becoming a popular artist in the U.S.

In Australia, Gotye became a household name after releasing the critically and commercially successful album “Drawing Blood” in 2007.  Gotye has been compared to Sting and Peter Gabriel.  The comparisons are apt. Like Gabriel, Gotye’s music is very experimental and textured. His singing delivery and voice is similar to Sting. “Making Mirrors”, Gotye’s third studio album, takes off where “Like Drawing Blood” left off.

The aforementioned song (“Somebody That I Used To Know”) is tale of a lost lover and draws on folk, pop, and electronic music.  It is the only song to feature guest vocals, that of New Zealand female singer Kimbra.

The rest of the album also draws on a variety of styles and reflect on the range of emotions felt during love relationships. “Easy Way Out” is a 2 minute psychedelic tune. “Eyes Wide Open” is standard indie rock. “Smoke and Mirrors” features the percussion of several instruments. “I Feel Better” is Gotye’s take on Motown. “In Your Light” is sunny folk-pop with some techno beats and occasional horns.  “State of the Art” is auto-tuned reggae.  “Don’t Worry, We’ll Be Watching” and “Bronte” draws mainly on downtempo.

Most of the songs on this album are great and Gotye is a good songwriter and has a nice voice.  “Making Mirrors” is the album that will make Gotye a household name outside of Australia and establish him as the next Sting or Peter Gabriel.