Album Review: Gotye "Making Mirrors"

This album was released in August of last year so, obviously, this review will be breaking news. Also, I haven’t reviewed an album since November 2010 so I should be on top of my game. Enjoy!

Gotye came out of literally nowhere (not literally) with a world changing album (just one song) to top the charts (until Carly Rae happened). But seriously, the fact that “Somebody That I Used To Know” was as huge a success as it was really gives me hope for society. Here are some other 2012 #1 songs: “Sexy and I Know It,” “We Found Love,” “Call Me Maybe,” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” While Taylor Swift used to have some songwriting cred this is pure Max Martin pop formula so Gotye’s is the only smart, creative, interesting song of the bunch.

When I heard his next single, “Eyes Wide Open,” it was clear to me he was more than a one-hit wonder. It was another singable, thoughtful song that was a sort of indie/pop hybrid. So I was excited to listen to his whole album (even though it took me awhile to throw on the old headphones and do it). But I came away disappointed.

The first song isn’t a song. The second song feels like it was placed there because they didn’t want “Somebody…” too early on the album. “Eyes Wide Open” is right after it then 4-5 weird, way too poppy for what most people consider “his sound” to be, songs and 3-4 OK ones to wrap it up. Not really a sterling effort.

Normally, I’d say he’s still trying to find himself as an artist because he’s new to me (and most people) but this is actually his third album and he’s been recording/performing since 2003. He should really embrace the “Somebody…” dynamic because that’s what he’s (1) successful at and (2) people recognize him as. But the straight pop stuff does not suit him. Cut that out and this record isn’t half bad.