Making Mirrors
Gotye · 2011
42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of eclectic sounds, combining intricate instrumentation with emotive storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Somebody That I Used to Know — This track is the album's centerpiece, featuring a haunting duet that explores themes of heartbreak and disconnection, resonating universally with listeners.
-
→
Eyes Wide Open — The song blends introspective lyrics with an engaging melody, illustrating the struggle between reality and illusion in relationships and personal identity.
-
→
State of the Art — With its innovative use of instruments like a vintage keyboard, this track highlights Gotye's artistic experimentation while commenting on technological impact in modern life.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features diverse instrumentation and emotional shifts, contributing to its distinct sound and appeal.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a gradual build in complexity, with 'Somebody That I Used to Know' introducing a contrasting duet that shifts the album's dynamic.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional instruments, such as xylophones and samples, which create a distinctive sonic palette throughout the record.
- The album's pacing varies significantly; after the upbeat 'I Feel Better', it transitions into the more introspective 'In Your Light', altering the emotional tone.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- reflective background ambiance
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on August 19, 2011, Making Mirrors was Gotye's third studio album and marked his international breakthrough. Following the moderate success of his previous albums, this release propelled him into mainstream recognition, largely due to the viral hit 'Somebody That I Used to Know'. At this point in his career, Gotye had begun to refine his unique sound that fused art pop and indie rock elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kimbra· Sufjan Stevens· James Blake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Somebody That I Used to Know
The moment shifts from a reflective recounting of memories to a direct confrontation, revealing deeper layers of emotional conflict.
This transition heightens the emotional stakes, as it captures the complex nature of relationships by juxtaposing nostalgia with raw confrontation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Making Mirrors 1:01
- 2 Easy Way Out 1:57
- 3 Somebody That I Used to Know 4:04
- 4 Eyes Wide Open 3:11
- 5 Smoke and Mirrors 5:13
- 6 I Feel Better 3:18
- 7 In Your Light 4:39
- 8 State of the Art 5:22
- 9 Don't Worry, We'll Be Watching You 3:18
- 10 Giving Me a Chance 3:07
- 11 Save Me 3:53
- 12 Bronte 3:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.