Somebody That You Used To Know 80s

Okay, picture this: it's the 80s. Big hair, neon clothes, and... a mega-hit song about a breakup? But hold on, this isn't your typical tearjerker. We're talking about a song that sounded strangely familiar, and sparked a whole lot of debate. Let's dive into the surprisingly groovy world of the 80s version of "Somebody That I Used To Know".

Before Gotye, There Was...

Before Gotye had us all humming a haunting tune, there was Luiz Bonfá. This Brazilian guitarist and composer crafted a bossa nova instrumental piece called "Seville" in 1967. It's a beautiful, gentle track. Keep that name in mind!

Fast forward to the 1980s. Elliot Smith, an Australian musician from the band Air Supply, stumbled upon "Seville". He loved it. So much so, he decided to, shall we say, "borrow" its melody for his own song.

Enter "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Air Supply

And that's how Air Supply released their song, "Somebody That I Used To Know" in 1984. Yes, *that* Air Supply, the kings of soft rock ballads. It's got that signature 80s power ballad feel. Think soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics.

Now, here's where things get interesting. Air Supply's "Somebody That I Used To Know" sounds strikingly similar to Bonfá's "Seville". It's not a direct copy, but the resemblance is undeniable. Think "inspired by" rather than outright plagiarism.

Did Air Supply get permission? It's a bit murky. Some reports say Luiz Bonfá's publisher was credited, but details are scarce. The 80s were a wild time, especially when it came to music copyright!

The Plot Thickens...and Gets Funnier

Here's the kicker: people loved the Air Supply version. It wasn't a massive hit, but it gained traction. And, like all 80s music, it has aged into a comforting, familiar sound for many.

Years later, when *Gotye's* "Somebody That I Used To Know" exploded, some people were utterly confused. "Wait a minute," they cried, "This sounds like that Air Supply song!"

Imagine explaining the whole Bonfá-Air Supply-Gotye connection to someone who just wanted to sing along. It's like a musical game of telephone gone hilariously wrong.

A Legacy of Familiarity

Ultimately, the story of the 80s "Somebody That I Used To Know" is a reminder of how music builds upon itself. Sometimes it's deliberate, sometimes it's subconscious. And sometimes, it leads to a delightful case of musical deja vu.

So, next time you hear the Gotye song, or even if you stumble upon the Air Supply version, remember the original inspiration. Remember Luiz Bonfá. And maybe, just maybe, appreciate the strange, tangled web of musical history. It's certainly a much more interesting story than your average breakup ballad.

It's all connected. From a gentle bossa nova tune to an 80s power ballad, to a global phenomenon, this song proves that music has a long and winding road. And sometimes, that road leads to a slightly awkward, but undeniably entertaining, destination.

Now go listen to "Seville" by Luiz Bonfá. You will be surprised.