Facing Future

Amazon.com:
To gauge the magnitude of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's popularity in his native Hawaii, consider this: following his death in 1997 (at age 38, attributed to his profound obesity), Kamakawiwo'ole's body lay in state in the state capitol, only the second person to receive such an honor. Kamakawiwo'ole's appeal lies in his love for prestatehood, precondominium Hawaii and the expressiveness of his gently passionate voice, which can float through higher registers with an ease that brings Johnny Mathis to mind. Several selections ("Ka Pua U'i," "White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i," the sun-kissed "La 'Elima") feature Kamakawiwo'ole in a traditional mood, using only his ukulele to adorn the charm of his native lyricism. Others, such as the Jimmy Buffett-like "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" add playful contemporary touches that suit Kamakawiwo'ole's style. Most touching are the string-backed laments that open and close the album, "Hawai'i '78 Introduction" and "Hawai'i '78," initially a reflection on his father's death, later on the passing of Hawaii's native culture. Best known is his medley "Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which played over the closing credits of the film Meet Joe Black. --Terry Wood

Album Description:
There's a smart balance of traditional Hawaiiana and contemporary tunes on this CD. There's heart-tugging warmth along with unexpected chuckles. The end result is a candid, honest reinforcement of his vocal breadth.

Disc 1:

1. Hawai'i '78 introduction
2. Ka Huila Wai
3. 'Ama'ama
4. Panini Pua Kea
5. Take Me Home Country Road
6. Kuhio Bay
7. Ka Pua U'i
8. White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i
9. Henehene Kou 'Aka
10. La 'Elima
11. Pili Me Ka'u Manu
12. Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
13. Kaulana Kawaihae
14. Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
15. Hawai'i '78

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Customer Reviews

Rating: - Rainbows
I really enjoyed this CD. I bought it for the Over the Rainbow song and after listening to it, I enjoyed all the songs on it.
Rating: - Facing future
The cd is awesome.The condition I received it in was not so good.the case was completely destroyed, I was surprised and thankful that the cd was unharmed.I would think the packaging would be a little more secure.
Rating: - Over the Rainbow
If you've ever wondered where that charming version of "Over The Rainbow" with only voice and ukulele comes from, this is it.
Rating: - Ethereal Voice
My liddle bruddah'--oops, slipped right into the Island Patois there!If you love music as I do and prefer the truly gifted artists over the mass produced pap crowding the airwaves, get any of IZ's cds.I find that they get played when I need to concentrate, when I need to relax, when I need to think.My brother turned me on to Is when he was working in Hawaii.Since then, I can't seem to get enough!His voice floats effortlessly, like a rainbow floating in the morning mist.He has a solid ... Read More
Rating: - Beautiful sounds
I was introduced to Brudda IZ by hearing his version of "Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" on "Coast to Coast AM" one night. At first I was not sure if I really liked his arrangement but I could not get the tune out of my head. I looked for and found his music on "Amazon" and have one of his CD's now. I enjoy it very much. It is differnt from the music I usually listen to but I find the melodies very comforting and pleasant. Brudda IZs' voice is a real treat to hear also. We all lost something ... Read More