Facing Future
from: Mountain Apple Company
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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.
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:
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:

Rating:
- Great Hawaiian Music
We have been enjoying this CD for several days now.He had an amazing voice.I will be purchasing more of Iz's CDs in the future.We love Hawaii and this brings us back there.This is one of the best CD's of his that we have heard.
Rating:
- CD IZ
I got this for a gift. They really did like & enjoy it. It's great.
Rating:
- Just what I was looking for
I heard the track "Somewhere over the rainbow" at a wedding reception and knew I had to have it. After finding the artist name, I checked "Borders" and 'Barnes and Noble",and neither had it. They could order it but looking at 3/4 weeks was not an option. I checked Amazon and found exactly what I wanted, in stock, and had it in 3 days. Extremely good service without special costs to overnight, or anything. And I now have it. Should remember to check Amazon first, as it was cheaper even paying the ... Read More
Rating:
- Excellent experience!
I recently visited Kauai and the IZ CD was a nice reminder of that trip for me!
Rating:
- IZ Kamakawiwo'ole CD
Very pleased with all aspects of this album.Thank you!
Also, very prompt delivery.
- Great Hawaiian MusicWe have been enjoying this CD for several days now.He had an amazing voice.I will be purchasing more of Iz's CDs in the future.We love Hawaii and this brings us back there.This is one of the best CD's of his that we have heard.
- CD IZI got this for a gift. They really did like & enjoy it. It's great.
- Just what I was looking forI heard the track "Somewhere over the rainbow" at a wedding reception and knew I had to have it. After finding the artist name, I checked "Borders" and 'Barnes and Noble",and neither had it. They could order it but looking at 3/4 weeks was not an option. I checked Amazon and found exactly what I wanted, in stock, and had it in 3 days. Extremely good service without special costs to overnight, or anything. And I now have it. Should remember to check Amazon first, as it was cheaper even paying the ... Read More
- Excellent experience!I recently visited Kauai and the IZ CD was a nice reminder of that trip for me!
- IZ Kamakawiwo'ole CDVery pleased with all aspects of this album.Thank you!
Also, very prompt delivery.
