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Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Facing FutureTo 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... Read More »
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Average User Rating: 80% (11 Reviews) | |
| 5 / 5 | a cool breeze of a voice
Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - 14 November 2003 The purity and clarity of IZ's voice soars high and aims for the heart, with a simple accompaniment in some songs of just his ukulele, and in others he is joined by bass and guitar. The only tracks with keyboard and percussion are the cover/adaptation of John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Road", which is probably the weakest track on the CD, and the marvelous "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man", with its calypso style rhythm and catchy tune. The highlights for me are the exquisite "La 'Elima", and "Kaulana Kawaihae", where the loveliness of IZ'z voice singing in its highest register shine, and the sublime, delicate rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"/"What a Wonderful World", sung with so much sensitivity, it moves one to the core. IZ had a voice like a cool breeze on a warm day, and it continues to delight and inspire through his many CDs, and his music will touch people who are not familiar, or do not particularly care for Hawaiian music; it is universal in its beauty and magic. |
| 5 / 5 | MAGICAL!
"elw99" - 16 August 2005 I bought this album specifically for the 'somewhere over the rainbow' song, which gets right to my heart every time I heard it on the end of a film/advert. Just listened to the rest of the album and its all absolutely magical! The sound, the words, his voice profoundly exquisite!!! Would recommend this to everyone for a really relaxed mood but also to anyone who appreciates great and original music. Wish I had discovered him sooner! |
| 5 / 5 | Music to the Latest Lynx Deoderant TV campaign!
Brian Wheeler - 18 September 2004 For all those people out there that are walking around humming the tune to the new Lynx TV ad (the one with the couple collecting their clothes from the streets)and that are like me haunted by the sheer clarity and tenderness of the track used in the Advertisement, and sitting wondering who is that and where can I get a copy! Look no further this is the Album you want, it not only contains that track but a number of other uplifting and devine melodies and the clarity of the performances are superb, go buy this album you will not be at all disapointed!... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | If it doesnt make you cry you cant be alive
- 11 July 2005 Absolutely chilling in every sense of the word, emotive lyrics and calming music. I havent stopped playing it since the day it arrived. You might buy it because of the Lynx advert, ER, Joe Black, 50 first dates or any of the other places over the rainbow has been used but thats just a hook. I defy you to not being touched and amazed by the most gentle music from such a huge guy stunning truely stunning. This will not be the last IZ purchase for this household!... Read Full Review » |
| 3 / 5 | Sorry, but it's not THAT good.
A. G. Whittaker "snarkorboojum" (Scottish Borders) - 4 September 2006 There are quite a few 5 star reviews here, and I'm sorry to be a dissenting voice, but there's no way that I can give it an unconditional endorsement. There's no doubt that the boy's got an amazing voice, and most of the songs are rendered very nicely. But, if you're buying this for 'over the rainbow/wonderful world', you may not like what you get. The other songs are of a very different (hawaian) style. Even 'Over the Rainbow' is terminated in a very grating manner (a load of guttural noises that spoil the song) - it was a bad call by Isreal and the recording engineers really ought to have removed it. Of the remaining songs, some of them are great, if your tastes extend to that style (although 'take me home' doesn't translate well into Israel's style, in my opinion). Personally, I can listen to it, but wouldn't go out of my way to do so. I guess that, in some ways, that makes me a poor person to pass comment. BUT, like others here, I bought this for Over the Rainbow, and put my faith in the other tracks in the review comments here. What comes across in many of the remaining songs is a strong sense of anger at loss of the native Hawaiian culture. In so many ways this is great, but if you want easy listening, perhaps it's too much like listening to Hawaiian independence protest songs - assuming that you listen to the words. If you can shut of from the lyrics, it really is easy listening Hawaiian style... ... Read Full Review » |
RRP
£18.99
Release Date
20 December 2004
Price Range
£11.99 - £12.43