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

Product 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.

Facing Future

Facing Future,Israel Kamakawiwo'ole,Mountain Apple Company,Hawaii,Hawaiian,Hawaiian Music,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating:

Happy Music

Can't Stop Listening

Breath of fresh air!

Takes you to a happy place

You need this classic for your Hawaiian music collection

Facing Future
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Manufacturer: Mountain Apple Company
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
Hawaii | Pacific Islands | International | Styles | Music
General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Pacific Islands | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Release Date: 1993-09-01

Tracks:

Hawai'i '78 introduction
Ka Huila Wai
'Ama'ama
Panini Pua Kea
Take Me Home Country Road
Kuhio Bay
Ka Pua U'i
White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i
Henehene Kou 'Aka
La 'Elima
Pili Me Ka'u Manu
Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
Kaulana Kawaihae
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
Hawai'i '78

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.

Customer Reviews:

Happy Music.......2007-08-03

I bought this for a friend of mine who loved his rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". She didn't know who sang it but we listened to it at her birthday party and this was it. Just Iz and his ukeleli. Anyway, we enjoyed the rest of the album too. His style was so gentle and pure.
The world lost one of it's beautiful spirits.

Can't Stop Listening.......2007-07-30

This is my second CD by IZ I will keep collecting his music as long as he keeps producing it. It offers a taste of pure Hawaii. Don't miss it.

Breath of fresh air!.......2007-07-28

Iz and his music are truely a breath of fresh air in a world full of cookie cutter music. He's a master of the ukulele, and has a voice as sweet and clear as a warm Hawaiian day. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" is beyond perfection. It fills the soul with joy and lifts you above the clouds...above the rainbow. A must for the Hawaiian music collector.

Takes you to a happy place.......2007-07-23

I got this CD mainly for "Somewhere over the Rainbow", but do enjoy the entire range of songs. Would recommend it, however, I probably will not buy any more of his stuff; a little goes a long way.

You need this classic for your Hawaiian music collection.......2007-07-21

This guy has an amazing voice and this album shows it off very well. Contains the "Over the Rainbow" version seen on TV and many other songs. It is also a "political" statement in music. Iz was anti-US and favored Hawaiian independence. But, still an amazing album and music.