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Facing Future

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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

Product Reviews

(5 stars) - amazing Hawaiian easy listening album
This is easy listening Hawaiian-style, but IK is a class act: am amazing singer, wonderful songs plus the rich cultural experience of hearing the Hawaiian language and lyrics about the Hawaiian experience. The opening song transcends the rest of the album and is in a class by itself, or actually, with a select few other intimate pop songs that involve speaking as well as singing: Van Morrison's "Coney Island" comes to mind on [[ASIN:B0010DJ1II Avalon Sunset]. It's a unique and beautiful song that can really be considered high art in the same way that the Beatles achieved high art with experimental pop songs like "Strawberry Fields." OK, IK is not the Beatles, but he has that same spirit of greatness and no one else can sing like him. The overall mood of this album is contentment and celebration with some sadness thrown in, with the opening song. His remake of "Country Road" by John Denver actually works and the rewritten lyrics that describe Hawaii instead of West Virginia flow perfectly. In short, this is a terrific album and if you like "easy listening" you shouldn't miss it!

(5 stars) - Over the rainbow with it's a wonderful world!
This CD includes IZ's version of "Over the Rainbow" WITH "It's a wonderful world" (all in one song, which is awsome!) Also love the other songs!

(5 stars) - IZ and Facing Future
If you want relaxing music............this is the CD you want. Excellent! Over the rainbow/what a wonderful world is a nice compilation. Throw in the bonus Country Roads-Hawaiian version.............

Well worth it............Enjoy!

(5 stars) - Beautiful music
I absolutely love this CD. The music is relaxing and makes you feel like you are in Hawaiian. His voice is beautiful, high and pure and very melodious. This CD makes you happy.

(5 stars) - Aloha
Iz as he is commonly called, was a big Hawaiian singer, in both senses of the word. His songs continue after him. They have been heard in many movies and backgrounds. I find them very relaxing when driving and of course love his rendition of "Over the rainbow".

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