Israel Kamakawiwo'ole with his iconic recording of "Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" was a much revered, huge Hawaiian recording star - both physically and musically. His solo recordings have sold huge numbers s... more »ince their release starting in 1990, one going platinum. During his lifetime he recorded four solo albums, and his record company has released three more posthumously, including one in 2007 on the 10th anniversary his death.« less
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole with his iconic recording of "Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" was a much revered, huge Hawaiian recording star - both physically and musically. His solo recordings have sold huge numbers since their release starting in 1990, one going platinum. During his lifetime he recorded four solo albums, and his record company has released three more posthumously, including one in 2007 on the 10th anniversary his death.
"I was a little hesitant to purchase this cd since I saw that it was remixed/remastered and generally you don't want to mess with something if it ain't broke. But the remixes were welcome enhancements to old songs and the mix on this cd is excellent, with some old covers, "I'll Be There" and "Sea of Love," and of course his staple, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," which is a very refreshing and different remix of the original. My wife and I named our son after Iz, and this is his favorite cd at only 2 weeks old."
Different Version than I expected
Eugene G. Coleman | 04/11/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The version of Over the Rainbow was different than the one I had hoped to purchase and I didn't like it as well as the other version I have heard from this artist. I wanted the simple one with just him playing his ukelele."
Is this really IZ?
Anne Darnay | 02/02/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"What a disappointment. If I didn't know it was IZ I would not have recognized his voice. The instrumentation overwhelmed his voice and the strong drum beat ruined the style I associate with IZ. Even the smooth beautiful voice of IZ was gone from the songs."
Recycling doesn't always protect the environment
Geoffrey Kragen | 02/03/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"At least not the hawaiian music environment. I didn't have high expectations for this collection. I love Iz and the Makaha Sons. These selections are taken from the period when Iz and his brother were the foundation of the Makaha Sons of Niihau. They did some wonderful stuff. Then Iz went on his own and the Makaha Sons of Niihau became the Makaha Sons. And they all made wonderful music. So, go back to the original collections of the Makaha Sons of Niihau and skip this disk. Yes some is good but most is only okay and sadly you'll even find one or two that are poor. And I guess I'll keep buying anything "new" from Iz and probably continue to be disappointed."
Awesome
Sandi Osborn | California | 10/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I totally enjoy this mans voice. It is so very relaxing! I like to listen when driving or taking a bubblebath to just calm me. Worth every penny!"