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.
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.
Jennifer S. (Rowan) from ALBUQUERQUE, NM Reviewed on 8/8/2006...
Excellent! His medley of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World is absolutely moving.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Something's gotta a hold on me......
Jesse Kornbluth | New York, NY USA | 02/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Last year, I saw an etoys commercial that began with a boy chasing fireflies and ended with his wise and loving father ordering a firefly 'kit' from etoys. It was a good ad, but what made it great was the music --- someone playing a 4-string ukulele and humming.It was the oddest thing. Every morning this commercial ran on the 'Today' show, I'd get....misty. Without a word, the music generated pictures of home and love and security --- images of a world in which everything works.I mentioned this commercial to others. They also had noticed the music and had been moved by it. But no one knew who the singer was.Then a colleague quietly played a CD in her office: the soundtrack of the Sean Connery film, 'Finding Forrester. And along came this song. Its title: 'Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World.' The singer: a Hawaiian named Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, who, as a quick Web search revealed, had died in 1997 at the age of 38.I read up on IZ, and learned IZ called his producer and said there was a song he had to record. He showed up at the studio at midnight with his ukulele -- and, in 5 minutes, created "Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World." In 1996, National Public Radio did a piece on IZ and played 'Over the Rainbow.' Listeners called in; sales shot up. And music insiders like Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon and Bette Midler were no longer alone in their admiration for IZ.The following year, when IZ died, it was clear that he was the Bob Marley of Hawaii. His casket lay in state at the Capitol, and 10,000 fans came to say goodbye. The next day, friends paddled a double-hulled voyaging canoe into Makua Bay, where IZ and his friends had camped out and played music over the years. It was in this bay, in l982, that IZ had scattered the ashes of his brother Skippy, who had died of a heart attack; now the brothers would be united.There was thunderous cheering as IZ's ashes were poured into the water. It continued for an hour. To be with IZ one last time, family members and friends ran into the ocean. And the music continued into the night.It still does."
An amazing discovery! wish I could have found him earlier!
Shannon S. Plemons | Atlanta, GA USA | 03/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I work in a large chain record store near a movie theatre. Everynight we would have 2-3 people coming in looking for the "Finding Forrester" soundtrack. I finally asked someone what was so special about it. I was told they wanted it for the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" that plays during the closing credits. I didn't know anything about IZ before then. The next day I saw an article about him and heard the song for the first time... I was blown away. I bought "Facing Future" and "IZ in concert" the next day! Since then I have bought every CD that's available. I can't stop listening to him. I'm listening to "N Dis Life" as I type. I'm constantly telling people about "Brotha IZ". His music is so pure and simple, yet so complex and amazing. I still can't believe that such gentle music can come from such a large man. In a time where corporate music is shoved down our throats by radio and TV, IZ is not just a breathe of fresh air, he's the only thing worth breathing. IZ the man may be gone, but his music has made him immortal. May he live on and bring some culture and peace to mainstream music."
Hawai'i '78
Jumpmaster | Texas | 07/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Cry for the Gods, cry for the people, cry for the land that was taken away...and then yet you'll find, Hawai'i."A few years ago when I was a serviceman stationed in Hawaii, I first heard this beautiful, haunting song, and was first exposed to the incredible voice of Israel "IZ" Kamawiwo'ole. Already sobered by the song's theme...the regret of native Hawaiians over losing their sovereignty...I was further saddened to learn that "IZ" had died in 1997. Like his father, and his brother, Skippy (also a recording artist), IZ had died of medical problems associated with obesity (he weighed as much as 760 pounds at one time). But thankfully, IZ left a legacy of recorded music, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Hawiiana band "Makaha Sons of Niihau". And thanks to the airplay received by "Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" on the TV show ER, the movie soundtracks "Finding Forrester" and "Meet Joe Black", and commercials for E-Toys, thousands of mainstream listeners on the mainland have now discovered IZ for the first time.In many years of listening and collecting, I've never found an album like "Facing Future" that has such a universal appeal. Kids love it, teens love it, grandparents love it. A certified hard rocker myself (check my reviews of bands like Tool and Type O Negative), I consider "Facing Future" one of the top five CDs in my extensive collection, and rarely do I go more than a couple of weeks without giving it a spin.Every track on the CD is wonderful, and if you skip over any, it will be just to get to the album's best two tracks, which are near the end: "Rainbow/Wonderful World" and "Hawai'i '78". In between, you'll find beautiful island music, sung both in the native Hawaiian language (check websites for translations) and English. A fun highlight is a cover of John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads" with O'ahu geography (West Makaha, Mount Ka'ala) replacing West Virginia and mountain mama. "Maui Hawaiian Suppa Man" is a favorite of my 9-year-old son (as is Hawai'i '78, which he has dubbed "Cry For The Gods"). And having lived in Hawaii for 3 glorious years, hearing IZ sing "White Sandy Beach" almost always brings mist to my eyes and a lump to my throat.You will never buy a more beloved CD than this one, your family and friends will rave about it. Get it, you'll be glad you did!"
Dizzy for IZ
Rolf Neuschaefer | Dana Point | 07/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'd never heard of Izrael Kamakawiwo'ole and discovered his music when I heard his "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" rendition on the "Finding Forrester" soundtrack. IZ's medley of these two well known tunes was the most unique and original I've ever heard. With his variable and smooth voice supported with the simple strums on his ukulele, IZ delivers an enchanting and heartfelt sound. His music truly resonates in your soul.His "Facing Future" CD also includes several other lovely and inspiring musical pieces. Three that I particularly enjoyed were: "Take Me Home Country Road" where he adds his unique native Hawaiian flare; "White Sandy Beach of Hawaii" which provides you with images and feelings even if you have never set foot on a Hawaiian beach; and "Kaulana Kawaihae" which demonstrates IZ's immense vocal depth and range.Several songs on his "Facing Future" CD are in his native Hawaiian tongue. They will communicate and resonate with you even if you don't speak the language. His music, like a gifted painter, creates vivid images of a place with unique beauty, balmy climate and a gentle and proud people...a serene Hawaii."
E Ala E
Rolf Neuschaefer | 03/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While visiting Hawaii recently I wanted to take home some music to listen to. I bought a CD "E Ala E" and I can truly say I was fortunate in choosing it. I had no idea what I had chosen until I got home. I have listened to it many times. I told my husband that if ever I could attend a concert by Iz, I would do anything to attend. I looked up his name on the computer and was shocked to find that he died in 1997. What a tragic loss! I am now going to purchase all his music and have a complete collection for my listening pleasure. He moved me emotionally and I feel blessed to have found his recording. His voice remains with me as I go about my day and I find much comfort and peace. Israel was truly gifted and I am grateful to have the chance to hear his voice and experience his artful display of what was in his heart. Yes, his music will be an important part of my life. Thank you, Israel, for your gift to all of us."