Average Rating: 
Rating: - Beautiful voice and spirit
Most people have probably heard the wonderful medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" that was used on the soundtracks for Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, ER and even for EToys.The voice is supple, ethereal, with only a ukulele accompaniment, and can melt the hardest heart. Then I found out more about Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and was saddened to learn that he died in 1997, due to complications associated with obesity. The man was huge, but what a gentle, beautful voice. The "Somewhere/Wonderful" medley is only the tip of the iceberg on this excellent disk. This is modern Hawaiian music with passion and taste, not the cheesy stuff for the tourists. Ten years after its release in 1993, this disk is still heavily promoted at record stores and souvenir shops in Hawaii. It's that good. "Take Me Home Country Road" substitutes Hawaiian geography for West Virginia, but it's still a nice sentiment of family and home. "Hawai'i '79 Introduction" and "Hawai'i '78" are beautiful, reflective pieces that showcase this talented singer's voice. Iz also sings about a Hawai'i of earlier times, before being overrun by mainland developers and Japanese tourists. While listening to songs such as "White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i" one can envision the swaying greenery of a cane field and rainbows over the green mountains of Kaua'i. Dig deeper for gems like "Henehene Kou'Aka," sung in the Hawaiian language, with tasty strums of ukulele and natural percussion.
Rating: - E Ala E
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.
Rating: - What a wonderful voice!
Having been enchanted by "Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World", we were delighted to discover IZ's CD while visiting Maui recently. (I had purchased the "Finding Forrester" CD, but wanted more of IZ!) The CD delivers a combination of traditional Hawaain music "Kalluila Wai", along with "Rainbow" and a localized version of "Take Me Home, Country Roads". His soothing voice is well-ranged, like a soft Hawaai breeze. The CD cover boasted that "Rainbow" had been used in THREE movie soundtracks including "Finding Forrester", "Meet Joe Black", and one other...which I don't recall. We have always enjoyed being introduced to traditional and contemporary Hawaain artists while vacationing. "Facing Future" will be one of our most treasured CD's, knowing that IZ passed away, and we won't be blessed with more of his wonderful music.
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