Buy Facing Future - Music - Cool Stuff to Own

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.

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

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Customer Reviews:

Bradda Iz January 8, 2009
This is my first albulm of his and I have to say I was blown away. The music has a way of pulling you on to a hidden island surrounded by blue waters. If you enjoy smiling then I would get this cd

iz sang like the bluebird over the rainbow January 7, 2009
What a great voice and his presentation of songs is amazing. Sad he passed away too soon.

Reviewing Facing Future December 20, 2008
I had never heard of Iz before watching an episode of "Jon & Kate + 8" that was taped in Hawaii. His music was used in a segment of the show, and I was captivated by the simplicity of using only a ukelele and a beautiful voice on some of the arrangements. His singing is rich, soothing and wonderful to listen to. He left this earth much too soon, but his beautiful music lives on.

IZ December 16, 2008
I went to Hawaii a couple of years ago, and attended a pretty touristy luau in Mauii. While the group I was with as standing in line, I wandered off, and saw the most perfect and gorgeous rainbow on the beach. I went back to that beach after the luau, there was moonlight, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and IZ playing the background. It was the perfect music for the moment. I asked around and purchased this CD, and have loved it and played it to death ever since. This CD holds all that is Hawaii (the non-touristy part anyway) and the ambiance of that day in its songs. I wish I could go back to Hawaii, if only just to recapture that moment -- but everytime I play this CD, I recapture it even if just a little bit.

What a voice! December 5, 2008
I bought this CD because it had some of the highest reviews I've seen while being a regular Amazon customer. How could by far the largest majority of reviewers give this CD a five star rating without it being an exceptional CD? Thank you reviewers for taking the time to review this CD! Now, I'm the group who say "Buy this CD and improve the quality of your music listening pleasure!!!!"

Facing Future

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