Track Listing

1. Hawaii '78
2. Ka Huila Wai
3. Ama Ama
4. Panini Pua Kei
5. Take Me Home Country Road
6. Kuhio Bay
7. Ka Pua U'i
8. White Sandy Beach Of Hawaii
9. Henehene Kou 'Aka
10. La 'Elima
11. Pili Me Ka'u Manu
12. Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
13. Kaulana Kawaihae
14. Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
15. Hawaii '78

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1423 in Music
• Released on: 2004-12-20
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
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

Customer Reviews

MAGICAL!
I bought this album specifically for the 'somewhere over the rainbow' song, which gets right to my heart every time I heard it on the end of a film/advert. Just listened to the rest of the album and its all absolutely magical! The sound, the words, his voice profoundly exquisite!!! Would recommend this to everyone for a really relaxed mood but also to anyone who appreciates great and original music. Wish I had discovered him sooner!

a cool breeze of a voice
The purity and clarity of IZ's voice soars high and aims for the heart, with a simple accompaniment in some songs of just his ukulele, and in others he is joined by bass and guitar. The only tracks with keyboard and percussion are the cover/adaptation of John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Road", which is probably the weakest track on the CD, and the marvelous "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man", with its calypso style rhythm and catchy tune.
The highlights for me are the exquisite "La 'Elima", and "Kaulana Kawaihae", where the loveliness of IZ'z voice singing in its highest register shine, and the sublime, delicate rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"/"What a Wonderful World", sung with so much sensitivity, it moves one to the core.

IZ had a voice like a cool breeze on a warm day, and it continues to delight and inspire through his many CDs, and his music will touch people who are not familiar, or do not particularly care for Hawaiian music; it is universal in its beauty and magic.
The foldout insert has no lyrics (which is a pity) or recording info. The sound is excellent and total time 56'43.
God bless IZ, and may he be rejoicing in an island paradise !

IZ wonderful
This CD is fabulous. Listening to it is akin to the feelings of having died and gone to heaven. Israel (IZ) plays traditional hawaiian ukulele and sings with the voice of an angel. The songs are enchanting and melodic and I recommend it to everyone.