Facing Future Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

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CD

  • Release Date: 03/14/1995
  • Original Release: 1993
  • Sales Rank: 648
  • Label: BIG BOY RECORDS
  • UPC: 761268590121

Listener Rating: (13 ratings)

Detailed Rating: "Originality" See All

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  • Overview
  • Tracks
  • Editorial Reviews
  • Customer Reviews
  • Details & Credits
Track List
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Facing Future

1LISTENHawai'i 78 Introduction 5:05
2LISTENKa Huila Wai 3:20
3LISTEN'Ama'ama 2:14
4LISTENPanini Pua Kea 3:07
5LISTENTake Me Home, Country Roads 4:56
6LISTENKuhio Bay 3:31
7LISTENKa Pua U'i 2:55
8LISTENWhite Sandy Beach of Hawai'i 2:37
9LISTENHenehene Kou'aka 4:22
10LISTENLa 'Elima 3:40
11LISTENPili Me Ka'u Manu 2:33
12LISTENMaui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man 3:53
13LISTENKaulana Kawaihae 4:01
14LISTENOver the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World 5:08
15LISTENHawai'i '78 5:15

About this Artist

Editorial Reviews

The late Hawaiian star Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, a gentle 750-pound giant who passed away in 1997, is an unlikely candidate for a career renaissance. But thanks to popular films such as Finding Forrester and Meet Joe Black and TV shows from Party of Five to Picket Fences, the music of the man called Iz lives on. Recording with his brother Skippy in the '70s as the Makaha Sons, Iz's high tenor and fluttering falsetto -- think Roy Orbison in a sarong -- accompanied simple melodies plucked on ukulele. His solo career began after Skippy's death in 1982, and while his lyrics remain Hawaii-centric (and often in Hawaiian) and he is usually backed with uke and slack-key guitar, Facing Future moves in more contemporary directions. Iz's version of "Take Me Home, Country Road" owes more to Toots and the Maytals than to John Denver, and the synth-heavy "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" shows the bluesier, gruff side of Iz's vocal talent. The highlight of the collection is the medley "Somewhere over the Rainbow/ What a Wonderful World" which Iz dedicates to slack-key legend Gabby Pahinui. Over a spare uke strum, he shows off his breathy, soulful lower register, then soars higher into a supple falsetto -- without a trace of pretense or treacle. To ears under assault from overproduced, insincere pop, that simple, joyful directness makes the music of this no-longer-obscure artist such a welcome tonic. Mark Schwartz, Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

Facing Futureby Aunt_Debbie

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April 13, 2009: What can one say? The album is the best as he was the best.

IZ IS!!by Anonymous

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November 01, 2005: Everyone from the born in the taro patch to the eastcoast haole will love the music of Irael Kamakawaole. He was a gentle giant of a man and I'm sooo glad his music lives on. You can hear him on albums with Makaha Sons of Niihau as well as Hawaiian Style Band with Sistah Robi. Check it out - it's all good!! Mahalo for this opportunity - Dahmia


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