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.
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 Rating:
Summary: IZ voice of the people
Comment: hi from the beautiful land of Italy
I think Israel Kamakawiwo'ole ( the fearless eyes the bold face) had a magic touch in his voice and in the way he was able to improvise and rearrange all the songs he sang. the story behind the medley that changed the world is quite interesting ..it is on his biography that Amazon sells as well called: IZ voice of the people. in short: he called the studio in the middle of the night saying he had something in mind and he absolutely had to record it .. he was so persistent and sweet that the producer agreed so he went to the studio, sat down with his Ukulele played 4 songs ( over the rainbow/wonderful world was one of them) and then he said: now I'm tired.. and he left... and that is the version we all love... I think this shows his genius his talent, how big he was and he will always be. long live Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and please check all his music he was simply astonishing.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Facing Future
Comment: I love the song Somewhere Over The Rainbow, by him. I had looked all over for it.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Easy listening
Comment: easy listening and his Over The Rainbow is the best - Z's voice soft and gentle

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Facing Future
Comment: I had never heard of the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole until the track "What A Wonderful World/ Over The Rainbow was recently played on the radio. This man's voice is truly amazing.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Rainbows
Comment: I really enjoyed this CD. I bought it for the Over the Rainbow song and after listening to it, I enjoyed all the songs on it.

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