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Facing Future | 
| Artist: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Label: Big Boy
Category: Music
List Price: £17.99
Buy New: £10.98
You Save: £7.01 (39%)
New (29) Used (8) from £7.93
Rating:  11 reviews
Sales Rank: 613
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 5901
UPC: 761268590121
EAN: 0761268590121
ASIN: B00000JFG3
Release Date: December 20, 2004
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Tracks:
| • | Hawaii '78 | | • | Ka Huila Wai | | • | Ama Ama | | • | Panini Pua Kei | | • | Take Me Home Country Road | | • | Kuhio Bay | | • | Ka Pua U'i | | • | White Sandy Beach Of Hawaii | | • | Henehene Kou 'Aka | | • | La 'Elima | | • | Pili Me Ka'u Manu | | • | Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man | | • | Kaulana Kawaihae | | • | Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World | | • | Hawaii '78 |
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| Editorial Reviews:
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
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 A pure easy soaring voice May 18, 2008
Why oh why have I only just discovered this wonderful man? I have been listening solidly all day to Over the Rainbow and Kaulana Kawaihae, and can't get enough! Both tracks are just so moving, especially knowing Iz is no more. I still have to listen to the other tracks! I have already orderd another cd and that will not be the last. What a shame he wasn't more widely known. Tell everyone about this amazing talent.
Mark December 2, 2007
I first heard "Beautiful World" on Classic FM (Radio) and bought on that basis and did not regret it, OK one or two are not quite my liking, but overall its' beautiful, and other friends have liked it (including one who sings in a classical group), I don't understand some if it (in Hawaiian) but the harmony is brilliant, and would recommend it to anyone whose music taste can run that way (bearing in mind I still think that Ozzy and Sabbath are the best band ever!)
MY NAME'S SAM TYLER.... April 15, 2007
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Let's add to the ads and films/TV shows Iz's version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" has already been used in with the final episode of the sublime Life on Mars. As Sam "returns home" this song starts playing...and we all end up with a tear in our eye! Astonishingly not on the LOM Soundtrack CD (nor Tom Wait's "Hope I don't fall in love with you", also featured in the last episode - astonishing omissions) this song is a wondeful contrast to the rest of the series' 70's soundtrack. Know nothing about Iz other than he's no longer with us but with this undoubtedly reaching a new audience expect him to "do an Eva Cassidy".
 Sorry, but it's not THAT good. September 4, 2006
19 out of 27 found this review helpful
There are quite a few 5 star reviews here, and I'm sorry to be a dissenting voice, but there's no way that I can give it an unconditional endorsement.
There's no doubt that the boy's got an amazing voice, and most of the songs are rendered very nicely. But, if you're buying this for 'over the rainbow/wonderful world', you may not like what you get. The other songs are of a very different (hawaian) style. Even 'Over the Rainbow' is terminated in a very grating manner (a load of guttural noises that spoil the song) - it was a bad call by Isreal and the recording engineers really ought to have removed it.
Of the remaining songs, some of them are great, if your tastes extend to that style (although 'take me home' doesn't translate well into Israel's style, in my opinion). Personally, I can listen to it, but wouldn't go out of my way to do so. I guess that, in some ways, that makes me a poor person to pass comment. BUT, like others here, I bought this for Over the Rainbow, and put my faith in the other tracks in the review comments here.
What comes across in many of the remaining songs is a strong sense of anger at loss of the native Hawaiian culture. In so many ways this is great, but if you want easy listening, perhaps it's too much like listening to Hawaiian independence protest songs - assuming that you listen to the words. If you can shut of from the lyrics, it really is easy listening Hawaiian style...
MAGICAL! August 16, 2005
32 out of 32 found this review helpful
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!
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