His most popular album was Facing Future (Originally released in 1993), containing mostly his interpretations of traditional Hawaiian music and a few covers such as Country Road and Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Facing Future has been a huge seller in The USA and elsewhere and several tracks were recently played on commercial TV here in Australia as well. Facing Future (released in 1993) is still in our Top 10, and it's been up there in sales ever since it came out, so you know this one is going to sell.
Facing Future
Facing Future
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Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
List Price: $16.99
Our Price: $11.50
You Save: $5.49 (32%)

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days


Product Details

  • Artist: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
  • Binding: Audio CD
  • EAN: 0761268590121
  • Label: Mountain Apple Company
  • Manufacturer: Mountain Apple Company
  • Number of Discs: 1
  • Product Group: Music
  • Publisher: Mountain Apple Company
  • Release Date: 1993-09-01
  • Studio: Mountain Apple Company
  • Title: Facing Future
  • UPC: 761268590121
Avg Customer Rating: 4 stars

Product Description: 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


5 stars Soothing to the soul
This is a wonderful CD. He has taken some classic songs and changed the wording to fit Hawaii. I have a special place in my heart for Hawaii so I really liked that. An added benefit is my toddler always relaxes when I play it. I have also used this to teach yoga classes with. I just wish he were still alive to make more music.


5 stars INCREDIBLE MUSIC AND AN AWESOME PRODUCT AND SERVICE.
This is truly a great product and it makes one feel like they are on the islands.


4 stars IZ Music
It was an good CD, but I thought it had the best hits from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. The customer service from the store was great, sending on time and in perfect condition, I just didn't like the CD.


4 stars i must be weird-i bought this for hawaii '78!!!
This is a wonderful album of modern Hawaiian music, both traditional and new. The only song that doesn't belong is Take Me home, Country Road, although Iz tackles it well and suites it to his style. All the songs are well done, but Iz doesn't need synthesizers and orchestration; he's at his best when it's just him and his ukelele, like White Sandy Beach of Hawaii. And the next time you listen to Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World, take note; it's just Iz and his ukelele!!


5 stars IZ - Future
This album has a few very cool songs. Nice quality. I recommend. It was delivered in a reasonable time.


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