The first ever album to receive an RIAA Certified Gold Record for Hawaiian, Facing Future has introduced the entire planet earth to Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo'ole. This is the spring board which catapulted IZ's music into so many film and TV projects. Released in 1993, Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's second solo album found a world-wide audience nearly a decade later thanks to its ukulele-led 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World' medley appearing on several TV and film soundtracks. Recorded at Audio Resource, Honolulu, Hawaii.br /Audio CD (September 1, 1993).
Check out Facing Future by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole on Amazon Music. Stream ad-free or purchase CD's and MP3s now on Amazon.com. In one cd, his music is memorialized for our future! 11 people found this helpful. Comment Report abuse. George Boyce. 5.0 out of 5 stars IZ LIVES. DO NOT MISSS HIM.
Iz at his best If you love Hawaii and Hawaiin music, this album will become one of your favorites. The late, great Iz combined, in this album, a selection of wonderful traditional music along with a group modern sounds sung with an Iz twist that will make you want to tap your toes and hum right along. Of the traditional songs, my favorite is Ka Huila Wai, sung in Hawaiin and wonderful to listen to. It is the very best rendition of this tune; in fact, it was so entrancing that I memorized tthe words and often sing along with IZ. Amongst the modern songs is IZ' version of A Wonderful World-I cannot decide whether I like Satchmo's or Iz' version better. But why even worry-just enjoy.
For those of you who like 'Country Roads' ala John Denver, you are in for a treat with this album because IZ sings hi s version and neatly tucks in the beaches and mountains of rural Oahu. Clear, blue water, fishcakes and friends on 'da' beach.yes. The first and last tracks feature IZ singing the Motto of Hawaii with a little history also appended in song.
The motto, 'Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono', means 'The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness', but the way IZ sings it is so haunting and alluring that you surely will find yourself remembering the words and joining IZ in the celebration of his heritage. Well, that is just a small taste of the tunes featured on this album, but the voice of IZ, the sounds of his uke, and the message of Aloha will surely find a favorite place in your CD collection. And it will show you why all Hawaii continues to mourn the passing of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole over a decade later. We still love ya, bruda. Takes Me Back To Oahu Hawaii! Somewhere Over The Rainbo I was doing chores around the house and heard the music. It was on the Rice Krispie commercial.
The memories started flooding back. I always look forward to going each time I go. This past July my boyfriend went with me and my family. Everytime I hear The White Sandy Beach of Hawaii, in my mind he and I are back on the beach again. I had never bought IZ's music till now. My ringback tone on my cell phone is Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
Immediately while listening to the music, in my mind I was back in Oahu Hawaii on the Waikiki Beach. Everywhere you go in Oahu all you hear is the beautiful Hawaiian Music. Walking downtown, in the stores. The first time I heard Somewhere Over The Rainbow and White Sandy Beach of Hawaii was in Hawaii. I recommend this to everyone. It is beautiful.
The ones I have heard of IZ music is peaceful and soothing. Enjoy the relaxation, close your eyes and dream. That you are on the beach, and can hear the sound of the ocean, feeling the breeze and watching the Navy Ships go by while listening to his music. You can go to a link on the web and there are live cams. Type in traffic cams Honolulu Hawaii and watch the sunset. Beautiful CD by great Native American artist. This is a great cd, especially if you are interested in music made by Native American peoples.
He has recorded not only some native songs, but also songs about his people and adapted some popular songs to his style and home. IZ changed the words to John Denver's 'Take Me Home Country Roads' to one that takes him home to his remote home on the islands - and does it beautifully.
He combined 'Over The Rainbow' with 'What A Wonderful World' flawlessly. He has a soft, beautiful voice. The first time I heard him I thought he sounded like an angel. After listening to this cd about a dozen times now, I still do. Hawaiian Spirit In An Amazing Voice They say that the good die young.
This young man died way too soon, but his legacy is one of haunting vocals in amazing arrangements. Iz was the voice for the Hawaiian people. Every generation has its own voice for a certain genre of music. My generation's Hawaiian voice was Don Ho. But Iz is the Generation X voice. Iz had such a great vocal range that it was hard to believe he was one man. His physical size was dwarfed by his vocal abilities.
I am not a fan of remakes of classic tunes, but Iz has redone some classics that make me want to hear more from him. His remake of the classic 'Over The Rainbow' was so amazing that the producers of the movie '50 First Dates' included it in its soundtrack. But Iz was taken from us way too soon.
He was beloved in his native Hawaii that his body was on e of only three bodies to lay in state at the capital. He was Hawaii to so many. Put this cd in your player and sit back and enjoy a phenominal voice and spirit. Facing Future My sister,who lives in Hawaii, recently visited me here on the mainland, brought many gifts, however the CD that she bought 'Alone in IZ world' was my first experience with contemporary Hawaiian music. I went to e-bay to find 'Facing Future', which is one of IZs' greatest CDs.I am totally pleased with this CD and will continue to buy his music. This is music from the heart of a man who faced much adversity in his life,not to mention hih struggle with morbid obesity.One can feel much of his pain in his music, yet the music some how brings a sense of calm to the listener.I will periodically add more of IZ to my collection.I can't thank my sister enough for introducing me to this great Hawaiian artist.