Facing Future
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Free Music Notes for Facing Future
Free Music Review: Beautiful music with a wealth of emotion!
Hit: 5 Stars
I can't imagine anyone listening to the music of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and not experiencing an almost overwhelming flow of emotions. His voice can be haunting and ethereal, and his music forms a solid bridge between the traditional music of the Hawaiian Islands and that of today.
The best known selection (and if you've ever spent time in Hawaii, the most omnipresent tune) on this CD is his rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. With apologies to Judy Garland, Iz' version should be regarded as the definitive performance of it. But there is more to this collection than Rainbow. A five minute listen of Hawai'i 78 will tug at your heartstrings for its depiction of the effects of change on the islands. And with the substitution of West Maka'a for West Virginia, Iz accomplishes the nearly impossible task of making Take Me Home Country Road something worth listening to once again.
Despite his early death at 38, Iz left such a rich legacy of music that he has to be regarded as one of the most memorable musicians ever recorded. It's tragic that so many of us came to discover Iz after he died. But I'm thankful that at least I can listen to this whenever I want.
Free Music Review: Like Son, Like Father...
Hit: 5 Stars
I had no idea.
I can add little more commentary here to this man's musical talent and belovedness.
Strangely, for me, two totally unrelated musicians have something in common.
A few years back, my oldest son and I were watching a performance by Stevie Ray Vaughan on TV. My son was transfixed by the performance and asked me if someday we could go see Stevie in concert. The look on
his face when I told him that Stevie had died, at that time, some ten years earlier in a helicopter crash, was indelible.
The same for me. Now.
I had traveled to Hawaii earlier this year and had seen the many CD displays with this large imposing man on the front cover art. He intrigued me since he seemed to be everywhere. At that time, I did not associate the remake of Over the Rainbow with this artist. A song that my wife and I had heard numerous times while on Oahu and Maui. A song that my wife remarked made her feel, the best I can interpret, a sad, happy, wistful sort of feeling.
I wanted to see this man in concert... I am sad, but in a happy, wistful sort of way...to own this CD.
I had no idea.
Free Music Review: an amazing discovery! wish I could have found him earlier!
Hit: 5 Stars
I work in a large chain record store near a movie theatre. Everynight we would have 2-3 people coming in looking for the "Finding Forrester" soundtrack. I finally asked someone what was so special about it. I was told they wanted it for the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" that plays during the closing credits. I didn't know anything about IZ before then. The next day I saw an article about him and heard the song for the first time... I was blown away. I bought "Facing Future" and "IZ in concert" the next day! Since then I have bought every CD that's available. I can't stop listening to him. I'm listening to "N Dis Life" as I type. I'm constantly telling people about "Brotha IZ". His music is so pure and simple, yet so complex and amazing. I still can't believe that such gentle music can come from such a large man. In a time where corporate music is shoved down our throats by radio and TV, IZ is not just a breathe of fresh air, he's the only thing worth breathing. IZ the man may be gone, but his music has made him immortal. May he live on and bring some culture and peace to mainstream music.Free Music Review: Will take you by surprise
Hit: 5 Stars
Iz's voice is angelic and the music is as beautiful as any you've heard. I had never heard of Iz and thought of Hawaiian music as a cliche (Don Ho!!). But, hearing this cd at a friend's house changed my mind. Its one of those cd's that you say "WHO is that?" Of course Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World is transcendental - just when you thought NO ONE could cover those songs in way that wasn't "been there/don't that" - WOW!! But the other Hawaian songs on this cd are so beautiful, reflective, and sad - makes you want to cry for the beauty of Hawaii that must have been (and we've been to the Big Island and were blown away by the beauty that still is!). The emotion is Iz's voice remind me of the way Billie Holiday or Patsy Cline also poured their heart out in a song. I am usually a classic jazz (Ella, Billie,Louis,Sarah, etc.)or neoclassic jazz (Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves)with a little world beat/reggae thrown in. I absolutely LOVED this album and will keep it in my cd rotation for reflective times, for winding down to go to bed times, for just want to listen to beautiful music times (and its NOT background music - its way too beautiful to talk over).Free Music Review: This is a very enjoyable album.
Hit: 5 Stars
Israel Kamakawio'ole will forever be one of Hawaii's best singers and ukulele players. Facing Future is argurably his best solo album. I love every track on this album. My favorite track is Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What A Wonderful World. This song has become a popular anthem of celebration in Hawaii for special events like graduations and weddings. Another standout track is Henehene Kou Aka. Israel expresses the beauty of the Hawaiian language so well here. This song also shows the playful nature of his voice. Hawaiian Sup'pa Man is another favorite track of mine. I love this song. It is so upbeat and great to play at parties. I also loved the songs White Sandy Beach of Hawaii and Ka Pua U'i. Israel sounds so peaceful and angelic singing on these tracks. He plays the ukulele wonderfully and so effortlessly. It is a real pleasure to listen to. Israel's rendition of Take Me Home Country Road is another gem on this album. Facing Future is an excellent album by one of Hawaii's greatest musical talents. I really enjoyed it.