Editorial Product Review:

Album Description:
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.

Amazon.com:
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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Disc 1:

1. Hawai'i '78 introduction
2. Ka Huila Wai
3. 'Ama'ama
4. Panini Pua Kea
5. Take Me Home Country Road
6. Kuhio Bay
7. Ka Pua U'i
8. White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i
9. Henehene Kou 'Aka
10. La 'Elima
11. Pili Me Ka'u Manu
12. Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
13. Kaulana Kawaihae
14. Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
15. Hawai'i '78

Customer Rating: - Excellent cd.
I love to put this cd on and just relax.... or dance around the house with my new baby!

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Customer Rating: - Great Music
Anyone who has heard one of Iz's albums always wants more. He had an unforgettable voice that, depending on the song, can be upbeat, or melancholy.

Unfortunately, the good die young.

Check out this album along with any others you may have a chance to listen to. You will not be disappointed.

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Customer Rating: - Russert memento
I purchased this CD because it contains the version of Over the Rainbow that was played at the end of Tim Russert's recent funeral service. Amazingly, an actual rainbow appeared over the Kennedy Center site of the service in DC at the same time.

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Customer Rating: - Excellent CD.
I love this album. I first heard it being played at Tim Russerts funeral and knew I had to find it. I found it at Amazon and play it over and over again. This is a must have.