Track Listing

1. What a Wonderful World
2. 'Ama 'Ama
3. Henehene Kou 'Aka
4. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
5. Morning Dew
6. White Sandy Beach
7. Kaleohano
8. Ka Huila Wai
9. 'Opae E
10. Ke Alo O Iesu
11. 'Ulili E
12. A Hawaiian Like Me

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2306 in Music
• Brand: Dig
• Released on: 2007-06-26
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Amazon.com
Even a decade after his death at age 38 in 1997, Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole remains Hawaii's best-known and most beloved singer. His career began when he and his older brother, Skippy, formed a group in their hometown near Honolulu. The two performed together until the latter died in 1982. The band continued on for some years but it was Iz's haunting voice, with its searing yet limpid falsetto, that captured the popular imagination. Indeed, his 'ukulele-laced version of "Over the Rainbow" is widely thought to be the only interpretation that could possibly stand up to Judy Garland's original. Now that the definitive retrospective, Alone in IZ World (2001), has been released, it is perhaps inevitable that new arrangements should be slipped in under Iz's inimitable, indelible vocal tracks. The good news is, however, that these particular lush orchestrations, while totally superfluous, are nonetheless respectful and in good taste, never overwhelming the singing (as if anything could!). There are no revelations, but, fortunately, no unpleasant shocks, either. Perhaps, had he lived, Iz might have decided to go this route anyway. As with Louis Armstrong's (the title of this album refers to Iz's own cover of "What A Wonderful World") and Buddy Holly's string-backed experiments, it's simply yet another way to celebrate the legacy of a departed genius. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

IS not IZ
If you are a fan of IZ, as I am, I don't recommend this CD. The syrupy orchestral arrangements here take his simple, beautiful music and turn it into something that is not IZ. I am just speaking for myself but I could not get through this CD. It made me feel sad which is something his music never does.

PS: This wonderful promo video has nothing to do with the music on this CD.

WHAT!!
Why ANYONE would feel the need to "remake" or add to the music of IZ is way beyond me (other than the obvious - $$$$). Skip this one and pick up any one of his previous albums - Trust me, they're all you'll ever need!

This is a train wreck.
I just finished listening to the complete CD and did not notice it had ended. Over produced is one term that comes to mind. Orchestrated in bizarre parts throughout. The reviewer who called it "The Little Mermaid" type of music was correct. It just doesn't sound right. The simplicity of Iz and a ukulele on a white sandy beach was tied to the Disneyland Monorail and Goofy was the pilot. A disaster on the scale of Ishtar. Sometimes, shoes are not required.

Iz is beautiful, but nothing new here. Don't waste your money. The two stars are for Iz, otherwise zero stars.