Facing Future - IZ Kamakawiwo'ole, Israel (CD 2000)

This is one of the best Hawaiian CD's that I have ever bought. IZ has such a mellow voice and much of the CD is done in his native Hawaiian language. If you've ever been to the Islands, you can almost imagine you are there again while listening to him sing. I find myself humming the tunes over and over throughout the day.

Great music. The Hawaiian flavor of the music makes you feel like you are sitting on the beach in Oahu. I highly recommend it!

Truly a supremely talented artist. Beautiful example of Hawaiian/English music. Such a sad loss for him to have died so young. I would highly recommend this CD, even to us wanna-be Hawaiians.

THis is a feel-good album from start to finish. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (Iz) was a huge man with a gentle voice and kind spirit, and that is reflested in each of the 15 songs on this CD. From the haunting 'Hawai'i 78 Introduction' to Iz's take on the John Denver tune 'Country Road' there is a theme of Hawaii's past and future meeting. The scond to last cut, 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World' has been used on television shows and commercials many times since this was released in 1993. The second cut, 'Ka Huila Wai' is my favorite, and will keep you humming the tune long after the CD is finished.
Sadly Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's big heart gave out in 1998. But there are a couple more albums available. I'd recommend this as your introduction to this Hawaiian classic comfort food known as Iz.
G. Reese

I really liked his music in the movie 50 First Dates. Thats what made me want to look up more of his music. This music puts me in a better place and kind of takes me away. I really enjoy his voice. It makes me want to listen to this music on a hammock on a sandy beach in Hawaii. Doesn't get better than that.

First of all, I LOVE Hawaii, so I'm bound to be receptive to this CD. I love his beautiful voice, his mastery of the ukelele and the Hawaiian language, and the choices of songs included on this CD. I'm a teacher in Michigan, and I play this CD quietly for my students as they get settled down in the morning and get ready to leave in the afternoon. They just love it, and are quick to remind me if I've forgotten to turn it on. To me, this is just a perfect CD. The Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World song can bring tears to your eyes, as can Hawaii 78. Both awesome songs.

I ordered this CD before Christmas, 2007. I was billed on my credit card for 10.05 on !2/20/07. I have never received the CD. I emailed tobrown@quixnet.net, and still have not received the CD. My invoice # was 12019714663. There was also a name called imgonup. I am very disappointed by this, and will not recommend ebay to anyone.

I saw "Cold Case" and HAD to find the "Over the Rainbow" version......WOW! I searched and searched....what a reward!

i love this cd, its the heart and soul of this man. you should really get it and just sit and listen....

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 one 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.

This is a beautiful CD by a man with the voice of an angel-the melodies and words touched my heart. This whole album flows like water over the smooth pebbles in a creek bed. I can't listen to it at work unless I need calmed down. I will probably purchase more of his work-sorry he is no longer with us!

This is such a relaxing cd to listen to. I already had a couple other of IZ,s CD so I pretty much knew what kind of music he has.

I bought it because it had his most famous songs on it "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" and "Country Roads." I love the CD and would recommend it to everyone. It is soothing music that anyone can appreciate. IZ had the best voice. 5 Stars.

I saw the movie and waitted to find out who sang it. Then look for it on e-bay a buy it from THE BEST.

There are a variety of factors that make "Facing Face" an interesting album. Here are some points in no particular order:
- As mentioned above, the album goes well beyond the traditional folk-styled Hawaiian tunes (although the collection has no shortage of these styled tunes). The album also includes two tracks that are covers of popular songs. There is the cover of John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Road" and a medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with "What a Wonderful World". Iz also gives us some political and personal thoughts on the track "Hawai'i '78", he provides some storytelling on "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man", and delivers a romantic ballad on "White Sandy Beach of Hawaii".
- The album incorporates the use of such Hawaiian instruments as the ukulele and traditional percussion. Iz himself is an accomplished ukulele player. Tracks like "Henehene Kou'aka" and "'Ama'ama" really demonstrate some of this terrific ukulele playing. Combine this with such modern instruments as the keyoboards, bass and guitar and it provides for a solid framework for the album
- Iz incorporates the use of both Hawaiian and English throughout the album. There are some songs all in English (like "White Sandy Beach of Hawaii" - that incidentally Iz wrote) or some songs that are all in Hawaiian (like "'Ama'ama" and "Ka Huila Wai"). In some songs (such as on the opening track, "Hawai'i '78", "Henehene Kou'aka", and the track "La 'Elima") he mixes both languages - and mixes them flawlessly. This "mix" works terrifically and helps add to the sound of the album.
- Iz's vocals are spectacular. Not only does he demonstrate terrific range on this collection, but he also makes use of the spoken word (again pointing to the opening track).

But perhaps the most thought-provoking track is "Hawai'i '78". There are two versions of this track - the "Hawai'i '78 - Introduction" (opening track) and the "Hawai'i '78" (closing/reprise track). For starters, this track has a haunting feel to it. In this song we hear Iz sing about how Hawaii became a victim of imperialism. There are some powerful lyrics in which "If just for a day our king and queen; Would visit all these islands and saw everything; How would they feel about the changes of our land?". The "Introduction" version adds Iz's own personal touch as we hear him speak autobiographical words about himself and his family. This even adds to the powerful and haunting political message that song delivers. By no means is this song your stereotypical Hawaiian song. In a lot of ways, the title of this collection - "Facing Future" is derived from this song. Iz often sings about Hawaiian independence existing someday - perhaps the political message in this song is a catalyst for that message.

The two covers that I mention are very good. As many know, John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads" was about the mountains of West Virginia. In this case, the setting of the Hawaiian Islands. As a result there are significant changes to the lyrics of this song. Instead of West Virginia, Iz sings about West Makaha. Instead of "Mountain Mama" we hear Iz mention "Mount Ka'ala". What I like about this song is that you get a true Hawaiian version for this classic song. While the song is very different, it still keeps to the integrity of the original version sung by John Denver.

This album is absolutely required listening for anyone regardless of musical preference. Please don't buy it just for "Over the Rainbow"--Bruddah Iz has many many more songs of the islands... anytime you're in Oahu, take a ride down the Farrington Highway to see his memorial in Waianae.

This cd is like all of Izzy's CDs. Awesome. If you are dreaming of or missing your time in Hawaii this will take you away to the islands. Easy listening and you will find yourself singing along in no time. A must have if you like Hawaiian music!!!

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.

As a visitor, I was enchanted by IZ on my first trip to Hawaii. I instantly gained a sense that he speaks for the native Hawaiin. This music transcends borders to provide the listener with a sense of inner peace and tranquility. Listen to it in your German automobile on the way to work and admit that your yuppy lifestyle is egocentric and unimportant.

Bought for the song Over The Rainbow but fell in love with all songs on this CD. Very well done Hawaiian music CD, IZ was a great singer that died much to soon. Have all his CD's but this is the best.

The CD is better than [good} Price and quality and art .Just what I wanted.Mail time and pakaging fine.

Good music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I purchased this CD primarily for my love for one of the tracks entitled, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". This is an awe-inspiring collection of beautiful music. It far exceeded my expectations. This artist passed away at a young age, weighed more than 700 pounds, and was idolized in his native Hawaii as a gentle giant with the gift of voice and gentleness. I love this music.

I bought this CD particularly for the song "Over the Rainbow".. and was not sorry I did. That is an absolutely hauntingly beautiful rendition of an old favorite. I was pleasantly rewarded with the rest of the music on this CD being just as beautiful.