Facing Future

Tranquility
I love, love, LOVE this album! It's just what I need to wind down from a hectic day. I play tracks #1, 14, and 15 at school for my students and it really helps to soothe and clam them during writing and mathematics exercises.

50 First Dates-Rice Crispies have two things in common "Iz" and Over the Rainbow
I had never heard music like this before, it is magical... I bought this cd after hearing the song "Over the Rainbow" on the movie "50 First Dates", with Drew Barrimore and Adam Sandler (which I also purchased, partly because of the song, and loved the movie as well). I did a search to find out who was singing the song and found Iz, and immediately purchased it. The combination or medley of "Over the Rainbow" and "What a wonderful World" flow so beatifully; I do not think I have ever heard it done better.. I was amazed with the Hawain music and the voice of Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole. After that I was sold on his music and style, only to purchase more...I only wish he could still be performing, but I believe he passed away either right before or after the movie was made; not sure of the facts. Add to the fact that since then part of this song was played on the Rice Crispies Commercial, Kind of keeps you wanting to hear more.

An album like no other
It took God to create the beauty that is Hawaii. And God created the love, the gentleness, the hope, and the sadness that springs from the human soul. All Israel Kamakawi'wo'ole did was to put that all to music. And he did so with the voice of an angel. The first time I ever saw IZ was a cold winter day about 15 years ago. There was snow on the ground outside in DC, and I was watching the NFL Pro Bowl being broadcast from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. It was halftime, and Bruddah Iz was part of the entertainment. He was helped onto the stage - this enormous man - oxygen tank and all. I knew nothing of him, but had never seen anyone so obese, and I called family members to take a look at what was on the television. (To this day, I feel a sense of shame that my first impulse upon seeing him was to call others to gawk at his size.) By the time they arrived, Iz began playing the ukulele intro to Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World, and we sat and stood in the living room, mesmerized. I was barely breathing, for I had never heard a voice so sweet and pure, and this restyled medley of two of my favorite songs absolutely enchanted me. We loved his work, and that love has only deepened through the years. As you read the seemingly endless reviews on the site, you probably notice - as I did - how this one man has touched the soul of people of all races, nationalities, and religions. And you will also notice that the passage of time has not dimmed his memory nor the love that people have for him and his music. Those who come from Hawaii or have a deep connection with the Islands love him fiercely. Once you listen to Facing Future, you will come to understand why. Israel Kamakawi'wo'ole was an artist like no other. He was the voice of the Islands and of his people. And the hope, love, joy, and sadness of his music rings true. Great artists transcend barriers of race, religion, and culture and have a profound effect on those who discover their work. You don't have to be a kama'ai'na to love Bruddah Iz. All you have to do is listen to him. Just once.

Facing Future by IZ Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole
I just purchased a CD from our local used record store and I am playing this right now. I had heard Hawai'i 78 on a PBS special about how Hawaii was stolen by a Colonial take over etc. It was very educational and really offered some corrected history on the sugar coated version we might have learned in the History Books. In any case, I heard the music in a store yesterday again and had to buy this CD. It was calling my name. All the tracks are wonderful. Hawai'i 78 is my favorite being that is very political-haunting and poignant (sad as well), White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i is well done and I enjoyed the arrangements, and then Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful Word-I never through I would like this song but his version of it is outstanding and lyrical. I am going to use this music to do my Hula Hooping exercise to and also share it with a friend of mine who is a Hawaiian dancer. It is so sad that IZ is gone and suffered from a medical condition that made his metabolism get out of control. It must have been terrible for him. I wonder if the doctors could have helped him if he had proper specialty health care etc. But, we will never know I guess. IZ was such a wonderful Angel of music and words. Words that touch our hearts and tell a story of a rich culture that deserves their land back from the Colonial thiefs. Yes, USA government should be ashamed of how their take over lands from the indigenous people including the Native Americans. I think Bill Clinton apologized in an official statement, but nothing has been done to give back lands etc. In any event, it is about the music, and this CD is wonderful. Get active and educate yourselves on the history that is not being told and get involved in the Sovereignty Movement.

beautiful. RIP
had to have this after trip to Hawaii. Always wanted Somewhere over Rainbow song....I use it in a Yoga Playlist...just fun music, takes you away. Beautiful voice.