Facing Future
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CD Details
Performer: Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'oleEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1993-09-01
Music Label: Mountain Apple Company
Soundtracks:
- Hawai'i '78 introduction
- Ka Huila Wai
- 'Ama'ama
- Panini Pua Kea
- Take Me Home Country Road
- Kuhio Bay
- Ka Pua U'i
- White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i
- Henehene Kou 'Aka
- La 'Elima
- Pili Me Ka'u Manu
- Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man
- Kaulana Kawaihae
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
- Hawai'i '78
Music reviews of Facing Future
Music Review: A Very Innovative Album
Rating: 4 Stars
After many years of being fascinated with Hawaiian culture, I finally got a chance to visit Hawaii. I got to Hawaii as a result of a corporate event being held there. One of the giveaways was some Hawaiian Music to remember the event. The music happened to be Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole's "Facing Future" album. While I've had an interest in Hawaiian music, I can't say that this is an area where I have a lot of knowledge of who are the superstars in this genre. However when I came home, I came to discover that "Iz" (Kamakawiwo'Ole's nickname) truly does fall into the category of Hawaiian superstar. Once I started to give a serious listen to "Facing Future", I soon realized that this work backs up Iz's claim to fame in superstardom. I originally expected an album filled the folk-styled music that has become a trademark of much of the music of Hawaii. Instead I found an album with a wide range of musical styles. Through my research on Iz, I was also saddened to learn that Iz had past away several years ago.
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. On top of it, Iz employs a reggae technique in this song - it also works beautifully.
As for the medley which is a cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" it works well. It is worth noting that I am not a fan of either song. In fact, I would almost rather have root canal than hear "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Yet the way Iz covers both of these songs really works well. In addition, the medley is seamless with these two songs - I would say it is more of fusion of the songs. What makes this work is the use of Iz's ukulele playing. As a result, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" actually works for me - and works for me very well.
The liner notes are pretty thin. I wish there would have been lyrics included - and if there were some more insights into the music of this collection, it would even be better. It is a shame that Iz passed away at such a young age. Iz should not only be given credits for innovations, but for delivering good musical talent. You will have to have an appreciation for the music of Hawaii to really get the most of this album. Overall, this is not your mainstream album, yet it is one certainly worth checking out.
Description of Facing Future
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.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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