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Facing Future

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'oleAudio CD
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (574 customer reviews)

Price: $14.87 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
 : Includes FREE MP3 version of this album.
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Formats

Amazon Price New from Used from
MP3 Music, 15 Songs, 1993 $8.99  
Audio CD, 1993 $14.87  
Audio Cassette, 1995 --  

Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s

Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or view the MP3 Album.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Samples
Song Title Time Price
listen  1. Hawai'i '78 Introduction 5:05$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen  2. Ka Huila Wai 3:20$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen  3. 'Ama'ama 2:14$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen  4. Panini Pua Kea 3:07$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen  5. Take Me Home Country Road 4:56$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen  6. Kuhio Bay 3:31$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen  7. Ka Pua U'i 2:55$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen  8. White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i 2:37$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen  9. Henehene Kou 'Aka 4:22$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen10. La 'Elima 3:40$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen11. Pili Me Ka'u Manu 2:33$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen12. Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man 3:53$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen13. Kaulana Kawaihae 4:01$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen14. Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World 5:08$0.99  Buy MP3 
listen15. Hawai'i 78 5:15$0.99  Buy MP3 


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Biography

The growing success of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole, a Hawaiian vocalist known to many simply as "IZ," is an amazing story just waiting to be told.

In 1993, following a successful recording and performing career as part of the Mäkaha Sons of Ni‘ihau group, Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole released his solo CD “Facing Future” which launched an impressive solo ... Read more in Amazon's Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole Store

Visit Amazon's Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole Store
for 7 albums, 7 photos, discussions, and more.

Special Offers and Product Promotions

  • Buy a CD or a vinyl record, get a $1 Amazon MP3 Credit. Limit one promotional credit per customer. Here's how (restrictions apply)
  • Includes FREE MP3 version of this album Here's how (restrictions apply)

Frequently Bought Together

Facing Future + Alone in IZ World + Somewhere Over the Rainbow: The Best of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Price for all three: $42.52

Buy the selected items together


Product Details

  • Audio CD (September 1, 1993)
  • Original Release Date: September 1, 1993
  • Number of Discs: 1
  • Label: Mountain Apple Company
  • ASIN: B00000JFG3
  • Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Music
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (574 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #402 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

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

Product Description

Iz's breezy Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley brought legions of new fans to this 1993 album when it appeared on several TV and film soundtracks years later. His second solo album also features Kuhio Bay; Ka Huila Wai ; his take on Take Me Home, Country Roads , and more!

Customer Reviews

Now, I listen to each song on the CD and just relax. J. Woodard  |  132 reviewers made a similar statement
IZ's gentle and soothing voice will surely touch your heart. lk_73@hotmail.com L.Y.K.  |  117 reviewers made a similar statement
This is one of the best CD's I've listen to in a long time. G. Utley  |  89 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1,174 of 1,197 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Something's gotta a hold on me...... February 22, 2001
Format:Audio CD
Last year, I saw an etoys commercial that began with a boy chasing fireflies and ended with his wise and loving father ordering a firefly 'kit' from etoys. It was a good ad, but what made it great was the music --- someone playing a 4-string ukulele and humming.

It was the oddest thing. Every morning this commercial ran on the 'Today' show, I'd get....misty. Without a word, the music generated pictures of home and love and security --- images of a world in which everything works.

I mentioned this commercial to others. They also had noticed the music and had been moved by it. But no one knew who the singer was.

Then a colleague quietly played a CD in her office: the soundtrack of the Sean Connery film, 'Finding Forrester. And along came this song. Its title: 'Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World.' The singer: a Hawaiian named Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, who, as a quick Web search revealed, had died in 1997 at the age of 38.

I read up on IZ, and learned IZ called his producer and said there was a song he had to record. He showed up at the studio at midnight with his ukulele -- and, in 5 minutes, created "Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World."

In 1996, National Public Radio did a piece on IZ and played 'Over the Rainbow.' Listeners called in; sales shot up. And music insiders like Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon and Bette Midler were no longer alone in their admiration for IZ.

The following year, when IZ died, it was clear that he was the Bob Marley of Hawaii. His casket lay in state at the Capitol, and 10,000 fans came to say goodbye. The next day, friends paddled a double-hulled voyaging canoe into Makua Bay, where IZ and his friends had camped out and played music over the years....

There was thunderous cheering as IZ's ashes were poured into the water. It continued for an hour. To be with IZ one last time, family members and friends ran into the ocean. And the music continued into the night.

It still does. Read more ›

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350 of 356 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I work in a large chain record store near a movie theatre. Everynight we would have 2-3 people coming in looking for the "Finding Forrester" soundtrack. I finally asked someone what was so special about it. I was told they wanted it for the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" that plays during the closing credits. I didn't know anything about IZ before then. The next day I saw an article about him and heard the song for the first time... I was blown away. I bought "Facing Future" and "IZ in concert" the next day! Since then I have bought every CD that's available. I can't stop listening to him. I'm listening to "N Dis Life" as I type. I'm constantly telling people about "Brotha IZ". His music is so pure and simple, yet so complex and amazing. I still can't believe that such gentle music can come from such a large man. In a time where corporate music is shoved down our throats by radio and TV, IZ is not just a breathe of fresh air, he's the only thing worth breathing. IZ the man may be gone, but his music has made him immortal. May he live on and bring some culture and peace to mainstream music.
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147 of 150 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Hawai'i '78 July 9, 2002
Format:Audio CD
"Cry for the Gods, cry for the people, cry for the land that was taken away...and then yet you'll find, Hawai'i."

A few years ago when I was a serviceman stationed in Hawaii, I first heard this beautiful, haunting song, and was first exposed to the incredible voice of Israel "IZ" Kamawiwo'ole. Already sobered by the song's theme...the regret of native Hawaiians over losing their sovereignty...I was further saddened to learn that "IZ" had died in 1997. Like his father, and his brother, Skippy (also a recording artist), IZ had died of medical problems associated with obesity (he weighed as much as 760 pounds at one time). But thankfully, IZ left a legacy of recorded music, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Hawiiana band "Makaha Sons of Niihau". And thanks to the airplay received by "Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" on the TV show ER, the movie soundtracks "Finding Forrester" and "Meet Joe Black", and commercials for E-Toys, thousands of mainstream listeners on the mainland have now discovered IZ for the first time.

In many years of listening and collecting, I've never found an album like "Facing Future" that has such a universal appeal. Kids love it, teens love it, grandparents love it. A certified hard rocker myself (check my reviews of bands like Tool and Type O Negative), I consider "Facing Future" one of the top five CDs in my extensive collection, and rarely do I go more than a couple of weeks without giving it a spin.

Every track on the CD is wonderful, and if you skip over any, it will be just to get to the album's best two tracks, which are near the end: "Rainbow/Wonderful World" and "Hawai'i '78"....

You will never buy a more beloved CD than this one, your family and friends will rave about it. Get it, you'll be glad you did! Read more ›

Was this review helpful to you?
74 of 75 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Dizzy for IZ July 12, 2001
Format:Audio CD
I'd never heard of Izrael Kamakawiwo'ole and discovered his music when I heard his "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" rendition on the "Finding Forrester" soundtrack. IZ's medley of these two well known tunes was the most unique and original I've ever heard. With his variable and smooth voice supported with the simple strums on his ukulele, IZ delivers an enchanting and heartfelt sound. His music truly resonates in your soul.

His "Facing Future" CD also includes several other lovely and inspiring musical pieces. Three that I particularly enjoyed were: "Take Me Home Country Road" where he adds his unique native Hawaiian flare; "White Sandy Beach of Hawaii" which provides you with images and feelings even if you have never set foot on a Hawaiian beach; and "Kaulana Kawaihae" which demonstrates IZ's immense vocal depth and range.

Several songs on his "Facing Future" CD are in his native Hawaiian tongue. They will communicate and resonate with you even if you don't speak the language. His music, like a gifted painter, creates vivid images of a place with unique beauty, balmy climate and a gentle and proud people...a serene Hawaii.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Luv this CD
Just as described. Fast ship. Well pleased. THANKS!!!
This is one of my absolute favorite CDs. This is the second copy I have purchased as I ended up giving away the first... Read more
Published 1 day ago by Ducelick
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
Many of us are not familiar with Israel "IZ" - I was introduced to his beautiful, unique voice by my grandchildren. Over the Rainbow is simply beautiful. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Kate
5.0 out of 5 stars I love IZ's music!
I'm learning to play the Ukulele and found some of IZ's music video's on youtube. This CD has several of his songs that I hadn't heard before and it's now my favorite in my car CD... Read more
Published 10 days ago by thomas p vincent
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and beautiful
I found this album to be unique and beautiful. I had heard IZ's version of "Over the Rainbow" before, but I had never heard his version of "Country Roads" - very... Read more
Published 11 days ago by R. Beach
5.0 out of 5 stars Bruddah Iz
I'm just a haole from Colorado who knows a kama'aina really well. Nothing floats me to Kaliua better than Iz. (Yeah yeah, he is from Makaha, whatevah. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Eric K. Jensen
2.0 out of 5 stars Not quite what i expected
This music wasn't quite what i expected for Hawaii music. The first song is about his family problems. I think it might be more understood by the local population. Read more
Published 14 days ago by D. Fehl
5.0 out of 5 stars Serenity in Music
This gentleman was a great loss to the music world and the serenity he brought with his sound and uniqueness. I listen to it regularly.
Published 17 days ago by Frances J. Porgal
5.0 out of 5 stars What is not to like about IZ?
The man was one of the most talented Hawaiian musicians, can never get enough of his voice and talent.
I bought this to add to my collection of Isreal Kamakawaiwo'ole music.
Published 21 days ago by Donna Bentley
5.0 out of 5 stars Good music
Have it on my iPhone and love this artists music.if you like Hawaii style music I recomend this guy, he is good.
Published 23 days ago by Mike L.
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely wonderful
IZ's voice can be haunting, endearing, relaxing, and so much more. The man was obviously an incredible person. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Michael
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IZ Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the rainbow"
Yes, the song was featured in the film *50 First Dates* with Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Apparently, it was also featured on the tv show ER a few years back when one of the lead doctor's died.
Apr 9, 2008 by Antoinette |  See all 4 posts
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