Customer Reviews

Kalapana

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I can't think of many albums that have given me as much pleasure as this one has. Although it was released 30 years ago, this debut album from Kalapana still sounds fresher and more engaging than most -- if not all -- the listless pop/soft-rock albums released these days.

Led by the considerable songwriting talents of Malani Bilyeu and the late Mackey Feary, Kalapana emerged as one of the most popular bands on the Hawaii music scene in the 1970s. Blending a relaxed and easy-going local spirit with an infectious pop sensibility and pitch perfect harmonies, the band produced a steady stream of local radio hits and a debut album that still stands as one of the best of the 70's.

"Naturally," a wistful and moving song about hangliding, became their signature tune, but just as good are the simple but beautifully crafted "Nightbird," the catchy if regretful "The Hurt," and "When the Morning Comes" -- a revamped version of a forgettable Hall and Oates' song that remains one of the greatest cover tunes in music history.

The album "Kalapana" is neither earth-shattering nor groundbreaking and certainly not for anyone looking for traditional Hawaiian music. Nope, this is just a clean-sounding, good-natured, and superbly crafted soft-rock/pop masterwork put together by four talented musicians whose youthful exuberance and energy capture the sun-splashed spirit of the islands on every impressive track.

I believe this was the group's first album. It was originally released in the 70's but the every song still holds up today. If you like tight harmonies, and the sound of acoustic guitars, you will like this album. The lyrics of each song touch upon love or heartbreak experienced on the islands.

Although the group is from Hawaii, I don't know if you could categorize this album as Hawaiian music. There are no traces of a ukelele. Instead, imagine going into a local bar and sitting down with a mug of your favorite brew. A band, dressed casually, goes up on stage and starts playing... and suddenly, you are in paradise.

I watched these guys record some of this album as a teenager and still love their music (now that I'm 40). Great music that spans the years. Not too loud, not too soft...just right for everyday life. So glad to find it on CD!

For the longest time I really had no clue that this group was from Hawaii, because when I was growing up in the P.I. their music was played NON-STOP, I actually thought they were a local group!! The style of music is mellow yet catchy :) I especially love two particular songs on this album-- "The Hurt" & "Nightbird"... This album is definitley worth the money!!!

Cecilio & Kapono and Kalapana are an important part of modern Hawaiian music. Their music is a staple in the Hawaiian music lover's collection. As a child on Maui, I heard all their music and grew to love them, their sounds. A few of those two group's finest songs include: I Love You, Moon and Stars, Sailing, Naturally, The Hurt, For You I'd Chase a Rainbow and About You. Grab a P.O.G.(passion fruit, orange, guava drink), don your swim suit, sun glasses and play this music while you read Maui on My Mind (also available through Amazon.com). You will be in heaven!

Happy with my purchase. Was hoping for a better price being that it was a used CD. It plays well.