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Wonderful World
 
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Wonderful World

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (47 customer reviews) More about this product

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Frequently Bought Together

Wonderful World + Alone in IZ World + Facing Future
Price For All Three: $42.97

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  • This item: Wonderful World ~ Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

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  • Alone in IZ World ~ Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

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  • Facing Future ~ Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

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Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

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E Ala E

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Product Details

  • Audio CD (June 26, 2007)
  • Original Release Date: June 26, 2007
  • Number of Discs: 1
  • Label: Mountain Apple Company HAWAII & Big Boy Record Company
  • ASIN: B000P1YM2G
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,033 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

    Popular in this category: (What's this?)

    #3 in  Music > World Music > Pacific Islands > Hawaii

Listen to Samples

To hear a song sample, click on "Listen" by that sample. Visit our audio help page for more information.
 
1. What a Wonderful World
2. 'Ama 'Ama
3. Henehene Kou 'Aka
4. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
5. Morning Dew
6. White Sandy Beach
7. Kaleohano
8. Ka Huila Wai
9. 'Opae E
10. Ke Alo O Iesu
11. 'Ulili E
12. A Hawaiian Like Me

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Even a decade after his death at age 38 in 1997, Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole remains Hawaii's best-known and most beloved singer. His career began when he and his older brother, Skippy, formed a group in their hometown near Honolulu. The two performed together until the latter died in 1982. The band continued on for some years but it was Iz's haunting voice, with its searing yet limpid falsetto, that captured the popular imagination. Indeed, his 'ukulele-laced version of "Over the Rainbow" is widely thought to be the only interpretation that could possibly stand up to Judy Garland's original. Now that the definitive retrospective, Alone in IZ World (2001), has been released, it is perhaps inevitable that new arrangements should be slipped in under Iz's inimitable, indelible vocal tracks. The good news is, however, that these particular lush orchestrations, while totally superfluous, are nonetheless respectful and in good taste, never overwhelming the singing (as if anything could!). There are no revelations, but, fortunately, no unpleasant shocks, either. Perhaps, had he lived, Iz might have decided to go this route anyway. As with Louis Armstrong's (the title of this album refers to Iz's own cover of "What A Wonderful World") and Buddy Holly's string-backed experiments, it's simply yet another way to celebrate the legacy of a departed genius. --Christina Roden

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Customer Reviews

47 Reviews
5 star:
 (26)
4 star:
 (6)
3 star:
 (4)
2 star:
 (3)
1 star:
 (8)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.8 out of 5 stars (47 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars WHAT!!, July 23, 2007
By Richard Byers (Astoria, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Why ANYONE would feel the need to "remake" or add to the music of IZ is way beyond me (other than the obvious - $$$$). Skip this one and pick up any one of his previous albums - Trust me, they're all you'll ever need!
Comment Comments (3) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars IS not IZ, June 26, 2007
If you are a fan of IZ, as I am, I don't recommend this CD. The syrupy orchestral arrangements here take his simple, beautiful music and turn it into something that is not IZ. I am just speaking for myself but I could not get through this CD. It made me feel sad which is something his music never does.

PS: This wonderful promo video has nothing to do with the music on this CD.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars This is a train wreck., July 18, 2007
By oilbag (Looking for Forrester) - See all my reviews
I just finished listening to the complete CD and did not notice it had ended. Over produced is one term that comes to mind. Orchestrated in bizarre parts throughout. The reviewer who called it "The Little Mermaid" type of music was correct. It just doesn't sound right. The simplicity of Iz and a ukulele on a white sandy beach was tied to the Disneyland Monorail and Goofy was the pilot. A disaster on the scale of Ishtar. Sometimes, shoes are not required.

Iz is beautiful, but nothing new here. Don't waste your money. The two stars are for Iz, otherwise zero stars.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Misses the Point, Barrel Scrapings
I am kind of a total fan of Iz, I have pictures of him, t shirts, bone hook necklaces, and I have every CD, plus all the Sons of N, so I know the songs by heart..... Read more
Published 11 days ago by M. Perry

5.0 out of 5 stars IZ CD
I GREAT CONDITION - I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH THIS PURCHASE -
MY FIRST OF HIS MUSIC - I LOVE IT !
Published 1 month ago by Janet M. Zwisler

4.0 out of 5 stars great mood music
Although this was not the version of Wonderful world I was seeking it is a great addition to my music collection and was a big hit at our Luau party
Published 1 month ago by Bobbi E

5.0 out of 5 stars CD IZ
I bought this as a gift. They really did like it & said it was the best gift ever.
Published 2 months ago by Melinda Kay Meljo

5.0 out of 5 stars Just beautiful...Izzy at his very best!!
We love Izzy's music and this album is just the best!! First quality. The orchestra adds such an elegant touch to Izzy's voice. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Fon Couture

5.0 out of 5 stars A light hearted coloration
I bought this CD at the Honolulu Stadium flea market last week, and consequently did not have a chance to check the reviews before I bought it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by nightfall

5.0 out of 5 stars IZ is amazing
Iz has the most amazing voice. He can talk to your heart through song. I love the songs he gives his history thru.
Published 4 months ago by Teresa D. Shobe

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful World by IZ
I had the privilege to hear some of the music from IZ, better know as Wonderful World an Awesome musician from Hawaii. He he very talented, I do believe you'll enjoy this CD
Published 5 months ago by Steve Davis

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Iz
My employer introduced me to Iz with a Christmas gift of his CD. It is some of the most beautiful, touching and tender music I have heard and his angelic voice takes you... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Barbara Gomez

5.0 out of 5 stars We listen to this CD every night!!!!!
I happened upon this CD purely by chance in an effort to find calming music before bedtime. Every night after the stories are read and the lights are turned off, I put IZ on for... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Bowzers of ONE

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Facing Future
40% buy
Facing Future 4.7 out of 5 stars (437)
$12.99
Wonderful World
29% buy the item featured on this page:
Wonderful World 3.8 out of 5 stars (47)
$14.99
Alone in IZ World
21% buy
Alone in IZ World 4.6 out of 5 stars (141)
$14.99
Unforgettable
5% buy
Unforgettable 4.0 out of 5 stars (7)
$13.99



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