Customer Reviews

Wonderful World

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

I love Iz's music - if you do too - skip this CD. The orchestral arrangements are formulaic, weak and hokey. I was hoping there would be some innovative takes on the music - but it left a lot to be desired.
If you like Yanni, John Tesh, or Muzak - by all means get this one.

Otherwise - stick to the original cuts of these songs.

The amazing thing is that Iz survives the cheezy obviously-computer-generated orchestrations dubbed incongruously onto his music. It adds nothing, yet is unable to destroy the soul of the music. That is almost a reason to buy the CD, just to witness this, but then the producer would get money, which he should not get. Like the first time I heard the White Album as elevator muzak, this is a truely distressing CD. And yet, unlike John, Paul, George, and Ringo, Israel Kamakawiwo`ole survives the humiliating debasement of his music. With all of your might, do not buy this CD. Instead get Facing Future if you are new to his music. Facing Future
Kurt

I was anxious to purchase this CD, after reading about the technology, etc., used to produce this CD. I like the overall quality of the product, but did not appreciate the fact that the "Ahi wela" verse was left out of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!", the verse that all of us keiki Hawaiians heard from our mothers, and memorized as soon as we could sing. Also, leaving "Somewhere over the rainbow" out of "Wonderful World" in my opinion was a huge mistake. But I have the original versions of these songs, so I feel ok about the final product, notwithstanding the comments mentioned above.

This is pure Muzak and is Brother Iz's classic songs re-released terribly as bad elevator music.

Iz has a soothing, velvety-voice like no other. What a legacy to leave the planet. Great price & item. Highly recommend.

WONDERFUL ! UPLIFTING HAWAIIAN MUSIC. WORTH EVERY SONG ! IZ HAD A GENUINENESS ABOUT HIM, AND A GREAT LOVE, BELOVED BY SO MANY. YOU DEFINITELY FEEL IT COME THROUGH HIS MUSIC. WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD BOTH FOR ONESELF, AND AS A GIFT. THANK YOU AMAZON FOR OFFERING IT.

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 somewhere else--you may either feel a bit sad or feel a peace from within. I have already given a gift of Iz music to a friend, and highly recommend giving him a listen.