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Facing Future
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Retail Price (not our price): $16.99
Release Date: 1993-09-01
Manufacturer: Mountain Apple Company
Format: Audio CD
Discs: 1

Track List
Now here, for your listening pleasure, the tracks...

Disc 1

Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) 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

2) Album Description
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.

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5

1) Beautifully simple   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
This beautiful clear voice gives me goosebumps, especially Hawaii '78. We just returned from another trip to Hawaii and appreciate more the "old" Hawaii that is lamented about in this song. He is truly a treasure.

2) didnt get it?????   [Rating: 1 out of 5]
I did not recieve facing future??? How about sending it so I can review it.

3) wrong buy   [Rating: 2 out of 5]
I bought this CD for the quaint but beautiful (well, I like it) version of 'Somewhere over a rainbow'. However, the other songs on the CD don't really appeal to me. You have to be a fan of Hawaian music, and I didn't know whether I was or not (I have not visited Hawaï yet) but clearly I am not. I am not saying this is a bad CD. I am sure those who like Hawaian-style music will love it. It is just not my thing.

4) Aside from 1-2 tracks, it was a disappointment   [Rating: 2 out of 5]
I bought this CD for my Mom thinking she would like Izzy's voice. With the exception of the "What a Wonderful World" cover, the rest of the tunes were a big disappointment. His voice may have been nice and calming but I don't need to hear tracks of him "talking". It's my own fault for not listening closer to the sample tracks but if you've heard his cover tune on the radio, I'd recommend buying that single track and save the rest of your money for something better.

5) Wonderful Music   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
My daughter heard "Somewhere over the rainbow" in her music class and begged me to buy this CD. I bought it and was surprised that I absolutely LOVE this album. I used to live in Hawaii and it takes me back when I went to Wahiawa Intermediate school and had lessons in Hawaiian culture. I think anyone that has been to Hawaii and can appreciate the culture will love this album as much as I do.