Israel was a unique voice. “Hawai’i 78” is beautiful

It’s so sad that this wonderful artist of music passed away😭 he was a wonderful artist and made amazing music, his voice was perfect man, tune, and my favorite song of his is it over the rainbow. It is such a good tone and a tempo and vocals, and it is amazing.

👍🏼❤️

Love I! Love it!❤️❤️❤️

Words can’t describe how this album makes me feel. RIP we miss you so much 😞❤️

This album makes me happy and full of rainbows and hawaiin spirit! I'm always in the mood to listen.

A legend is someone that inspires people regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, etc. As a black man, this man inspires my very existence. I love his voice, his music, and his spirit. RIP King IZ😔

Love this music raw and emotional a must have for any music lover

The best lullaby music and artist ever🌈🌠🌈😇😍😇!

Fantastic. Can I say any more than this? Well I could also say "superb!" Thanks Iz

I love Hawaiian music.

It’s 2019 and I’m still listening to this and anyone who hears this song instantly loves it only if he could’ve lived longer but his soul lays resting in Hawai’i

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This isn’t a review. I purchased Over the Rainbow to add to a slideshow I made for my daughter’s birthday and it was blocked and removed from Instagram for “copyright issues” by “Die Supernanny...” My understanding is I can use such a song in this capacity because it’s not being used for profit. She’s only 15 and it’s one of our favorite songs due to it being a reminder of her grandmother who passed away. I have the ability to unblock, but I don’t want to face any issues.

Can anyone advise? Thank you!

What great songs. They are so powerful and made an impact on me. I strongly suggest these songs.

I just bought the album. I haven't even listened to all of the songs yet, just a few introductions. I'm writing this with happy tears welling up in my eyes. We just came back from our second trip to the magical rainforests and waterfalls of Maui, and this music is filling up my heart with Aloha all over again. Every time I need a reminder of all that is beautiful in this world, I'm going to play this album. Live with Aloha and Mahalo! Love and gratitude, always. 🌺

GREAT! I love it and I think he is a very talented singer 🎤

So sweet and dear. Lovely music, and Somewhere over the rainbow makes me think of my daughter, who first shared this with me. Thank you IZ.

A truly beautiful and outstanding album, by one of Hawai’i’s most famous and beloved artists. White Sandy Beach is pure magic. Just buy it.

His music was a great find.......

His music is so pure and so heart-centered, such a gift.

I think iz Is the best soothing melody my favorite is over the rainbow

I am not really into this type of music but when I found this song it just felt it and relaxing

I Love it. This big fat men. Nice Artist.

Iz has an angles voice

The best in the world singer….an incredible powerful song!

great music and a great voice!

BEST SONG EVER!!!!!!!¡!!!!!!!

Such a lovely version so unforgettable ...

He has left a precious gift.

This song fills the spirit in ways words do not ...

This was achieved through his beautiful spirit

I'm so grateful to find this song! Eternal voice of an angel

One of my favorite albums! His love for his home is hauntingly beautiful.

just get it you will not be disappointed..i got it as a valentines gift and just can’t stop listening to it. Iz had an awesome voice and his songs tell a story that make you happy, sad, and just wonderful.. sad that he has passed like many good people.. mahalo nui loa..malama pono a hui hou..Braddah Iz

Thanks so much for this.

Just something I love to chill and listen too while I'm going to sleep

I was going to create An instrumental version of this when I got married to walk down the aisle to, back in 2005, but I couldn't get it ready in time. SUCH a great and HAPPY medley of songs.

If you are looking for the authentic sound of Hawaii in a more modern version, this is immensely pleasureable. Enchanting.

amazing song

The second I heard the introduction I was flipping out!

Buy the album. It is a fantastic and timeless masterpiece.

I know this album and artist are highly regarded and have received stellar views, but I guess Iz's style is just not for me. I found the tune selections ("Take Me Home Country Road"?) arrangements, and performances uninspiring, even cheesy. I wanted to like this and tried hard to, but didn't succeed.

This song just makes me cry just listening to it. RIP :(

Every time i listen to his cover somewhere over the rainbow i cry. It is that beautiful.

We love to listen to IZ when we're in Hawaii in our Cabana with iPhone. When we're home in California playing IZ brings back the memories of relaxing on the Beach.

Gorgeous, soothing. What more can one say, really? Just play it again, please.

IZ is an amazing person who wrote an amazing song. Who ever gives this one star has no soul to music and life.

وع

His music is beautiful and soothing! Way better than any modern day pop singer. I highly recommend this! I don't see why people can even give this less than 4 stars. People don't respect real music nowadays, an that is just sad. RIP IZ

I love the original, but what a great remake.

Iz's beautiful voice evokes a feeling of sweet aloha I felt living on Oahu. Memories of the breathtaking views, the history of the Hawaiian people, the legacy he leaves behind in his music....

I first bought this CD in Hawaii in 2000. but today I am babysitting and this is the only music that will sooth her, so I am buying it again. I can't find my CD :( but she will be happy :)

Tacky!!!!!

This music is pure and real i am SSSOOOOO sad he died but i hope his trip over the rainbow to heaven is a peaceful one!

I first heard "Somewhere over the Rainbow" years ago at the end of a movie and again in a Rice Krispies commercial. I fell in love with that song instantly. I tried to get it, but had no idea who sang it until now. I was browsing itunes and stumbled on it. I'm so glad I did. It is one of the most beautiful songs ever. Israel Kamakawio'ole was tremendous. To bad he is no longer with us.

I really love his voice. I go to Hawaii all the time and hear his voice. Even though you hardly speak any Hawaiian languages it's still very beautiful to hear his relaxing and unique voice. He's on my top 10 favorite artists to listen to. When I listen to his voice it makes me want to cry. I'm really going to miss him because he was such an amazing singer and one of the best ukelelea players I have ever heard before. Even though there is only one instrument playing in the background his voice his so good that it takes your breath away. Even though you're not in Hawaii and have returned home you listen to his voice and Hawaii is not far away. I really love his voice. It's relaxing even when you listen to your iPod and you're on the beach. Whoa Aloha! To me he's one of the best singers in Hawaiian history.

BUY THESE SONGS AND YOU WON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY OR REGRET IT. YOU WILL BE OBSESSED WITH THE SONGS BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST SO BEAUTIFUL. SO ALOHA! AND MAHALO TO YOU KAMAKAWIWO'OLE!

Monday I was surfing the web and accidentally found this artist

my life suddenly changed..

he died at the age of 38 in 1997 but he touched me like NO artist before ..and I mean it

no Prince, nor Collective Soul were able to make me cry river tears like he did and he does every time i hear him.

it's something I cannot explain

Maybe because i wish he was still alive, to be able to go to one of his concerts and fly to a better place, hearing his voice.

he is worldwide famous and his music has been used everywhere: in many movies ( meet joe black, Finding Forrester..) tv shows ( ER, scrubs) and countless commercials all over the globe

even in Italy ( my beloved country)

My Dad passed away in April of '06 and we played "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" at his memorial service. Everyone attending was moved to tears by Iz's powerful voice and wonderful talent. Everytime I hear this song it brings back so many great memories. Thanks Iz!

i love somewhere over the rainbow. it is mellow and peaceful. i first heard it on kauai by my tour guide (who became one of my best friends) sang it to me and my family on her uke. i love this song so much it brings back lots of memories. I LOVE YOU IZ

Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono `o Hawai'i

Being perpetuated (is) the sovereignty of the land to righteousness/ to balance, Hawai`i

Ua mau ke ea o ka `âina i ka pono `o Hawai'i

It is imprtant that you hear his songs in his own Hawaiian language. His music is about overcoming incredibly difficult odds and doing it with a sense of grace. Above all else, there is a profound beauty in the hope that he carried, and that we can make a difference in this world.

i love Bruddah IZ music..straight up..it reminds me of the home i am away from, and also soothes and calms me down. his wonderful voice and beautiful work with the ukulele will defenetly captivate you the minute you hear it

RIP BRUDDAH IZ hope ur watchin down on all of us..and take care up there...shoots brah aloha and ahui ho until we meet again

This song has been so magical and healing for me.

It is perhaps the most haunting and beautiful song I have ever heard.

I feel it is for natives the world over and all grieving and letting go...

I have been going through the biggest changes in my life, a divorce, a new love, a new loss and I have been on my hands and knees weeping the pain out of my heart and soul -eons of pain

-to this song.

It is so gentle, reverent, and soul-wrenching. Magic. I could listen to it forever.

What a special being he IZ...

I'm struggling to put this into words, but here goes: If a person could ever look down the avenue of years and foresee his own immortality, and somehow manage to put it into music, well... this man has done it. It's as if the gods themselves heard his music and took him for themselves.

One can't even mourn his death - his music is almost too exquisite and sublime.

Five years ago my husband and I were on our honeymoon in Kauai. We saw so many of his albums while in stores that we decided to buy one. We bought this album, and wow, it is amazing. When we listen to it now, it brings back the memories of our honeymoon and Hawaii and what a wonderful time we had. This is a great album and Iz's voice is so haunting and beautiful.

I really enjoy listening to this beautiful music. Some songs bring a tear to my eye. I have listened to the entire CD many times and each time I like it a bit more. I look forward to listening to more of his music. It's a shame that such a talented musician is no longer with us.

If u love beautiful music,also try C. Kenneth Lee's CD"Metamorphosis",a fundraiser CD for severely mentally handicapped kids.

i dont always listen to this but i love it it is brings tears to my eyes and makes me inspired to do good and avoid evil!

Iz was a man that is as respected to the Hawaiians as Bob Dylan is to Americans. When he died he was given a state funeral by the Hawaiians and is a musical legend likend to Kurt Cobain or Jimi Hendrix. This album is his opus, full of beatiful, sad, and fun songs. Many buy it for "Somewhere over the Rainbow" but the true masterpiece of this album is Hawaii'78. The song of mourning for the land and people of Hawaii is one of if not the sadest song I've ever heard in my life with the possible exception of Johnny Cash's cover of Hurt. Buy the album.

Israel is serriously one of the greatest singers on this planet. Kudos.

I had an outdoor summer wedding this last August. I walked down the isle to IZ's Over the Rainbow. It was the most beautiful part of the wedding and there wasn't a dry eye around the place. If you are searching for a perfect, different song for your wedding give it a listen.

I just found out that this was the artist who did that wonderful version of Somewhere... and I bought the whole album w/o even listening to any of the other songs first. I am NOT disappointed. His music is awesome and inspiring. I love it.

I am totally in love with his voice. I listen to his CD alomst every day. When I need peace, on it goes.

My freinds that live in Hawaii turned me on to him when I was over there to visit the island back in 2003. It breaks my heart that he passed away so young. IZ forever!

It's good music.

I have this CD and it's my favorite. While others in Hawaii tried their hands at reggie and rap brother IZ stayed true to the Hawaiian style. He did not try to be something he wasn't and for that people loved him. His songs tell of tales and stories of Hawaii. Although I now live in NY, my heart, my mind are always in Hawaii. I'm from a little town called Makawao, Maui and all I can say is "Hawaii NO KA OI"! Long live Brother IZ! Mahalo Nui Loa

I first heard this album sitting in a six seater airplane flying over a volcano in Hawaii. It was so haunting and beautiful. I had to know who it was. The tour guild flying the plane told me and said he was the most popular singer in Hawaii. Before we left Hawaii to go home I bought the cd.That was in 1996. Now it is on my iPod and I play it all the time. I love this album and you will too.

I tell you, this is one of the best ever. I listen to it constantly, and never get sick of it. Bra Iz sang me through of a panic attack the other day; he's still soothing souls from the afterworld. Bless you, Bra.

its areal shame that this album only has 4 and a half stars, as it really does deserve 5. I really love the sone "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," and either cry or come very near to crying each time i hear it. Reminds me of when i was really little, i had a little lamp with a red music note that wound up, and it played that tune. it was the sound like in music boxes, and can only be described as haunting, just like IZ's rendition of it. It's both sad, and happy at the same time, and just really makes you feel like trying to be a good person, and loving life for what it is. RIP IZ.

This entire album is filled with heart-touching music. On the first track, IZ bares his pain at loss of family and the culture of his people. "White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i" shows the power of IZ's voice and instrument. While many will buy this album for "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", I highly recommend they listen to the whole album from beginning to end as it tells a story in chapters. Aloha!

Bradda IZ - beloved singer of the Islands...My brother gave me the cd...told me its part of our heritage -- I just bought his book and cried throughout the whole thing... His music and his voice is haunting and beautiful - he is greatly missed by all...I now own all of his music...but this one is still my favorite!Everyone should own it

one of the best hawaiian albums around. my wife bought it in hawaii on one of her trips and i took it over. "white sandy beach of hawaii" is so relaxing and meaningful. Shaka Bra!

While vacationing on the island of Kauai in 2003, our tour guide had this softly playing in the background. It was so attention grabbing and soulful, my husband and I asked the tour guide, (at the same time, as if planned) Who is this singing? Of course he then launched into the story of Iz being from the forbidden island of Ni'hau(what a story) amongst other facts, however, when the tour guide stopped at Hilo Hatties, there was a WalMart next door, and my husband and I both had the same idea. We couldnt wait to get this CD, and ran to WalMart to pick it up. It was the best thing we brought back from Hawaii besides the memories. This is a must get!!! I promise that even the hardest core metal rockers would melt listening to this. You WONT be sorry!!!

This is probly da best thing i've heard ever!!!! Buy it!

I always play IZ's version of Somewhere over the Rainbow at parties because I think his is the best version and his voice is incredible. I find it haunting as I see many others do. This song and Hawai'i 78 bring tears to my eyes. I want my friends to receive the same enjoyment I do, from these songs. I find it quite ridiculous and juvenile that people write bad reviews, only to bring down the overall rating. Nobody cares to hear what they have to say. IZ obviously has had an great impact on many people and will be missed. Luckily he left us all with this beautiful music!

In a world where violence and hatred reign, these peaceful, soft, lovely songs make you sit back and remember the wonderful things in life. It is a shame that Israel passed away. His music was very lovely and I just recently discovered it. This takes me to a peaceful place in Hawaii, on a lovely white beach with clear blue water where everyone is at peace. I defintely recommend this music if you are tired of loud, violent or just plain mindless music. Just relax and enjoy.

Like others, I heard one of the songs from this album on TV years ago – the “er” episode when the doc dies. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” has never been a favorite of mine, but this version is so haunting and beautiful that it stayed with me. I tried checking “er” fan sites a couple of times in the past, but no luck. I tried again recently and there it was! I bought the album immediately from iTunes. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole had a beautiful voice, conveying love, longing, happiness and more effortlessly. I was so sorry to find out that he had died. What a loss.

My wife and I vacationed in Maui for the first time this year and I came across the music of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (IZ). I couldn't wait to download this to my ipod. The melodies are moving and haunting. IZ has one of the purest tenor voices that I have ever heard. Whenever I want to be taken back to Maui all I have to do is listen to this cd. It provides instant relaxation and memories of the most beautiful place I have ever been.

Discovered Iz on our recent trip to Maui. Loved his hauntingly beautiful tunes on this album. Unbelievable sound that can instantly transport you back to the island.

Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole has a voice that words are unable to describe. His songs and life will always be remembered. The song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" puts you in such an amzaing mood, I cant describe in words how I feel when i hear this song. My friends say they feel like they are brought into a beautiful forest with a big waterfall. He was just an amazing person, with a wonderful gift to sing. It's a shame we cant hear one more album from this great artist. The cover of this album is amzaing too. I bought this album for the cover and his voice. I will say it again, words cannot describe what type of mood these songs will put you in. Rest In Peace Israel.

I never thought that I would really enjoy Hawaiian folk music, but I stumbled on this music and something about Iz's voice is tranfixing. I can't help but get his haunting voice stuck in my head!! I really enjoy anything that he sings!

His voice is so unbelieveably harrowing it gives me goosebumps. Obviously the song "Somewhere..." featured in "Finding Forrester," "Meet Joe Black" and Dr. Green's final epsiode of "ER" is an emotional and musical triumph. I particularly love the Hawaiian melodies on this CD as well as his others as I'm from the mainland and never hear Hawaiian folk music. The oppenness and expressiveness in his music and vocals are a lost art. His music doesn't have the lasting social and political impact of Bob Marley but it is every bit as relevant and enjoyable.

Braddah IZ is like no other. Any of his CD's are possibly the best Hawaiian music that you can get on the web. The only other way of getting better music from Hawai'i would be living there. Braddah IZ is ONO!!!

Wonderful voice, soulful modulation. And his guitar goes so well with it. What a wonder that this guy stays at top of the popularity chart forever! I really liked the song 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'...

everytime i hear somewhere over the rainbow i cry for 3 hours straight. It just makes you reliaze how precious life is and how you shouldn't take things for granted and shows you the way to a new you.

I first heard the beautiful moving music after my sister gave me a Brudda Iz t-shirt when I visited her at her place in Hilo. I rarely make comments but had to reply to the single star and the remark that the music is "not very usefull."

What exactly is the use of music and what music is this being compared to that is usefull?

This music is rich in tradition and modern creativity. It is a bridge in time and place from one world to another. It is emotionally touching and expressed in a voice that is enigmatic in its warmth and subtle sadness. It fulfills my musical needs very well, touches my soul and makes me smile. Since this is one of the results I like to get out of music...it is quite usefull.

I recommend not only getting this for yourself but as a gift for a loved one. My sister did and I thank her for it.

I am 13 years old and I had the opprotunity to go to the island of Maui. My dad happend to buy this CD, I think it is amazing. 5 stars!

I so love this song, especially his version of it. I've first heard it on the radio and was so fascinated by it. I've been wondering ever since who sang that song, and now I know! Wonderful!!!

I'm not one for music that ventures far from the norm. But Israel Kamikawiwo'ole has created music that is definately not mainstream, but it is so wonderful that words cannot express it. I remember a few years ago someone played a song of his and showed me the cover of the album "Facing Future." Truth betold, it was quite alarming. But I had forgotten about him until I was cruising iTunes and came across his name, which stuck out to me because of it's length and its non-English name. I saw the album cover again, and was again taken aback. I listened to the most popular song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World, and took a leap of faith and bought it just for the album cover. That was one of the best decisions I ever made. I have listened to that song about 50 times, and it has still retained its effect. I finally got my hands on the whole album, and while not every song is as haunting as Somewhere Over the Rainbow, they are all special in their own way. Israel Kamikawiwo'ole is one of the most versatile artists I have heard. Some of the songs are bright and cheery pieces, while others are 80's rock. But by far the best songs are the melodic Hawai'ian songs that seem like lullabys. Those are the best ones on the album, and the others aren't bad either. But the real genius behind his music is that when I really listened to even the rock & roll tunes, underneath they were still as haunting and stirring as the rest. Buy the whole album, and listen to it closely. It will make you mourn for the lost culture of ancient Hawai'i.

This one song has moved me so much - as if I am sitting in front of the artist. Completely other-worldly experience.

Like a lot of people, I've been aware of of Iz's "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" for some time. Today, I heard this album while sitting in a coffee shop. I'd planned on having a steaming cuppa joe and heading on my way -- instead, the melody of "Hawai'i '78 Introduction" captured me from the shop's sound system and I found myself sitting through the entire album. I was both enchanted and transported by music so powerful at moments it almost moved me to tears, so delightful at others that I found myself grinning at strangers. This music is both subtle and soaring, profoundly uplifting but with a melancholy edge. I couldn't get home to purchase my own copy fast enough.

I love this song....it just leaves you with this incredibly beautiful image in your brain....for me, it was a waterfall, and for my friend, he saw birds. But I just loved this entire album, especially the song "Kaulana Kawaihae"...He just had a beautiful voice, and it was a shame he died.

An amazing artist, knows how to play his instruments along with his voice. if only we could here one more album...

--(R)----(I)----(P)--

This is Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's best album and arguably one the best albums in Hawaiian music. Regardless of whether you've followed Braddah Iz (as he's more affectionately known in Hawaii) from his days with the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau or if this is your first foray into Hawaiian music, this is an excellent addition to any music collection.

Facing Future is composed mainly of traditional Hawaiian music with a few Jawaiian songs thrown in for good measure. Although things start off a bit somber with the opening selection, things quickly pick up in tempo with "Ka Huila Wai" and continue on with notables like "Kuhio Bay", "White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i" "Henehene Kou 'Aka", and "Kaulana Kawaihae". It's not until near the end of the album that you find the medley that Iz is best known for: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World". Overall, the album takes you on a journey through some of Iz's life and the issues that were important to him, specifically the Hawaiian movement and native Hawaiian culture, which is poignantly reflected in the closing track "Hawai'i '78".

Braddah Iz was big in life, not only physically but also spiritually, and his legacy in Hawai'i will continue on through his music. If there's only one Hawaiian album that you own, this should be it.

This album is certainly IZ's finest work, and my favorite Hawaiian CD. I bought it because I wanted to learn traditional Hawaiian music on my ukulele. I have found that IZ was an incredible talent with a voice and ukulele style that I find instantly relaxing. It is tragic that he could not control his obesity problem and died too young. Highlights: "White Sandy Beach of Hawaii", "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", and the catchy pop tune "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man".