Facing Future [Import, from US]

   地元ハワイでのイズラエル・カマカヴィウォオレの人気ぶりを物語るエピソードがある。1997年に（38歳であの崇高なまでの肥満が原因で）亡くなったとき、彼の遺体は州議会の議事堂に安置され、その栄誉を受けたわずかふたり目の人物となったのだ。
   イズの魅力は、アメリカの一州として併合される以前のハワイへの愛と、表現力豊かな優しく情熱的な声にある。その声は高音域を震わせながら、ジョニー・マティスを思わせる安らぎを乗せて空を漂う。本作の数曲（「Ka Pua U'I」、「White Sandy Beach of Hawai'I」、陽気な「La 'Elima」）では、ウクレレの弾き語りで彼本来の叙情性を引き出し、ハワイの伝統的なムードを醸し出している。また、ジミー・バフェットさながらの「Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man」では、自らのスタイルにぴったりの現代的なタッチを遊び心豊かに加えている。
   本作で何より感動的なのはアルバムのオープニングとエンディングを飾る哀悼歌で、ストリングスをバックに、「Hawai'i '78 Introduction」では父の死をしのび、「Hawai'i '78」では失われつつあるハワイ土着の文化へ思いをはせている。そして、「Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World」のメドレーは、映画『ジョー・ブラックをよろしく』のエンディングタイトルで流れ、本作で最も有名なナンバーとなった。（Terry Wood, 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

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.