I really enjoyed this CD. I bought it for the Over the Rainbow song and after listening to it, I enjoyed all the songs on it.

The cd is awesome. The condition I received it in was not so good. the case was completely destroyed, I was surprised and thankful that the cd was unharmed. I would think the packaging would be a little more secure.

If you've ever wondered where that charming version of "Over The Rainbow" with only voice and ukulele comes from, this is it.

My liddle bruddah'--oops, slipped right into the Island Patois there! If you love music as I do and prefer the truly gifted artists over the mass produced pap crowding the airwaves, get any of IZ's cds. I find that they get played when I need to concentrate, when I need to relax, when I need to think. My brother turned me on to Is when he was working in Hawaii. Since then, I can't seem to get enough! His voice floats effortlessly, like a rainbow floating in the morning mist. He has a solid band and his own Ukelele playing is simplicity at its most deceptive. If it were EASY, everyone would sing and play like Iz! His music is a reflection of how you'd feel after a few weeks on a deserted beach in Hawaii, and yes, they do exist! No condos, no traffic, just the rhythm of the rock, the ocean, the life surrounding you. His music is especially poignant in that he died so young (38) and there are so few 'pure' artists of his ilk. By pure artists, I mean people who would play a concert for their cat or a stadium---for artists like these, it is just about the music.
If your taste runs more to metal/hip hop/pop,give this a try. You will find yourself sneaking it into the car, your ipod, wherever you want a little of the beauty and joy in life that was personified and sung by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

I was introduced to Brudda IZ by hearing his version of "Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" on "Coast to Coast AM" one night. At first I was not sure if I really liked his arrangement but I could not get the tune out of my head. I looked for and found his music on "Amazon" and have one of his CD's now. I enjoy it very much. It is differnt from the music I usually listen to but I find the melodies very comforting and pleasant. Brudda IZs' voice is a real treat to hear also. We all lost something when he passed away.

The Hawaiian music is interesting but not my thing. I bought it for Iz's rendition of "Over the Rainbow" which is second to none. The sound is haunting and stays with you all day.

I was recently bitten by the "Hawaii bug" during my first trip to Hawaii. I fell in love with the magnificent landscapes, the warm and friendly people and the beautiful culture.
I bought this CD the minute I got home (after hearing "Over the Rainbow" played so often during our visit). It never fails to relax me and put a smile on my face - it brings me right back to that beautiful setting. I especially love the original sounding remakes of old classics, but with the hawaiian touch. I try hard to sing along, despite the hawaiian lyrics, and don't mind that I make a fool of myself.
My kids love it, too. My 11-year-old daughter even asked me to put on her IPOD.
What a loss when Iz passed away. How I wish he were still alive and making his beautiful music; how I'd love to see him in concert!

This is a wonderful CD. He has taken some classic songs and changed the wording to fit Hawaii. I have a special place in my heart for Hawaii so I really liked that. An added benefit is my toddler always relaxes when I play it. I have also used this to teach yoga classes with. I just wish he were still alive to make more music.

This is truly a great product and it makes one feel like they are on the islands.

It was an good CD, but I thought it had the best hits from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. The customer service from the store was great, sending on time and in perfect condition, I just didn't like the CD.

This is a wonderful album of modern Hawaiian music, both traditional and new. The only song that doesn't belong is Take Me home, Country Road, although Iz tackles it well and suites it to his style. All the songs are well done, but Iz doesn't need synthesizers and orchestration; he's at his best when it's just him and his ukelele, like White Sandy Beach of Hawaii. And the next time you listen to Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World, take note; it's just Iz and his ukelele!!

This album has a few very cool songs. Nice quality. I recommend. It was delivered in a reasonable time.

I really like the fusion of musical styles IZ puts into his music. Too bad he died so young.

I grew up in Hawaii and my wife and I visit the islands every year. Often I yearn for the laid back music of Hawaii and when I do I always include IZ. His sound represents the holiness and spiritual bond Hawaiians have with their culture. IZ may be gone but he is not forgotten and music will carry on forever... Buy this one and his live album and you will be well on your way to your paradise. Aloha

This man has the voice of the century...awsome. Facing Future is a very good album and covers some of his best music!

incredible voice, wonderful music. Draws you in and holds onto you. I bought it for wonderful world/over the rainbow, but the whole CD is great. No matter which cd I start out with at work, I end up listening to this one. very easy to get lost in the music.

Iz, is.....what a beautiful heart and how inspiring the sweetness of this man's soul and voice. His gift will bless the world for an eternity. Bunny Hull

Ok I bought this cd for Somewhere over the Rainbow. It is the only tune I like on the album so I didnt want to give it 1 star. But if i rated by # of songs I actually listen to it would have gotten only a 1.

But somewhere over the rainbow is one of the best tunes I think I have ever heard. I love it.

was looking a long time to get the song of somewhere over the rainbow by iz. i can listen to it over and over again.

Facing Future

I have played this CD over and over since I got it. The music is so sweet and mellow. I'm sorry he's not still around to make more music.

I love to put this cd on and just relax.... or dance around the house with my new baby!

Anyone who has heard one of Iz's albums always wants more. He had an unforgettable voice that, depending on the song, can be upbeat, or melancholy.

Unfortunately, the good die young.

Check out this album along with any others you may have a chance to listen to. You will not be disappointed.

I purchased this CD because it contains the version of Over the Rainbow that was played at the end of Tim Russert's recent funeral service. Amazingly, an actual rainbow appeared over the Kennedy Center site of the service in DC at the same time.

I love this album. I first heard it being played at Tim Russerts funeral and knew I had to find it. I found it at Amazon and play it over and over again. This is a must have.

I am a native New Yorker who has had the Pleasure of being an Islander for 12 years from '86-'98 minus a year for NY in there. While the typical tourists listened to something else I got the insider view of Hawaiian culture through the infamous Israel as well as Cazimero Bros., C & K, Keali'i Reichel, and a couple other groups also.

I had the fortune of seeing this man play live in Waikiki during a block party and the Honor of viewing his departure from dis Life at the capitol. His music is beautiful, soothing with some reminiscence of the past and just so mellow. What a blessing it was to have shared in his life and music.

I have enjoyed several other of his cd's such as E'ala'E, IZ-the Man and his Music, and In Dis Life. I purchased this one on cassette {Facing Future}, but want to preserve it for the future in a CD. I highly recommend this selection and I am sure his voice will transport you to a heavenly paradise.

Mahalo & Aloha 'Oe..........................Pearl P.

An absolutely wonderful (and calming) CD to listen to. I especially love Somewhere Over the Rainbow - I used it for my son's 1st birthday photo montage. Perfect!

Since the miracle of the Tim Russert Rainbow, and IZ's song being played at the end of the memorial ... I have taken a deep interest in IZ, and his music.

Facing Future is my first CD, and it is wonderful, in all ways.

But, the most special part to me is, that little personal miracles are happening all around me, and very strange coinsidences have happened. Including a huge rainbow over my house the night I was playing my first CD.

IZ was only about peace and love. [...]
With his music, I believe you can find a place in the Universe, to touch your spirit with IZ, and all others who have stood for LOVE.

I intend to learn to sing all of IZ's songs ... and learn the translations while I'm at it.

Up Up and AWAY! This CD is a can't miss!! Five Stars and then some!

Iz Lives!

The CD is great and being able to hear a sample helped make my mind up to purchase it. It was everything it promised, and it arrived in a timely manner.

The music on this CD absolutely speaks volumes. The gentleness in Isreal's voice can be felt in every track.

I listen to him everyday and it puts a smile on my face!! Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was a treasure that will live on in our hearts forever!!

IZ Facing the Future - some songs are in Hawaiian however IZ translates while singing the English translation. Somewhere Over the Rainbow is one of my favorites. His voice is extremely soothing...I wish he were still alive to continue his music.

He sings like an angel! Izrael's voice will bring tears to your eyes. Tropical, Hawiian music. A nice mix of faster songs with slower songs. Some of the songs can be relatively short. Yes this CD is beautiful. Buy it today.

The CD was in good shape, it arrive very quickly. Everything was perfect. Thank you.

I was introduced to "Brudda Iz" while in Hawaii on my honeymoon and immediately fell in love. That such a soaring, gentle voice could come from such a huge man playing such a small instrument is amazing. I've heard nothing before or since that so captures the feel of what Hawaii is - what it was to me, anyway. Even his songs sung in his native Hawaiian, which I couldn't understand a bit of, were equally beautiful. The highlight of this disc, however, is Iz's now classic take on Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Beautiful World. I don't think that any song can match it for sheer emotion and feeling. Buy this CD and find yourself surprised to know how to say his real name, but to know him only as "Brudda Iz."

Over the Rainbow is one of my favorite songs. I heard this version on a television program and loved it. Months later I decided on a luau theme for my late spring guitar recital and ordered the CD and the book of Iz's music to adapt for guitar ensemble. My students love it and we're all very excited to perform this wonderful arrangement.