When you listen to Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s Facing Future for the first time, it feels like a wave of calm washing over you. This Facing Future music album review takes a closer look at the voice, spirit, and songs that made the world fall in love with the gentle sound of Hawaii. Released in 1993, the album blends traditional island melodies with soft English vocals that carry peace and emotion in every note.
Each track reflects Israel’s deep connection with his homeland and his hope to share it with the world. His version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World became a timeless classic, bringing joy to millions. Even today, Facing Future is more than just an album. It is a feeling, a reminder that simplicity and heart can reach where words often cannot.
Why Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s Music in Facing Future Feels So Special
Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s music has a rare honesty that touches people instantly. In Facing Future, his voice carries both strength and gentleness, like a quiet conversation with the soul. Every song reflects a piece of his island home, his family roots, and his hope for a peaceful world.
What makes this album unforgettable is how simple it sounds yet how deeply it feels. Israel used only his voice and a ukulele, but together they created something pure. His music doesn’t rush or try to impress. It invites you to slow down and listen. You can feel love, pride, and gratitude in every note, which is why so many people around the world connect with him even without understanding Hawaiian lyrics.
Listening to Facing Future feels like visiting Hawaii without leaving your room. It’s warm, soothing, and real — the kind of music that stays with you long after the song ends.
About the Album: The Story Behind Facing Future
Released on November 1, 1993, Facing Future became the album that carried Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s voice far beyond Hawaii. It was his second solo release and soon turned into a cultural symbol of peace and simplicity. The album mixes Hawaiian classics with soft English melodies, creating a sound that feels both local and universal.
Produced by Israel together with Jon de Mello, Facing Future includes 15 tracks that reflect love, family, and island life. Songs like Hawai‘i ’78, White Sandy Beach, and Ka Huila Wai show his deep pride in Hawaiian roots. The album’s highlight, Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World, became a global anthem that introduced millions to his gentle voice.
According to Billboard, Israel’s music reached worldwide recognition, making Facing Future one of the most successful Hawaiian albums of all time. Listeners can still experience its calm and beauty on Apple Music, where the full album continues to stream across generations.
Track Highlights and Meaning
Every song in Facing Future feels like a quiet story told under the Hawaiian sky. Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s gentle music carries peace, love, and honesty in every note. His voice makes you feel calm, almost as if you are sitting near the ocean listening to waves instead of words.
1. The Best Ever “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Song from Facing Future
I like this song the most from the Facing Future album. The lyrics of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” touch my soul every time I listen. They remind me to believe in small moments of hope and beauty. This track is simple but powerful, showing how music can speak directly to the heart without needing many instruments. It’s the kind of song that makes you stop, breathe, and feel thankful for life.
2. Hawai‘i ’78
This song feels emotional in a different way. It tells the story of Hawaii, its people, and how modern life has changed the islands. The words may sound heavy, but Israel’s music gives them softness and respect. You can hear his pride and sadness blending together.
3. White Sandy Beach of Hawai‘i
A beautiful and peaceful song that feels like sunshine. The lyrics describe love in such a natural way that anyone who listens can imagine being by the sea, smiling for no reason.
4. Ka Huila Wai
This traditional Hawaiian piece connects listeners to the land and language. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, the music still reaches you. Israel’s voice alone tells the story.
Each track in Facing Future reminds me that music doesn’t always need to be loud or complex. Sometimes the softest sounds say the most.
5. Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man
A cheerful and playful song that shows Israel’s lighter side. The rhythm makes you smile, and the lyrics celebrate fun, friendship, and everyday joy.
If you want to explore more songs from Facing Future, you can listen to the complete album on Apple Music. Each track carries its own story, from joyful rhythms to soft island lullabies, all filled with Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s peaceful spirit.
For those who love collecting timeless music, the Facing Future CD is available on Amazon. Listening from a record brings a warm, classic sound that many fans enjoy.
Cultural and Emotional Impact of Facing Future
The beauty of Facing Future goes far beyond its songs. Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s music became a voice for Hawaiian identity, kindness, and unity. His melodies remind people of the island spirit, slow, peaceful, and full of gratitude. Every time someone listens to his song, they hear more than rhythm. They feel love, loss, and hope woven together.
The lyrics of his music often reflect simple truths about nature, community, and belonging. In a world that often moves too fast, Israel’s soft voice teaches us to slow down and listen. His words may come from Hawaii, but their meaning belongs to everyone who has ever looked for comfort or home in a song.
Facing Future also became a bridge between cultures. The album helped listeners outside Hawaii understand its beauty and struggle without losing its authenticity. According to Billboard, Israel’s songs reached global audiences and touched millions. His music still appears in movies, weddings, and peaceful moments around the world.
Even today, decades later, Facing Future continues to connect generations. It is more than an album. It is a feeling that reminds us of how powerful a single voice and ukulele can be.
Facing Future Music Album Review
I listened to every song from Facing Future on YouTube and Amazon Music, and each one felt special in its own way. The calm voice of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole, the simple ukulele, and the heartfelt lyrics make this music album a peaceful experience from start to finish. There is something about his tone that feels personal, as if he is singing just for you.
In my opinion, this Facing Future music album is pure and timeless. Every song carries emotion and meaning that goes beyond language. The music feels warm, honest, and full of life, showing how true passion can turn simple sounds into something unforgettable. Listening to it feels like sitting under the evening sky, calm and grateful.
Final Words
Facing Future is more than a collection of songs. It is a reminder of how music can heal, connect, and comfort. Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s voice still feels alive, soft, and close to the heart. Each song on this album brings calm to busy days and hope to quiet nights.
When you listen, take a moment to breathe and let the sound flow through you. The lyrics may be simple, but their feeling is deep. Whether it is the famous Somewhere Over the Rainbow or a traditional Hawaiian tune, every note holds a story of love and peace.
If you have never heard this album before, start with one song and let it guide you through the rest. You can listen to the full album on Apple Music or explore the Facing Future CD to keep it close. However you choose to listen, you will feel the warmth of Hawaii and the heart of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole in every sound.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Facing Future
When was Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s Facing Future released?
It was released on November 1, 1993, and became one of the most loved Hawaiian albums in the world.
Why do people love the lyrics of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”?
Its simple lyrics and gentle music bring peace and hope. Israel recorded it in one take with his ukulele, making it deeply personal and emotional.
Where can I listen to the Facing Future album?
You can stream the full Facing Future album on Apple Musicor Amazon Music. If you prefer to own it, the Facing Future CD or MP3 is also available on Amazon.
Is this album available on vinyl?
Currently, the CD version is easier to find, though collectors often look for the original vinyl release.
Thank You for Reading
Thank you for spending a little time here with me and discovering the beauty of Facing Future. I hope you find the same peace and warmth in Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s music that I feel every time I listen. May his gentle songs and thoughtful lyrics bring a quiet smile to your day.
