On MP3-Collection album, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole have renewed their membership in the ‘if it ain’t broke…’ school of songwriting. Mila Sparrow has compared writing for Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s new album to that on ‘MP3-Collection’ - but has declared the lyrics will be even more terrifying. Self-described as Folk with lots of words, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole comes out swinging on perhaps his best album to date. MP3-Collection is the best essence of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
Excellent vocals and musical performances. Aloha Ka Manini is a very catchy tune. Aloha Ku u Pua - For me, this is the best of the album. Ama ama has a gorgeous instrumental sound, which lets Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s strong vocals come to the fore. Chant pretty much defines how I feel spiritually. E Ala E - A strong beat. Overall a nice softer song. Hanohano Wale No Na Cowboy and Ka Huila Wai I just LOVE this mix! Hawai i 78 - This happy song is an ode to optimism and an anthem. I have all of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s tracks and Hawaii Aloha is probably the most his introspective effort. In Hawaiian Like Me full palet of sound is used by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole to accentuate the presentation. After about the third Hele On To Kauai listen through, I began to believe this song is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s essence. This track is a great song that still never gets old. Hi ilawe is a great song to contemplate the modern music and what it really is all about. I Ke Alo O Iesu motivates you to get up and do something to improve your life and the life of others. I ll Be There Warren s Song is perfect. In This Life is one of these floating songs. Song Johnny Mahoe is actually a funny song. So much energy, so exciting a sound.Ka Pua U i is a great opener for MP3-Collection. One listen to the sheer beauty of Kaleohano was all I needed. Kamalani is so unique, as each one of the songs is. Kauai Beauty is one of the more up-tempo songs on MP3-Collection. Kaulana Kawaihae is a very catchy tune. When listening to Kuhio Bay, it gives me such an energy rush it’s unbelievable. La Elima is the song that really did it for me. Living in a Sovereign Land is probably one of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s biggest successes for the album - it’s lovely to listen to. Although Lover of Mine is very melodic it is far from sad. The song feels complete. It’s such an underrated song. Maui Medley can be hardly overrated by any means; this is what Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is all about. Men Who Ride Mountains is pretty funky and mellow. This track is a fabulous selection of easy listening, suitable for any age, taste or occasion. Other tracks are good but your best bet is to stick with Na Ka Pueo Keyhole Hula. O2 had me crying as I was able to relate so well. Music in Opae E is perfect as in all tracks of MP3-Collection. Panini Pua Kea is really the reason why I recommend buying MP3-Collection. Pili Me Ka u Manu one of the best in my collection. Sea of Love is an upbeat song with a constant snare hit. This is probably my favorite song on the album. Starting All Over Again still maintains something of a specific flourish. In Take Me Home Country Road it becomes nowhere more obvious that Israel Kamakawiwo’ole has yet to define own style. In Tengoku Kara Kaminari (Thunder) the music gets its power. MP3-Collection couldn’t start better than with the up up-beat title track The Fly. It’s a great pleasure to listen to Theme from Gilligan s Island from the beginning to the end. This Hawaiian Man Intro is a exquisite, simple song by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole at the top of his game. Ulili E is outstanding work of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Strong percussion and poignant lyrics of this track really gets under your skin. Awesome song is really all that you can say about it. I was truly moved when I heard Wind Beneath My Wings - He Haw. Get MP3-Collection and turn on Yokozuna if you are going to sip your wine late at night. Don’t judge You Don t Know Me on the first listening.
MP3-Collection CD


