All Artists:Hoku Title:Hoku Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 4 Label:Universal Int'l Original Release Date: 5/2/2000 Re-Release Date: 8/20/2007 Album Type: Import Genres:Pop, Rap & Hip-Hop, Rock Style:Teen Pop Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:606949064624
"I must say i'm impressed with this cd. Hoku has a really great voice. And, she is NOT "another blonde", in fact, she's really a brunette, so don't say she ain't good just cos' of her hair color. Now that I got that out of the way, here's a song by song review of the 11 songs:1.Another Dumb Blonde- this is the song that started Hoku's career. it has a fresh sound, and cool lyrics. my fave part is where she belts that high note towards the end.2.What You Need- this is a good song too. i like the guitarish sound in it. and the message is good too.3.How Do I Feel(The Burrito Song)- i like this one. in the first little bit of the song, you might not like it, but if you listen to the rest of the song, you'll like it.4.Just Enough- good slow song. i'm glad someone finally did a song that says "you give me just enough to keep me hangin on".5.Oxygen- I luv this song! if you don't like this one, you're probably just high or something.6.Nothing In This World- this is the #1 ballad on the cd! it has it all, the spanish guitar, the voice sustain, and the slow beat. this should be the first ballad single! i already have an idea for the music vid!7.In The First Place- this is another good song. i like vocal arrangments in it. this should also be a single.8.Every Time- this song is good too. good beat, good lyrics, and a catchy chorus.9.I'm Scared- this is the #2 ballad on the cd. But who in the heck is the guy singing? if someone finds the answer,please e-mail me! 10.We Will Follow The Sun- this is the #1 song on the cd! Before Hoku ever goes to work on another album, she should release this song! i assure you this would be a hit! 11.You First Believed- this is the #3 ballad. it really good. it's original, its got good vocal arrangements, and it was written by Hoku. OVERALL, BUY THIS CD!"
Special
Kenneth | CA, USA | 05/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd rocked! Hoku is amazing! She seems more like an entertainer than a singer! It was hard to find this CD but it was worth it. From the light heart fun in "We Will Follow The Sun" to swift ballads like "Just Enough" this CD delivers! Enough hot single material to have you on your toes like "Another Dumb Blonde", "Oxygen", the r&B pop "What You Need" (my fave!), to the new creative so called *Burrito Song* "How Do I Feel". "Nothing In This World" and "In The First Place" reminds you of the goodies that an album has to offer than a single doesn't. Both are wonderful fun songs. Hoku ties all her magic sweet harmonies in the last song she performed, wrote, and produced "You First Believed". If ya looking for a fun album, choose Hoku!"
A wonderful CD.
Rebecca Herman | USA | 07/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great CD for pop fans. Hoku is very talented, and has a great voice. "Another Dumb Blonde" is a fun, catchy song, but the best song on this CD was definitley "Nothing in this World," which was just a beautiful song that I could listen to over and over again. In fact, I can listen to the whole CD without skipping any songs, unlike Britney Spears and Christina Aguilara's CDs."
Another *good* blonde
innominate | 09/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit, I have to roll my eyes at the number of blond teen queens out there...but I'm not one to let hair color distract me from talent. Hoku has a very pretty mezzo soprano voice; she doesn't have to vocal gymnastics or power as some of her peers, but it suits her perfectly for the style of songs she sings. As for the songs themselves, they are overall and upbeat, with a couple of ballads thrown in. The style is pop, but she distinguishes herself from the other pop princess with a beat that slightly reminds me of a good sound track for a beach party or luau. That is, they're very summery. Fitting, of course, since Hoku is a native of Hawaii. The lyrics are free-flowing and innocent, something I appreciate considering her target audience. The last thing that impressed me was that this was the first CD in which I listened to every single track...they're all that good. And believe me, this doesn't happen often! ;)A song-by-song review: 1. Another dumb blonde - a very cute, upbeat song about a girl letting go of a guy. It was nominated for TeenMag's "Girl Power Song of the Year", if that tells you anything.2. What You Need - a sweet song with a mid-tempo beat. A popular song among young girls.3. How Do I Feel - An upbeat song; though I like both singles, I actually like this one better. If anyone has seen the video, it's very fun and playful as well.4. Just Enough - another mid-tempo song that happens to be my favorite on the album. (#1)5. Oxygen - very upbeat, very catchy...though am I the only one who detects a light country beat in the background?6. Nothing in this World - a love ballad...or rather, a break-up ballad. As ballads go, it doesn't stand out, but it's still a very pretty song. (#3)7. In the First Place - another light, upbeat song, though this and #8 sound very similar to me.8. Every Time - an upbeat song. One thing that surprised me was the use of one mild profanity in the lyrics. It's nothing to overreact to.9. I'm scared - the beat defies description a little; it's not slow, it's not fast, but it's not midtempo. Whatever it is, it's still a good song...a duet in fact, sung with Tim James, who co-wrote four songs on the album.10. We will follow the sun - a airy, peppy song that fits Hoku's image perfectly. Hoku was a co-writer on the song. Another favorite. (#2)11. You first believed - a beautiful song that features just her voice and an acoustic guitar. It was written, performed, and produced by Hoku.In short...if you're a fan of pop female artists, this album is not a disappointment. Well worth the money!"
The Best Album since 1994
paradise_found | Musicland, USA | 10/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hoku holds a very entrancing power. It doesn't show on the cover of this album, but she is soo beautiful! (The flower in the hair is my favorite touch!) This album has something for anyone into pop or ballads.1. Another Dumb Blonde- Her first video. Great Song! Very happy to see a return to girl power. It's got these digital enhancements and this little part where she raps. Excellent! 5 stars.2. What You Need. Very touching ballad. soft, and though you may be tempted at first to skip it, you just can't! 5 stars3. How Do I Feel has a great poppy sound, very fresh! I like the third stanza where she does this quiver with her voice "Sometimes you get trapped in a time of your life" it's possibly the best song here. 5 stars4. Just Enough.More ballad than pop, Hoku's favorite type of music is demonstrated here. She did a great job on this one, and the lyrics are amazing! 5 stars5. Oxygen This come in #2 on this album for me. Great acoustic guitar thing in the background and so much fun for dancing!6. Nothing in This World One of two bad songs here, and it's still good. She did a great job on the vocals and if you're really into love ballads you'll love this song. 4 stars7. In The First Place My Fave! It's the kind of song that as soon as you hear it, you want to play it over and over again until you've learned all the words. 5+ stars8. Everytime The only song Hoku swears in. She says that little "D" word parents might dislike or even object to, but it is a wonderful pop ballad. 5 stars9 I'm Scared The absolute worst song here. It's sweet, I suppose if you're into duets, you'll like it, but I'm NOT a duet person or somebody that likes songs featuring other artists. They always sound wrong and writers, who are trying to accomedate both singers usually end up putting the song in neither of the artist's ranges. I can't figure out who the guy is. Maybe Don Ho, her dad? ? two stars for an attempt at something fresh.10. We Will Follow The Sun One of the completely amazing songs here. Hoping for it to become a video someday.... 5 stars 11. In You First Belived Hoku took up the pen and concentrated more on vocals and less on tune. In this case, her voice is musical enough that it was an excellent choice. This song always makes me think of family members, would be great to perform at a church- hmmm that gives me an idea! 5 stars! This album provides a fresh, non-suggestive take on things and deserves every award out there. Hoku is the best new artist there is and I don't care what people say, I think her voice is sweet!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
