Hawaii Five (stars)-O!
J. B. Maguire | Portland, OR USA | 05/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of all places to hear a Hawaiian pop band, I was stationed at Baghdad International Airport in 2004 and heard an interview with Jeff on the English Language Service of NHK World Service (Radio Japan) on the show "Pop Drives the World" on which he promoted the Japanese release of the album. NHK's hosts were kind enough to tell me where to get the album, and I'm glad I did! It was a great morale booster and reminded me of the two weeks I was in Hawaii just before going to Iraq.
Kawaihae fills a crossover niche between pop/rock and traditional Hawaiian music with a playful, unique sound. From their cover of the whimsical Jimmy Buffett "Volcano;" the mournful yet hopeful "Kona Skies," to heartfelt love songs like "Just to Be With You," "Falling in Love," and the ballad version of "Million;" or, just just-plain-fun "Small Kid Days," you can't possibly stay depressed after listening to Kawaihae (although just as addictive as Zoloft, but without undesirable side effects)! You'll be swaying in your chair or wanting to get up and dance with your sweetie to these wonderful songs.
I'm sad to hear that one member of the group has left, but we still have the wonderful memories with this CD. This JVC-label import is more expensive than the domestic label version, but it's worth it to get the bonus ballad version of "Million" (it's much better than the faster-paced pop version). If you can't get to Hawaii, get this CD!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1