Song name: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Artist: " Iz" Kamakaw'ole
Album: Facing Future
Release date: November 1, 1993
Produced by: John Mello and Isreal Kamakaw'ole

Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Isreal "Iz" Kamakaw'ole

Iz is known for his reward version of the famous song from The Wizard of Oz ' Somewhere Over The Rainbow', originally sung by Judy Garland.

In this version, he has a unique taste on the beloved song, using the ukulele a well-known instrument in his culture in Hawaii. Born in Honolulu he began playing at a very young age and became an iconic voice for Hawaiian culture and independence before his passing in 1997.

The performance itself is simple comical whimsical and well produced but not overdone. The lyrics are touching in that they talk about escaping the trials of everyday life, into a beautiful, peaceful world, free from life's problems. It appeals to both young and old, and everyone in between.
I think, for me this artist is so unique, that I cannot compare them to another artist, he is in his own realm entirely.
I love the deep voice, the easy flow of the song, I can imagine myself on a beach, eyes closed, ocean in the background, listening to this and dreaming of my own "over the rainbow" I think this is the song that captures what all of us have thought at one point or another in our lives and I think, no matter your music taste, you can enjoy what he brings with this amazing take on a beloved classic.

He does have other albums out there as well and one that I know of E Ala E, released in 1995, this is more politically and culturally focused, celebrating Hawaiian identity, as the artist is famous for doing. Also another one which is his debut album Ka'ano'i, release the 1990, features Hawaiian songs and originals.

I highly recommend this artist to anyone, any genre of music, but particularly if you want to know what the Hawaiian music and culture sounds like, this is an excellent source here. I myself happened to love the Wizard of Oz so this brought back a lot of childhood memories, and I hope that when you listen to this song it also brings you to the places that you dreamed of and hope for!