Released 30 years ago
N Dis Life
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole · 1996
45 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A rich tapestry of Hawaiian folk and reggae infused with heartfelt vocals and traditional instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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In This Life — This track beautifully encapsulates Kamakawiwoʻole’s ability to merge personal reflection with universal themes of love and existence, showcasing his powerful voice.
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Living in a Sovereign Land — A politically charged anthem that reflects Kamakawiwoʻole's deep connection to Hawaiian identity and sovereignty, resonating with listeners on both cultural and emotional levels.
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Hiʻilawe — This song highlights traditional Hawaiian storytelling through music, featuring lush melodies that evoke the natural beauty of Hawaii, enhancing the album's cultural significance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends Hawaiian folk and reggae with strong vocals, creating a distinct sound that resonates culturally.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a traditional Hawaiian song, setting a cultural tone that persists throughout the record.
- Many tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, often with Kamakawiwoʻole's voice leading and others providing rich backing.
- Several songs incorporate both acoustic instruments and subtle reggae rhythms, blending genres seamlessly.
- The final track is an instrumental piece that contrasts with the preceding vocal-heavy songs, providing a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo flow throughout
- warmth radiating from each track
- soulful sound for relaxation
- for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- N Dis Life is Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's follow-up to his debut album, Ka ʻAnoʻi, released in 1994. By this time, he was establishing himself as a prominent figure in Hawaiian music, blending contemporary styles with cultural roots. This album further solidified his reputation, showcasing his unique vocal style and deep love for the islands.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jack Johnson· Donavon Frankenreiter· Kolohe Kai
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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In This Life
The verse shifts from introspective thoughts about personal struggles to an uplifting realization of gratitude for life’s simple joys.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hiʻilawe 4:45
- 2 In This Life 4:10
- 3 Waiʻalae 2:45
- 4 Starting All Over Again 4:00
- 5 Living in a Sovereign Land 4:35
- 6 ʻOpae Ē 4:09
- 7 Aloha Kuʻu Pua 2:31
- 8 Johnny Mahoe 4:52
- 9 Lover of Mine 2:45
- 10 Yokozuna 3:39
- 11 Na Ka Pueo / Keyhole Hula 4:40
- 12 The Fly 2:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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