What makes The Extraordinary Kui Lee by Kui Lee notable?

The album features the iconic song I'll Remember You, which later became a standard covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley. It received critical acclaim for its fusion of traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary pop influences, helping to pave the way for future Hawaiian musicians in the mainstream music industry. Released in December 1966, The Extraordinary Kui Lee was Kui Lee's debut album, marking his first major foray into the music scene after years of live performances in Hawaii. This album introduced his distinct sound to a broader audience, establishing him as a significant figure in Hawaiian music during this time.

How many songs are on The Extraordinary Kui Lee?

The Extraordinary Kui Lee has 12 tracks.

Released 60 years ago

The Extraordinary Kui Lee

Kui Lee · 1966

12 tracks

A heartfelt blend of Hawaiian melodies and American pop sensibilities, rich with emotional depth and lush instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I’ll Remember You — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and memorable melody, capturing the essence of longing that defines much of Lee's work. Its emotional weight has led to countless covers by various artists.
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Rain, Rain Go Away — This song showcases Lee's ability to blend traditional Hawaiian rhythms with catchy pop hooks, making it both culturally resonant and widely appealing.
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Goin’ Home — With its reflective lyrics and soothing arrangement, this track encapsulates themes of nostalgia and homecoming, resonating deeply with listeners from diverse backgrounds.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Foothills

Higher than 35% of albums we've rated

The album blends Hawaiian melodies with pop sensibilities, showcasing distinct arrangements and memorable hooks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, recognizable melody in 'I’ll Remember You', establishing a thematic continuity that recurs throughout.
Tracks often feature lush string arrangements and harmonies that blend Hawaiian instrumentation with pop elements, creating a rich soundscape.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 I’ll Remember You
2 Rain, Rain Go Away
3 Yes, It’s You
4 Ka Makani Ka ’Ili Aloha
5 Goin’ Home
6 Ain’t No Big Thing
7 Na Ali’I
8 The Days of My Youth
9 All I Want to Do
10 If I Had It to Do All Over Again
11 Get on Home
12 No Other Song

What to play next

Listen next

I'll Remember You

1966

Full Kui Lee discography Artists like Kui Lee

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata