Wonderful World
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole · 2007
42 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A gentle blend of Hawaiian folk and reggae, infused with heartfelt vocals and soothing ukulele melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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What a Wonderful World — This track represents the heart of the album, where Kamakawiwoʻole's soothing voice transforms a classic into a serene celebration of nature and life.
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ʻAmaʻama — The song captures the essence of Hawaiian culture through its lyrical homage to fishing traditions, highlighting Kamakawiwoʻole’s ability to blend storytelling with melody.
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E Kuʻu White Sandy Beach — This track evokes deep emotional connections to place and identity, showcasing the beauty of Hawaii while emphasizing Kamakawiwoʻole's heartfelt vocal delivery.
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 heartfelt vocals, showcasing both covers and original compositions.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a cover of 'What a Wonderful World', featuring gentle ukulele strumming and Kamakawiwoʻole's soft vocals, setting a relaxed tone.
- Tracks like 'E Kuʻu White Sandy Beach' and 'Henehene Kou ʻAka' incorporate traditional Hawaiian themes, blending folk melodies with reggae rhythms.
- 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
- gentle melodies for relaxation
- serene soundscapes for reflection
- warm vocals for cozy moments
- uplifting tunes for sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer fast-paced listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Wonderful World was Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's final studio album before his passing. At this point in his career, he had already established himself as a beloved figure in Hawaiian music, with previous albums like Facing Future cementing his legacy. This album showcases his signature style, combining traditional Hawaiian sounds with contemporary influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jack Johnson· Donavon Frankenreiter· Kolohe Kai
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 What a Wonderful World 4:30
- 2 ʻAmaʻama 2:15
- 3 Henehene Kou ʻAka 4:18
- 4 Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 4:14
- 5 Morning Dew 3:42
- 6 E Kuʻu White Sandy Beach 3:02
- 7 Kaleohano 3:38
- 8 Ka Huila Wai 3:34
- 9 ʻŌpae Ē 4:21
- 10 Ke Alo O Iesu 3:16
- 11 ʻUlili Ē 2:35
- 12 A Hawaiian Like Me 2:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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