Iz: Alone in the World

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * *)

The late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was a big man in life but since his death has become even bigger: his songs have appeared on numerous soundtracks and, best of all in terms of public recognition, on ads. He is the voice behind the Somewhere Over the Rainbow Dulux ad which is featured on this 2001 re-released cash-in collection album of his mostly breezy Hawaiian ballads which, needless to say, conjures up a kind of new age Pacifika of strummed ukuleles and the occasional chest-swelling synth.

But Iz had the ability to walk into a studio and sing like an angel, which has been a boon for those now packaging up his off-cuts on to albums, like this one. Of course the unvarnished nature of these songs — simple, with spoken asides and sometime laughter — probably adds to their charm.

That said, he is probably one of the few who can sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and make you listen right through. There's something weird about the uncredited, naive spoken bit after the last track about his need for oxygen. Anyway, expect more ads and soundtracks to come, six years after his death.

Label: King