This album, “Ka `Eha Ke Aloha,” bears nearly no resemblance to his breakthrough album, “Fish and Poi.” Almost. The Jawaiian sing-along “No Hawaiians, No Aloha” is as insanely catchy as the title song from that album.

The lead-off track, “Ka Ipo Lei Manu,” features Na`auao’s impressive vocal range and ear for harmony. It gives the classic written by Queen Kapi`olani a very contemporary feel. The Queen actually composed two of the songs on the album. The sixth song on the album, “Papalina Lahilahi,” is a dead ringer for a Hawaiian Style Band track with its swinging percussion.

There is no shortage of songwriting talent here. In addition to the two Kapi`olani compositions, the album also features a Frank Hewitt song. The title track is a stunning standout.

Na`auao’s falsetto is one of the best, and “Ni`ihau o Kahelelani” takes full advantage of it as does the classic ode to joy riding, “Holoholo Ka`a.” One must really hear one of these songs right after listening to “He Lei Makana” to fully appreciate Na`auao’s voice. His range really is quite impressive. He may be an heir to the late Dennis Pavao.

Na`auao and his wife penned three of the songs together: “He Lei Makana,” “No Hawaiians, No Aloha,” and “Ni`ihau o Kahelelani.” The three are all very different songs. The two of them clearly have a deep appreciation for Hawaiian music in all its many styles.

The album’s only misstep is the cover of Dionne Warwick’s “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.” While it’s a unique take on the song, it feels like Na`auao’s energy might have been better spent on another original song or even a really good interpretation of a standard. He sounds somewhat lifeless on the track.

The phrase “instant classic” is an utterly overused oxymoron, but it’s very nearly accurate when describing this album. I’m sure it will sell half a zillion copies and become as ubiquitous as Hapa’s debut album. It surely deserves to. It has a little something for everyone and is lavishly produced and written.

Sean Na`auao, "Ka `Eha Ke Aloha," Mountain Apple Company, 2005.

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Comments
Your music is so beautiful, living in California and listening to your music brings me back to the beauty I left behind, your Islands !!!!Posted by Debra Laron on July 10, 2006 7:59 PM

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