Personnel: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (vocals).
Hawaiian popster Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, known to his fans as "Iz," is revered for his lovely voice, his skill on the ukulele, and his treatment of traditional Hawaiian music. WONDERFUL WORLD (2007) delivers 12 lilting tracks, mixing Hawaiian tunes "Ka Huila Wai" and "'Ama 'Ama" with Kamakawiwo'ole's inimitable take on favorites like "What a Wonderful World" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Even when there's a pop edge to the songs, Kamakawiwo'ole's angelic pipes and gentle strumming on the ukulele give the music a tropical lull that evokes warm sun, palm trees, and misty ocean breezes.