Keahiwai

Satisfied - Posted on 7/4/2003


It seems like every time I go on vacation to the mainland good albums always come out. This was the case again last year when Keahiwai’s new album Satisfied came out. I snatched up this highly anticipated follow-up album as soon as I got home. My first impression from the album was that their first album was a little stronger, but then again I always have a tendency to think that 1st/debut albums are always better. Having listened to it more now though, it’s a great follow up from the girls.

Sticking with what works best for them, the songs all fall in line with that love/love lost/longing for that special someone feel, with seven of the ten tracks being Keahiwai originals and the cover songs being very well done as well. The strongest songs on the album would have to be the Push, Falling, and Don’t Break My Heart with the last being my personal favorite. Push and Heart have that breakout radio sound beat to them along with catchy lyrics and for that slowed down feeling there’s Falling with awesome singing and excellent instrumentals. The covers Where Did Our Love Go and Lost in Emotion are given new life and are sure to please anyone. Overall there is not a bad song on the whole album. My only disappointment was that they didn’t do a Hawaiian track or two when I know they can do Hawaiian, but this is just me being nit-picky. Other than that an awesome follow up album for Keahiwai.

Local Girls - Posted on 6/10/2001


Believe it or not I had heard of this group before I heard their first song on FM 100 about two weeks ago. Originally I had just wanted to get the song Over by the group, until a few days ago when I heard from a lot of people that this group was pretty cool. So went down to Tower’s at Kahala to pick up the CD and I had the wonderful opportunity to hear the group perform live at Kahala Mall. After I heard them play a few songs (other than Over) I was sold on the CD, and managed to meet and get their autographs as well! The girls have a pretty good sound, something like if you combined the playfulness of PureHeart (yes PureHeart, not Colon) and the voices of Na Leo. They pull it off really well.

The best thing about the album, other than Over, would have to be that the girls themselves composed eight of the ten tracks. Whoever said originality didn’t pay off? Simply put if you want good music and are tired of artists remaking songs left and right, get this CD. You won’t be disappointed. Perhaps the reason for the similar sounding PureHeart style is because Jon Yamasato lends backup instrumentals to most of the songs. Over, which has been seeing considerable airplay on KCCN FM 100 is definitely a winner. Among some of the other notables on the CD would have to be the classic Waikiki written by Andy Cummings and My Best Friend which is reminicist of the song Friends done by Na Leo. Safe to say this is a good album by an up and coming group. I wouldn’t be surprised if they take home a Na Hoku next year. And if they do, you know who you heard it from first!