ISLAND SOUNDS
Romance, culture permeate these CDs

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Justin Young, one of Hawai'i's favorite romantic voices, continues to expand his appeal to both the older crowd and the young and hip, with a new collection of fresh and familiar tracks; two Samoan groups, one all male, the other all female, explore traditional and new tunes with a religious undercurrent that offers a bit of culture and solace for Hawai'i's Samoan community.

• Genre: Adult contemporary, pop.
• Distinguishing notes: Justin Kawika Young, who has defined his own singular style in past recordings, continues his romantic works with wide demographic appeal. He posts new and familiar tracks in this outing, which showcases his multiple-track vocals, with ample balladry to suit the older crowd and sufficient hip elements to draw in the young. "Shake Me," the opening track, combines the sweetness he specializes in with a midpoint rap that characterizes his flexibility to involve a youthful sound. If it's the soft and seductive you seek, "Butterfly" and "The End of Innocence" are acoustical highs. Collaborations abound, too, with "Perfect Peace" tapping the services of Norm and B.E.T.; "My Eyes Adored You" (a Justin hit), involving Jevan Paisley; "More Than Words" (another Justin jammer), with Bitty McLean and "Gonna Meet the Clouds," with Jon Yamasato also vocalizing.
• The outlook: A real contender; watch this one grow and glow. Could be his biggest CD yet.
• Our take: Justifiably, Justin sings 'em like he feels 'em — from the heart, with warmth and appeal.

"Butterfly" by Justin Young. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Samoan pop, religious.
• Distinguishing notes: This multilingual (Samoan, English, Tahitian) import, reflecting pop music influences on the youth of Samoa, should find an audience in Hawai'i. A contagious spirituality presides, as the four youths — Mike Pau, Fred Lemalu, Mark Tautai and Iri Aumatangi — share their culture with the rest of the world. "Flight 275-275" is an upbeat outlook at boarding a flight, with mostly English lyrics documenting the joys in Samoa. "The Lord's Prayer," rendered in Samoan, reflects the cultural synthesis at play; it's not the usual hymn but conveys a "Kanaka Waiwai" mana'o. "Siva-Siva Maia" typifies the group's forté — a modern viewpoint set to a toe-tapping tempo rooted in tradition. A couple of preview tracks, offering a sampling from an anticipated Tahitian album, are tidy bonuses.
• The outlook: Outstanding vocals, great harmonies, crisp production values — who could ask for anything more?
• Our take: Not for everyone, but an excursion to Samoa worth taking.

"Flight 275-275" by Jamoa Jam. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• Genre: Samoan pop, religious.
• Distinguishing notes: Pacific Soul is a female combo of four featuring Moapa Lomavita, Sharleen Leaso, Julie Ta'ale and Sara-Jane Auva'a — kind of the distaff version of Jamoa Jam. Its music clearly is embedded in the religious realm, characterized by hearty harmonies and powerhouse voices, in both traditional Samoan hymns and new ones, in the native tongue and occasional English singing — with periodic modern elements like "Alright," with a righteous male voice segment featuring Michael Paul. The fare includes "Afai e te alofa," "Musika Malie," and "Taelega Petesa," which provide a bit of culture and an element of solace — stuff for the soul. A Samoan classic, "Minoi Minoi," is revived for a new generation.
• The outlook: A roster of atmospheric tunes, rendered with detailed clarity and earnestness, should provide Pacific Soul rich rewards.
• Our take: Again, with Hawai'i's Samoan community hungry for cultural sounds, Pacific Soul provides a wonderful visit, and the vibes easily translate to any cultural sector.

"Minoi Minoi" by Pacific Soul. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.