• Genre: World music; steel drums.

• Distinguishing notes: Greg and Junko MacDonald have emerged as the primary steel-drum interpreters, and "Timeless" is just that — a beautifully ageless and eternal collection/performance of songs everyone knows, mostly from yesteryear. The most "current" title is "Something Stupid" (1967); the banquet for the ears includes "Almost Like Being in Love," "The Way You Look Tonight," "Volare," "Tea for Two," "Maria Elena" and "Begin the Beguine," delivered without words but with plenty of emotion.

• The outlook: This one's great for romancing, for dinner music, for dancing.

• Our take: If you have yet to discover the magic of steel drums, "Timeless" is a good start.

"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Greg and Junko MacDonald. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Compilation; Hawaiian, world music.

• Distinguishing notes: Seventeen titles, by as many artists, are assembled in this popular series of compilations, which to date have sold 175,000 units (via four earlier packages). Some artists are better known than others, and titles are not necessarily the performer's biggest. Still, there are some bona fide skyrockets, including Kalapana's "The Hurt," Glenn Medeiros' "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You," Sean Na'auao's "Fish and Poi," the Mana'o Company's "Drop Baby Drop/Who Loves You Pretty Baby," Robi Kahakalau's "Ku'u Hoa," Baba B's "Big Boy in Love" and Ho'onu'a's "Pride." Others on the disc include John Cruz, Roots Odyssey, Three Plus, Kalaeloa, Ekolu, Ka'u, Jeff Rasmussen, Loeka Longakit, Hi-Risk Faktor and Dennis Das Jr. And surely, the jackets — attractive embellishment for the musical contents — continue to attract attention (this one depicts a 'ukulele strummer sitting in the back of a red pick-up).

• The outlook: A precise snapshot of contemporary Island vibes.

• Our take: The something-for-everyone concept still works.

"Fish and Poi" by Sean Na'auao. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: World music; choral.

• Distinguishing notes: If you adore Americana, performed by a chorale, this is your ticket. Timothy Carney, director the Hawai'i Vocal Arts Ensemble, has corralled 12 standards that read (sound?) like a Who's Who of pop classics. The songs are occasionally signatures for the creators-composers, including Irving Berlin ("Blue Skies"), George Gershwin ("'S Wonderful," "I Got Rhythm"), Leonard Bernstein ("Somewhere"), Harry Warren ("Lullaby of Broadway"), Duke Ellington ("Mood Indigo") and Cole Porter ("Begin the Beguine"). The performances are crisp, harmonic, seductive — in a traditional, no-frills manner.

• The outlook: A dandy of a keepsake, and a sure fast-seller at the next performance.

• Our take: A smoothie that offers fascinating rhythms that stand the test of time.

"Blue Skies" by Hawai'i Vocal Arts Ensemble. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Inspirational, world music.

• Distinguishing notes: TOA features five Alaiasa brothers (Steve, Moepulou, Kailili, Donny and Norris) who incorporate hip-hop, pop, blues and doo-wopharmonies in its delivery of gospel-undercurrent melodies. There's an occasional quiet and reverent mood on a cluster of tunes, including "Oh Lord My Redeemer" and "The Lord Is My Shepherd," a taste of culture on "Lo Ta Nu'u" with exquisite and delicate vocal blends, a sliver of soul on "Time Goes by Me." And "Dear Lord I Pray" is a rare hip-hop tribute to Him.

• The outlook: For those who favor and savor inspirational tunes, TOA's hip brew speaks a language of its own.

• Our take: Meditation never felt so cool.

"Silence" by Toa. Audio sample available in mp3 format.