• Genre: Pop, world music.

• Distinguishing notes: Stuart Nakai is a Kaua'i native who has spent part of his life making music in Las Vegas. This inevitable CD, recorded in Vegas but with soulful Island ties, recounts his memories of life here.

The bottom line: You can take the boy out of Hawai'i, but you can't take Hawai'i out of the boy. With the soothing mastery of a folk troubadour, Nakai sings and writes of influences of yesteryear — the aloha he embraced on "Kaua'i," the romantic and nostalgic tinges of "Until the Sunset," the quest for roots on "In Your Life," the yearning for comfort and peace of mind on "Need You So Desperately," the longing for home on "Back to Hawaii." One track that seems misplaced: "Irie Feelin'," with its reggae rhythms; it seems like he's done something for the prevailing radio playlists ... when, in fact, everything else he embraces is far more intoxicating. He's back living here and bears watching.

• The outlook: Nakai's got what it takes to find an audience; hear him in such local clubs as Brew Moon.

• Our take: An appealing aural scrapbook of a hometowner's sentiments.

"In Your Eyes" by Stuart Nakai. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Religious.

• Distinguishing notes: A compilation of inspirational tunes featuring Kelly Boy Kapena, leader of the group Kapena, and his son, Kapena DeLima. DeLima pere has been a deacon of Ekalesia for more than 10 years, and his presence on this disc gives stature and validity to the process and project of creating "joyful noise" for the public. Other DeLima family members participate, too, so there's 'ohana implications throughout. Kelly Boy's "It is Good" is soulful and moving; Kapena DeLima's "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" and Charlene Naipo's "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" rock. Even Kahu George Naipo tunes up on "Master of the Wind."

• The outlook: A good mix of familiar and new tunes — blessed with earnest delivery.

• Our take: Not for everyone, but a positive product from the church that could serve as a recruiting tool.

"Kawaiwai" by Ekalesia. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Hip-hop, rap.

• Distinguishing notes: Jroq is all about rhythm and vibes, what she dubs "new flava, new style." Her stuff is a lot more melodic than most urban hip-hop, which is largely beat and bass and bumps and thumps. This compilation, out for a while, is well suited for clubbers and the dance-happy, with robust delivery and catchy refrains.

Best bets: "World Traveler," "Where Did You Go?" and "Tha Chick From Tha Fifty."

• The outlook: Great production values throughout — and you'll get hooked.

• Our take: The essence of cool.

"World Traveler" by Jeanne Wright. Audio sample available in mp3 format.