Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style:Hawaiian, Pacific
Year: 1960
Side 1 of 4
Side 2 of 4
Side 3 of 4
Side 4 of 4
Tracklist:
- Song Of The Islands (Na Lei O Hawaii)
- Lovely Hula Hands
- My Isle Of Golden Dreams
- The Hukilau Song
- Beyond The Reef
- The Moon Of Manakoora
- The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
- Little Brown Gal
- Sleepy Lagoon
- I Will Remember You
- Hapa-Haole Hula Girl
- Aloha Oe
- Ebb Tide
- You Are Beautiful
- Princess Poo-poo-ly Has Plenty Papaya
- Forevermore (Lei Aloha, Lei Makame)
- Old Plantation
- Far Across The Sea
- Legend Of The Rain
- This Song Of Love
- The Magic Islands
- Hawaiian Love Call
- Bali Ha’i
- Flowers Of Paradise
- I Wish They Didn’t Mean Goodby
Notes:
The 1960 album The Best of Alfred Apaka by Alfred Apaka with The Hawaiian Village Serenaders is a timeless collection that celebrates the golden voice of one of Hawaii’s most iconic singers. Known as the “Golden Voice of Hawaii,” Alfred Apaka was renowned for his smooth baritone and his ability to bring Hawaiian music to life for audiences around the world. This compilation, released by Decca Records, captures the essence of his artistry and his contributions to the popularization of Hawaiian music during the mid-20th century.
The album features a rich selection of tracks that highlight Apaka’s versatility and emotional depth. Songs like “Lovely Hula Hands” and “Beyond the Reef” showcase his ability to convey the romantic and nostalgic qualities of Hawaiian music, while tracks such as “The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)” and “Aloha Oe” emphasize his connection to traditional Hawaiian themes. The Hawaiian Village Serenaders provide lush instrumental arrangements that perfectly complement Apaka’s voice, creating a harmonious blend of vocals and instrumentation.
The Best of Alfred Apaka not only serves as a showcase of his musical talent but also as a cultural bridge that introduced Hawaiian music to a global audience. Apaka’s performances were characterized by their authenticity and charm, making him a beloved figure both in Hawaii and beyond. The album’s tracklist reflects his ability to balance traditional Hawaiian songs with hapa-haole (Hawaiian-inspired English-language) compositions, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
This album remains a cherished classic, preserving the legacy of Alfred Apaka and his contributions to Hawaiian music. His work with The Hawaiian Village Serenaders set a standard for excellence in the genre and inspired future generations of Hawaiian musicians. *The Best of Alfred Apaka* continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and its role in keeping the spirit of Hawaiian music alive.