Various Artists – Aloha Got Soul – (Strut)

If you want some warm weather music then look no further. ‘Aloha Got Soul’ examines music made in Hawaii during the 1970s and early 1980s, bringing in soul, jazz and funk to go with Hawaiian folk music. Mixed in with all of this is a good dose of yacht rock, making for a wonderful out of hours compilation that brims with positive vibes. These are found through the vocal heroics of Nohelani Cypriano’s O’Kailua, the impressive guitar work of Lemuria’s ‘Get That Happy Feeling’ or Roy & Roe’s ‘Just Don’t Come Back’, a great example of turning a negative event into a positive outcome! The bright colours, airy textures, and generally positive vibes make for a compilation where the sun comes out in front of your very eyes. It will also introduce you to new names and new music, which is never a bad thing!

5 out of 5

Reviewed by Ben Hogwood