Songs of the Islands

AMG Review of Songs of the Islands

Greg Adams
All Music Guide

When Hawaii became a state in 1959, it provoked a demand for Hawaiian music in the mainstream, resulting in big-name artists from practically every genre cutting albums of island songs. Lawrence Welk's Songs of the Islands, released in 1960, is the easy listening bandleader's contribution to the canon of ersatz Hawaiian music, presenting instrumental renditions of a dozen popular melodies pertaining to or originating from Hawaii. Welk's guitarist, Buddy Merrill, handles the electric guitar and steel guitar solos, creating a mellow and dreamy mood throughout with occasional moments of levity, such as a spirited version of "Little Brown Gal" that spotlights a quickly strummed ukulele. Welk's vocal chorus is nowhere in evidence -- this is Merrill's show and, as such, is strictly instrumental. The pleasant arrangements, well-known tunes, and tasteful execution add up to an album that delivers Hawaiian flavor and is truly easy to listen to.