When it comes to artists from Hawai’i known for her talents as a singer, songwriter and as a producer, Kimié Miner is one of the well-known names in the music scene.
An album which I listen to a lot is her 2017 album titled “Proud as the Sun” (Deluxe) which is her third album which earned Kimié a Na Hoku Hanohano Award for “2018 Song of the Year” for “Bamboo” and 2018 Female Vocalist of the Year.
There is no denying that Kimié has a magnificent voice, but I felt that with this album there is a feeling that she feels more comfortable musically with each album progression.
From her 2009 album “Distant Traveler” and her self-titled album in 2015, “Proud as the Sun” is an album in which each Kimié track feels comfortable, everything comes out smoothly, every track is wonderful and enjoyable and the lyrics are deep and meaningful.
And I have to say this is even fully realized with her most recent work in “Hawaiian Lullaby”, which I will review soon.
“Proud as the Sun” kicks off with “E Ku” (Rise Interlude) and the music showcased Kimié in a beautiful video and unveiling she is pregnant and we the the expecting mother in her video for “Home” (Interlude).
One of my favorite songs from Kimié is “Bamboo” and the song of the year is a song which is positive, catchy and addicting.
The third track “Electrify Me” is another catchy and vibrant track and beautifully written.
For the fourth track, Kimié has a powerful song about being a strong woman with her song “Of a Queen”.
The fifth track is titled “Navigator” and is a positive, encouraging and inspirational track.
The sixth track is titled “Proud as the Sun” and I love this song for the positive lyrics and the acoustic guitar playing for this song. And as always, the wonderful vocals by Kimié.
The seventh track is a cover of the popular Phil Phillips 1951 song and I love this version and how it incorporates the ukulele and also for the positive Hawai’i vibes. Kimié’s version and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version from his “Ka’Ano’I” album are both wonderful!
The ninth track is “A Change is Gonna Come” is a cover of Sam Cooke’s 1964 hit song. For those who are not familiar with the context of this song, the song was inspired when Sam, who is African-American, he and his entourage were turned away from a Whites-only motel in Louisiana. Cooke wrote this song speaking of his struggle around him but holding hope with the Civil Rights Movement that change is going to come.
A wonderful cover by Kimié!
The tenth track is “Vein of Gold” which is another positive track and love the incorporation of the brass in this track and its tradition to a tropical song for the chorus. Cool song! Cool arrangement!
As mentioned previous, this version I am reviewing is the deluxe version. The regular version ends with track 10. The deluxe version has five additional tracks.
Included are the acoustic version of “Bamboo”, the acoustic demo version of “Of a Queen” and “Proud as the Sun”, a stripped down version (which is pretty much an electric guitar only version) of “A Change is Gonna Come” and an alternate version of “Vein of Gold” (which is more acoustic guitar, percussion-driven).
Overall, Kimié Miner’s “Proud as the Sun” marked an exciting chapter for the singer. Her third full-length album no doubt shows maturity, wonderful vocals, beautiful music and inspiring and lyrics full of hope.
A new chapter featuring Kimié Miner as a mother, singer and the beginnings of the Haku Collective.
“Proud as the Sun” (Deluxe) is highly recommended!
