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Contemporay Museum
exhibits world
by Alicia Michioka, Business Manager
You have probably heard the classic song “More than Words”
on radio about 10 times a day since it became a No. 1 hit
in mid-June. Have you wondered why it doesn’t sound like Extreme?
Because this No. 1 hit is performed in an R&B rendition by
local singer Justin and British musician Bitty Mclean.
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Justin Young – a Hawai‘i Music Award winner and a two-time
Hokuhanohano nominee, released the song on his fifth album,
The Dreaming Kind, this summer.
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2001, The Dreaming Kind
2000, Justin & Friends
1998, My Eyes Adore You
1997, Soothe You
1996, No Better Time Than Now
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Sitting with him in the sunset at Kapono’s in the
Aloha Tower Marketplace, this young Kailua man comes across more
like a shy kid than an established musician. “I’m an introvert,”
he said with a serious look in his face. “I don’t like to be in
the spotlight.” Well, on stage, the 23-year-old, dressed in traditional
aloha shirt and wide jeans, seems more comfortable than ever.
Justin is known by several former hits including “The Valentine
Song” on the top of the charts in early 2000. He is also recognized
for his own version of the classic Van Morrison song, “Crazy Love.”
“Covers work well here in Hawai‘i,” Justin said. But he also said
he wants to do more than just produce local music. “Don’t get
me wrong,” he said. “I love Hawaiian music.”
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working hard on the past year, Justin mixes local music with R&B
to good effect. Justin credits his producer (Neos Production)
for bringing him together with the former back-up singer for UB40,
Bitty McLean. McLean is well-known in Hawai‘i for his two solo
hits, “Forever Be Mine” and “Nothing Can Change This Love.” |
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| Neos Production decided to bring Mclean’s music
back to the island by inviting him to record a new album with
local talent Justin. This became The Dreaming Kind, a collection
of 12 songs, nine produced by Justin and two co-written with Mclean.
Back on stage at the Aloha Tower bar, Justin and his partner Ka‘iwi
sing a few more covers for the small crowd. He puts his sunglasses
back on, using them to keep back his shoulder-length hair. His
serious look, big sideburns, and a ring in his left nostril make
him look kind of tough, but when his soft voice streams out from
the speakers, the overall experience is pleasant. “I’m an island
boy who wants to come back one day,” he says. “Here is where my
life and family are.” |
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