Featured Music on TV's 'Hawaii Five-0'

One of my favorite new TV series this season is none other than "Hawaii Five-0." Not only does it have a powerful and unique TV theme song, each episode has featured music from nearly every popular era and genre. When the original series was on during the 1970s it was standard for a majority of TV show theme songs and episodic music scores to be composed and conducted by a studio orchestra.

It was virtually unheard of to hear current Top 40 music or other contemporary single releases featured in network TV shows at that time. The music you would hear in a typical '70s show was cheesy at best. Now that has all changed. Many network TV series have been and still are featuring a hit song or artist from the '60s or another decade. For instance, a TV show called "Cold Case" would oftentimes feature the music of one artist. In one of their episodes they had the music of Santana played throughout.

Now "Hawaii Five-0" features a wide range each week where one episode will have a classic rock song, another episode features all current dance club music. Most of all they've featured contemporary Hawaiian artists and their music. Here's a break down of eight selected songs from a number of decades and genres in varied episodes on "Hawaii Five-0." They are grouped by music genre with the artist, song title and the episode's title that's always in Hawaiian.

1.) Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter (Lanakila)

In the category of rock music, more specifically classic rock, this great song by The Stones opened the episode with an intense and violent prison break. You hear its hypnotic, psychedelic opening with female voices harmonizing and a little bit of Jagger singing "Gimme Shelter." By far my favorite Rolling Stones song and it was great hearing it on "Hawaii Five-0."

2.) Dr. Hook - Sexy Eyes (Palekaiko)

Here's another band from the 1970s that are now obscure, but were certainly well known back in the day. When I saw they had a song featured I was completely unfamiliar with it until I listened to it on YouTube. Then I vividly remembered when this cheesy song was played during the many arguments of McGarrett and Danno. Mc Garrett is driving and plays "Sexy Eyes" in the car stereo system.

The song is obviously from the '70s. Danno despises this song and wants it turned off immediately. McGarrett says he likes it and continues playing it. I agreed 100% with Danno. It's awful, but I think it was a throwback to the original "Hawaii Five-0." The reason the song is on the list in the first place is I laughed hysterically during their interaction.

3.) Red Hot Chili Peppers - Higher Ground (Ko'olauloa)

While we're on the subject of '70s songs this one was originally recorded by Stevie Wonder. However, the Red Hot Chili Peppers covered it and was featured as the opening song where you see a number of surfers in the Super Bowl of surf competitions.

4.) Taryn Manning - Spotlight (Nalowale)

This artist actually appears in "Hawaii Five-0" as Mary McGarrett, the younger sister to Steve McGarrett. Besides being an actress, Taryn Manning is also a singer/songwriter. Her latest dance club song release was spotlighted during the skyline of Honolulu and outside an upscale nightclub where McGarrett and Danno enter to look for a suspect.

5.) Pitbull (feat. Machel Montano) - Alright (Nalowale)

Staying on the theme of dance music this song by Miami's Pitbull is actually likable for my tastes. At least his rapping is a lot more melodic and not monotone like other rappers. After McGarrett and Danno are in the posh club they find their suspect and are questioning him when "Alright" is playing in the background. There is another rap song featured during the nightclub scene by T.I. titled "Ya Hear Me." However, I did not include it because of its explicit lyrics.

6.) Ho'onu'a - Koa Tree (Lanakila)

At long last here are the remaining songs either from Hawaiian artists or someone performing with a Hawaiian musical instrument. These local artists' song is played while McGarrett is waiting to pick up his sister at the airport. He's still waiting and waiting and no Mary. She ended up being detained by authorities for trying to smoke on the plane.

7.) Train - Hey, Soul Sister (Ko'olauloa)

You only see a cute little boy playing the ukulele and singing for a few seconds during the tent city scene in this stellar episode. There is a phenomenal kid playing the ukulele here on YouTube who looks like the boy. I'm not sure if they are one and the same. I've not highlighted the song by Train since it has been overplayed.

8.) Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole - Hawai'i '78 Introduction (Ko'olauloa)

To honor the eight Hawaiian Islands I saved the eighth song from the superstar of Hawaiian music, the one and only IZ. He brought Hawaiian music to the mainland with his ukulele version of "Over the Rainbow." This episode first aired on October 25, 2010. "Hawai'i '78 Introduction" is prominently showcased at the end when they have the funeral on the water for Kono's surfing mentor.

When I first heard it I fell in love with the song. I had a feeling it was by IZ. This episode was recently shown as a repeat on January 10, 2011 due to the National Championship College Football game. Once you hear this incredible song it stays with you. It's unlike anything I have ever heard. The song is actually two different versions.

With the introduction version IZ reflects on his father during the middle part when he is singing and talking about his late father. There is a "Hawai'i '78" version that is extremely powerful. In the lyrics IZ sings about how would the kings and queens feel about Hawaii today with all its commercialism? This is by far the best song "Hawaii Five-0" has featured. It is so haunting, soulful and unforgettable.

If you like these songs featured on "Hawaii Five-0" you can download them at Amazon.com and iTunes. They truly do have an eclectic mix of music going from one episode to another each week. I'm looking forward to hearing from more Hawaiian artists and great classic rock hits during the rest of the season.

SOURCES:

Music from Hawaii Five-0, Heard on TV.com

Hawaii Five-0 Episode Recaps, CBS.com

Broadcast Yourself, YouTube

Ho'onu'a - Koa Tree, Pandora Internet Radio

Art Hadley, "Hidden Hawai'i, In Your Head?", People, ku.edu