Tracklist:

• Hawaii Calls
• Lei Aloha, Lei Makamae
• Mauna Loa
• Susie Anna E
• Invitation
• Bali High
• Hawaiian War Chant
• Twilight In Hawaii
• Goodnight Leilani E
• Leahi

Notes:

The Invitations’ 1967 album Hawaii Calls is a compilation that showcases the group’s vocal harmonies set against lush orchestral arrangements. Released by Sunset Records, the album features a selection of Hawaiian-themed songs that evoke the beauty and tranquility of the islands. The Invitations, known for their smooth vocal style, do not play instruments on this album; instead, they are backed by Russ Garcia and His Orchestra on one side and Billy May and His Orchestra on the other. This collaboration results in a rich, immersive listening experience that blends easy-listening jazz with Pacific-inspired melodies.

The tracklist includes a mix of traditional Hawaiian songs and popular compositions that fit the island theme. Songs such as Lei Aloha, Lei Makamae and Hawaiian War Chant bring a sense of authenticity, while others like Bali High and Twilight In Hawaii add a cinematic quality to the album. The arrangements emphasize the vocal harmonies of The Invitations, allowing their voices to shine through the orchestral backdrop. The album’s title track, Hawaii Calls, sets the tone with its evocative melody, inviting listeners into a world of serene beaches and swaying palm trees.

Hawaii Calls is a reissue compilation, with tracks originally appearing on earlier Liberty Records releases. Side one features selections from the 1959 album R.S.V.P., while side two includes songs from The Invitations With Billy May, released in 1960. This approach gives the album a curated feel, bringing together some of the group’s most fitting Hawaiian-themed recordings into a single collection. The production quality reflects the era’s approach to easy-listening music, with smooth vocals and lush orchestration designed to transport listeners to a tropical paradise.

For fans of vintage Hawaiian-inspired music, Hawaii Calls remains a charming and nostalgic album. Its combination of vocal-driven melodies and orchestral arrangements makes it a unique entry in the genre, offering a blend of traditional island sounds and mid-century easy listening. Whether enjoyed as background music for a relaxing evening or as a glimpse into the musical stylings of the time, the album captures the essence of Hawaii’s allure through its carefully selected songs and polished performances.