You know that feeling when a song starts, and suddenly the air in the room just feels... lighter? That’s exactly what happens when those first few chords of Take Me Away Laga Savea hit the speakers. If you grew up in the 2000s anywhere near a beach, a BBQ, or a backyard party in Hawaii or the South Pacific, this track wasn't just a song. It was the background noise of our lives.
Honestly, it’s one of those rare "Jawaiian" anthems that somehow never gets old. It’s been nearly two decades since Laga Savea dropped this on the world, yet you’ll still hear it blasting from car windows from Nanakuli to Auckland.
But what's the deal with it? Why does it still hit so hard?
The Roots of Take Me Away Laga Savea
Laga Savea wasn’t just some guy who walked into a studio and got lucky. He was a musician’s musician. Born and raised in Nanakuli, Hawaii, Laga was steeped in a mix of R&B, traditional Polynesian sounds, and heavy-hitting reggae. Before he was the voice behind your favorite love song, he was actually the drummer for the group Hot Rain.
Think about that for a second. The guy had rhythm in his bones before he ever became a frontman.
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When he finally released his solo album Roots Satisfaction in 2007, Take Me Away was the standout. But here’s a bit of trivia most people miss: the song actually appeared a bit earlier, around 2006, on the Coconut Island, Vol. 1 compilation. It was a collaborative effort, produced by the legendary Fiji (George Veikoso), who is basically the godfather of the modern Island Reggae sound.
Why the vibe is so different
Most reggae at the time was either "rootsy" and political or strictly "lovers rock." Laga found this weird, beautiful middle ground. Take Me Away Laga Savea has this smooth, R&B-inflected vocal delivery that sounds like Brian McKnight went on vacation in the islands and never came back.
The lyrics are simple, sure.
- "Take me away when I see you again..."
- "I just want to be the one that finds an army just for you."
It's pure, unadulterated romance. No fluff. No complicated metaphors. Just a guy telling someone they give him a reason to live. In a world of overproduced pop, that kind of sincerity sticks.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Laga’s Sound
Sometimes people lump Laga Savea into a generic "reggae" bucket. That's kinda lazy. If you listen closely to the production on Take Me Away, you’ll hear jazz influences and even a bit of gospel phrasing.
Laga was heavily influenced by artists like Lucky Dube and Beres Hammond, but also by the "Lost Coast" sound. It’s that specific Northern California/Hawaii hybrid that refuses to be just one thing. It's too soulful for pure reggae and too "Island" for mainstream R&B.
A tragic loss to the community
It’s impossible to talk about this song without acknowledging that Laga Savea passed away in May 2022. The news hit the Polynesian community like a ton of bricks. He wasn't just a singer; he was a producer and a mentor who worked with everyone from J Boog to Maoli.
When he passed, Take Me Away Laga Savea saw a massive resurgence. People weren't just listening to it as a love song anymore; they were listening to it as a tribute to a man who basically built the soundtrack for a generation.
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Why it still ranks on your "Island Vibes" playlist
You've probably noticed that even in 2026, this track hasn't disappeared. Why?
- The "Aura": There’s a specific warmth to the recording. It doesn't sound digital or cold.
- The Nostalgia Factor: For Millennial and Gen Z Pacific Islanders, this song is tied to specific memories—graduations, weddings, and long drives.
- The Composition: Most modern "Island Pop" is way too fast. Take Me Away breathes. It lets the bassline do the heavy lifting while Laga’s voice floats on top.
Laga once said in an interview (and I'm paraphrasing here) that he just wanted to make music that made people feel like they were home. Whether you're in a high-rise in New York or on the sand in Samoa, this song does exactly that.
How to actually support the legacy
If you're a fan of Take Me Away Laga Savea, don't just stop at that one track. The man’s discography is deep.
- Check out "Honi Honi"—it's another absolute classic from the same era.
- Listen to his work with Hot Rain. You can really hear his drumming roots there.
- Look for his collaborations with Fiji and Kiwini Vaitai. The chemistry between those guys was lightning in a bottle.
The best way to keep this music alive is to keep playing it. Don't let it become a "hidden gem." Put it on your public playlists. Share the lyrics. Most importantly, remember the artist behind the voice. Laga Savea was a titan of the genre, and "Take Me Away" is his lasting gift to anyone who needs a little bit of peace in their day.
Next time you're feeling stressed, just put on the 2007 version, close your eyes, and let that Nanakuli soul do the rest.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you're looking to dive deeper into this genre, look for the "Lost Coast Sound" archives or playlists featuring early 2000s Hawaiian Reggae. Supporting the official releases on platforms like Apple Music or Spotify ensures that Laga’s estate and the creators he worked with continue to be recognized for this foundational work. Keep an eye out for tribute concerts in the islands; the community often gathers to celebrate his life through live covers of his greatest hits.