After she taught us that the best romances happen in IKEA, Zooey Deschanel lent her sultry pipes to a new album with her cohort, M Ward, for their super-group She & Him. The record hit the stands last Tuesday, but unlike (500) Days of Summer, She & Him: Volume Two only takes only an (instant) to fall for.
Each half of the group is a superstar in their own right. Deschanel, an indie film goddess and striking jazz singer, has not only built a life for herself with films such as Elf and Yes Man, but also a life with her newly pronounced husband, Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab For Cutie). It seems she has it all and even a little bit more.
M. Ward’s life does not pale in comparison, however. Known by his parents as Matthew Stephen Ward, this gracious guitarist first made waves on the Portland music scene in 2001 and has been traveling all over ever since. M. Ward seems to pop up everywhere, making appearances on albums by artists such as Jenny Lewis, Cat Power, and his biggest fan, Connor Oberst. The man has now settled into a duo-group with Ms. Deschanel, but he still remains one of the hottest guest artists to have in the studio.
With such high-caliber talents as these two, it’s no wonder that She & Him’s debut album, Volume One, caught the ears and hearts of listeners globally, thrusting the group into yet another realm of stardom. Their latest release surpasses expectation. Appropriately titled Volume Two, the album provides everything that we love about Volume One and dare I say…more?
With jumpy ballads like “Gonna Get Along Without You Now” and throwback ballads such as “I Can Hear Music,” She & Him offers up a new, more lyrical side on this album, proving that they are simply two friends having a good time in writing songs that pertain to the now. Their ballads are a bit rougher, a bit more loveable, and completely fresh. The harmonies, the haunting whine of Deschanel’s voice alongside the deep whispers of M. Ward, oh gosh! It’s enough to make butter melt.
My favorite track off the new album is “Thieves,” a quirky ballad on the wolves out to get us all. This track is catchy, sweet, and sad all at the same time, a feat nearly impossible to accomplish. There is a certain sweetness in the jingle of the triangle in the background, lending the 1950’s pop attitude that we all love She & Him for. As well, “Thieves” pays homage to the country/bluegrass side of both musicians, showcasing their musicality along with their Southern subtlety.
She & Him’s Volume Two has been highly anticipated for what feels like centuries, and I don’t even need to try and sell it. The album speaks for itself; sure to be one of the best of the year!
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I loved Volume One. I’m always excited when I hear about musicians who arent doing the same boring music that everyone else does.