CD review: She & Him

Artist: She & Him

Album: Volume Two

Label: Merge Records

Rating: 4

Volume Two is a near perfect sequel to She & Him’s adorable debut album, evoking the same sweetness in 13 pretty, vintage pop songs. With the exception of 2 covers, Volume Two is written by quirky film actress Zooey Deschanel and produced by singer-songwriter Matt Ward.

She & Him deliver more or less the same elements in Volume One – the throwback to ’60s pop, cutesy melodies and sunshine. However, Volume Two is far more cohesive and polished. Deschanel’s voice is less hesitant, and the closing song, “If You Can’t Sleep,” is truly masterful. This lullaby is an a cappella piece, showing off Deschanel’s beautiful and rich vocal capabilities.

The album holds nothing groundbreaking and most individual songs are forgettable, but one doesn’t look to She & Him for anything cutting edge. Instead, Deschanel and Ward give us old-fashioned hooks and melodies that charm us with seeming simplicity.

Give these tracks a listen: “In the Sun,” “If You Can’t Sleep”

For fans of: M. Ward, Camera Obscura, Feist

– Janelle Bitker