She & Him’s Volume One is the coming together of two great talents, Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward (known as M. Ward). Deschanel pairs her lyrics and vocal harmonies with M. Ward’s guitar-work and arrangements to create an album that has rich soulness of groups like The Ronettes and The Crystals and singers like Patsy Cline and Nina Simone. The records polished ‘Wall of Sound’ production makes this album almost glow. Deschanel, who is known to most of the public as an actor (Elf, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Weeds) is able to show her flair as a singer and songwriter on thirteen original and cover songs. M. Ward is able to arrange and produce Deschanel’s music to Phil Spector heights. Volume One is a very easy listening album that would be a perfect complement to a long drive or even a good dinner. The album itself has three distinct sounds to it.
The album begins with “Sentimental Heart”, a piano and string piece that is beautifully arranged around Deschanel’s vocal harmonies. This sound is also heard in the songs, “I Thought I Saw Your Face Today” and “Take It Back”. They evoke the music of Nina Simone or Fiona Apple. M. Ward is able to place Deschanel’s voice just right in the piano and string dynamic. The next song “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here”, is more of the 60s pop jukebox style that is the sound of the majority of the album. Very Spector-esh and the ‘Wall of Sound’ is definitely alive in these songs. The tune “Sweet Darlin’” could have well been performed by The Crystals. The last sound that the album takes on is a Patsy Cline country vibe. Now, this reviewer is not the biggest fan of this type of music but; I was captivated by Deschanel’s and M. Ward’s performance on the tracks, “Got Me” and The Beatles, “I Should Have Known Better” are highlighted with the country croon of Zooey’s voice and a striking slide guitar played by M. Ward. These songs seemed to grow on me the more I listened to them. The cover of “You Really Got a Hold On Me” by Smokey Robinson is very interesting. Deschanel and M. Ward’s voice provide a very lonely and private feeling on this track that I haven’t heard on any other version.
Besides that song, the records major drawback lies in its originality. This really doesn’t sound like ‘new’ music but then, it may not be trying to be ‘new’. Some of the songs do have a similar sound but are still enjoyable on a full album listen. I think,
Volume One is the first step in the successful collaboration between these artists and it is a giant step indeed. This album is for the listener who wants something more from the overpopulated world of female pop singers. The harmonies will draw you into it, the music will keep you there, and leave you waiting for volume two.
