It’s possible—likely?—that this particular Volume One would never be heard if it weren’t for the singer’s real profession. That would be acting and the artist—actually, singer-songwriter—would be Zoey Deschanel. She’s the “she,” and the “him” is M. Ward, a full-time musician whose latest release, 2006’s Post War, was one of that year’s top five CDs. (For what it’s worth, the other four were: Neko Case, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood; Cat Power, The Greatest; TV on the Radio, Return to Cookie Mountain; and Dylan’s Modern Times.) Deschanel and M. Ward met on the set of a movie, composed a song for it, and worked so well together that they decided to release a full-length album.
We should be glad this disc found the light of day—no matter the reason—because it’s excellent. She & Him, Volume One, is pop confection with enough substance to make it non-disposable, and that’s rare these days. It’s easy-going, not particularly ambitious, and yet sincere and heartfelt at the same time: thus the duo’s willingness to tackle The Beatles’ "I Should Have Known Better," and Smokey Robinson’s "You Really Got a Hold on Me." Throw in "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and you’ve got a duo that’s as fearless as it is accomplished. When Deschanel sings the Lennon–McCartney tune, you feel the same buoyant wistfulness, a kind of upbeat longing that the song’s meant to convey. And, as treacherous as this word is, it’s charming.
The other 10 songs were written by Deschanel and they are all wistfully honest and pure-sounding, especially “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” and “Change is Hard.”
M. Ward’s tunes and soulful backing vocals anchor Volume One, no doubt. But it is Deschanel’s voice and songwriting—and the purity of her intentions—that make this disc worth owning.
This is not an instance of yet another actress who happens to sing, or thinks she can. Deschanel is the real thing, and let’s hope at least for volume two.
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