Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Album review, M. Ward, She & Him: Volume One Review, Zooey Deschanel
The trend of young movie starlettes attempting their hands at the world of pop music is troubling to say the least. If there’s one thing the world doesn’t need it is another semi-talented tart warbling her heart out about the troubles of being pretty and famous. Please don’t cry me an another auto-toned river, Lohan, you daft hussy.
So it’s easy to understand that there had been more than a few skeptical ears raised when the news that underrated actress Zooey Deschanel was going to release a collaborative album with indie-darling M. Ward.
Up until now my only experience with the song stylings of the blue-eyed Galactic Hitchhiker only came from her caroling in the Will Ferrel Christmas classic, Elf. Sure it was little more than a family friend plot-device at the time, but if anything, her singing was at best functional.
In She & Him, M. Ward crafts songs designed specifically to cater to Zooey Deschanel’s strengths. Given the delicate nature and limited range of her voice, the songs stay in the realm of 50s pop and old-timey country ballads. Not to say that this is a bad thing; the songs are pitch perfect for their type and Zooey comes across as a semi-precious gem, with the faming set to exclude her weaknesses.
I’ll be the first to admit that this is not the strongest album and that it wouldn’y be everyone’s cup of tea and the eclectic mix of styles may be off putting for some.
However, She & Him: Volume One is an interesting attempt worthy of notice. It’s a compelling glimpse at another side of the actress that few get to see. M.Ward bring sout the best in her and his composition and production are meticulously designed to encompass the spirit of the genres he’s trying to tap into.
Hopefully this won’t be the last we hear from She & Him.
