She & Him – Volume Two
The second album to be released by the duo, She & Him, comprised of actress Zooey Deschanel and musician M. Ward was released on March 17, 2010 through Merge Records.
1. Thieves (4:08) – From the first notes, you know this album isn’t much of a change from the previous. You also notice that Zooey Deschanel’s voice has improved and flows more naturally than it did on the first album. The instrumentals seem crisper and M. Ward sings more on this album, as evident by his backing vocals.
2. In the Sun (2:51) - Immediately you know this song is going to be fun, and it is. It’s the most upbeat song on the album, and my absolute favorite. Zooey’s voice sounds so smooth and shines its way through the chorus, with background vocals, this time, being provided by special guests Tilly and the Wall. M.’s instrumentals provide most of the fun to the song.
3. Don’t Look Back (3:23) – This has some of the best beginning notes out of any She & Him. Why? It’s one of the best She & Him songs! While the chorus is far from the best, the verses absolutely shine, with the lyrics and Zooey’s voice, along with M.’s instrumentals. Definite favorite!
4. Ridin’ In My Car (3:15) – A cover of an NRBQ song from the 60’s, She & Him spices it up a notch with their fiery composition. Not the best on the album, but not the worst. Unusually, it’s better than the original!
5. Lingering Still (3:02) – This is a weird song, as the vocals are pop-influenced, but the instrumentals are definitely twanged with a heavy country vibe. It does, however, turn out to be a fantastic song, and earns its place as one of the best on the album. Towards the end, the song slows down for a few seconds and then regains speed as M. plays away it away, finally collaborating with Zooey on vocals until the end of the song.
6. Me and You (3:20) – Right off the bat, you can tell things are about to slow down a little. And they do. Zooey sings of a (I assume former) lover who has “Gotta be kind to yourself.” M. provides background vocals yet again. It seems his voice is being used far more on Volume Two than it was on Volume One, and for the better.
7. Gonna Get Along Without You Now (2:32) – Things speed up a little here as Zooey harmonizes and then sings the title of the song. Zooey, herself, provides the background vocals here, giving M. a break. There’s not really much to this song, but it’s a relaxing tune.
8. Home (4:41) – The longest song She & Him have recorded so far, it’s definitely a great one. The vocals and instrumentals seem to really shine during this number, as if She & Him are trying to prove something, which they definitely have. Nothing much else to say; good song.
9. I’m Gonna Make It Better (3:31) – The most country-like song on the album has some of the best lyrics on the albums. “It all comes full circle, yes it all comes crashing down on you” and “faces are not always what they seem” being some examples.
10. Sing (3:13) – The only reference in any of these songs is a modern one: “Sitting at home and watching Cribs” seems out of place in a song heavily influenced by songs of the 50’s, before TVs were around, let alone MTV. Zooey is at her smokiest in this song, adding a mysterious aura to her voice.
11. Over It Again (3:30) – This song is reminiscent of Volume One’s songs, feeling like it should have belonged on the first album. It’s probably my least favorite on the album, but still a decent track. Zooey kind of sings whiny in this song, and it doesn’t really work for her.
12. Brand New Shoes (3:04) – The slowest song on the album, and probably my favorite. It’s unlike any other song She & Him has sung, yet alike others, and it’s actually really awesome.
13. 13. If You Can’t Sleep (2:49) – The last track begins with some gentle humming from Zooey and M., and leads into The song is slow like a lullaby, and plays out like that throughout. A nice closing out track.
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