Customer Reviews
A movie star who should make more records 
2008-06-14
Many actors have tried to get into music but Zooey Deschanel is one who I would love to hear more from. This is a great album. Zooey have a lovely voice and is a good songwriter.
A couple of really great tracks, but too many covers. 
2008-05-28
I found out about this duo when I heard the song "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here" which is simply a big ball of musical fun. The retro sounds, the vocals, the cutesy lyrics. . . all great. I had to get that track, so I bought the CD. I did check out some She & Him clips on Youtube that helped confirm the decision to purchase. Now that I have the CD, I'm glad I bought it, because it has some other great tracks too. The one thing I could do without is the number of covers. Still, overall, a great CD.
A Great Sound with an Abundance of Original Material 
2008-05-26
Zooey Deschanel's voice is the reason why I was interested in this album. It is a beautiful, full bodied contralto with a classic quality that she does not hide away from. That said, one issue I have with 'Volume One' is it seems there is so much more potential in her voice than what was presented to us in these 13 songs. I don't believe this is from lack of effort on anyone's part, but that this was made to be light hearted fare and it certainly sounds like all had a good time making it.
Happily, the tracks that stand out for me are all which Zooey penned herself. In total, Zooey wrote 8 songs and she co-wrote 1. Pretty good numbers considering there are only 13 tracks here.
'This Is Not A Test' is terrific and it probably is the catchiest track on the album. I almost found it hard to believe that this was an original track because it sounds like something that could have been at the top of the charts 30 years ago. I don't mean that in a negative way at all.
'I Thought I Saw Your Face Today' is the next one that stood out for me. It has a mixture of genres, I think. It feels very modern, yet has that classic pop feel as well, and is a bit country too. The tempo slows, quickens, and slows again and it seems like it would be a fun song to sing along to.
'Take It Back' I think has the most classy feel to the album. I may like it a lot because Zooey's voice is shown off a bit more here with its wonderful timbre.
'Sweet Darlin' is a song co-written with Jason Schwartzman and is very lushly produced and sounds like a 60's pop tune. For some reason I thought of the Carpenters 'A Kind of Hush' when hearing it - I think the percussion, full arrangement and overdubbing might have been the reasons for that. I was also reminded of the Beach Boys. I don't want that to be misleading, because the song doesn't sound like a knock off, that is just what I immediately thought of when listening to it.
While Zooey's voice isn't shown in it's complete luster, the surprisingness of her songwriting abilities is enough to warrant a listen. The songs all have full bodied arrangements, are grealy produced, and without M. Ward, 'Volume One' would seem incomplete.
I am truly excited that She & Him are out there creating music like this, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what their next output will be. Zooey's magical voice and her songwriting prowess, M. Ward's talents that he brings with his musical background along with his abilities as a producer - these two can really be unstoppable together.
Great 2008-05-24
She & Him Vol. One is great. Bought it after I'd heard 'Thought I Saw Your Face Today' and wanted to hear more. It didn't disappoint. Reminded me of my good old days, listening to Folk and Soft rock. This is the ticket if that's what you're looking for.
Not quite perfect 2008-05-21
This is one of the most solid albums that I have bought in a long time. The songs are put together well and memorable. There is not a bad one on the album. The only knock is that the lyrics are a bit simplistic but, considering that this is her first foray into song writing it is pretty impressive. The fact that it is not trying to be overly impressive is one of the glaring positives about this album. Too often artists attempt to do more than they are capable of and it ruins what could otherwise be amazing. She & Him know exactly what there stregths and weaknesses are.
She&Him very refreshing 2008-07-04
I listened to Volume One twice while driving on vacation. I really enjoyed it. It has many good tracks and I found myself turning up the volume.
Fantastically originally retro for the twenty-first! 2008-06-22
Zooey Deschanel's voice is AMAZING. She sounds timeless and a bit folksy. The songs are mellow but buoyant. Deschanel and Ward have a great mix of the old and the new. Can't wait for Vol. II!
Nice little gem 2008-06-17
I bought this album on a whim, which I hardly ever do. Needless to say, I was extremely happy with my purchase. The songs are simple, well written, and arranged in a fun manner. They evoke an older time when music was pure. It's a must have for any music lover.
Endering from start to finish 2008-06-17
The songs and vocals on this album are simply beautiful. She & Him is one of those "can't get enough of" bands and I know I will listen to Volume One for many years. I already can't wait for their next album.
Great vintage vibe 2008-06-17
This album has a great vintage vibe to it. A modern take on Linda Ronstadt with the Stone Ponys, Girl groups, torch & classic country. Simple, fun and infectious.
