New Music Report: She and Him

RS' Kevin O'Donnell examines Volume Two, the new disc by She and Him in this week's New Music Report. The unlikely pair — singer-songwriter M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel — broke out two years ago with their debut Volume One. At first, it seemed like She and Him would be a one-off project, but their follow-up proves they've got staying power. Volume 2 is one of the prettiest retro-pop records you'll hear this year and Deschanel sounds more confident behind the mike than ever, singing songs about love and loss in a bright, keening croon — she may not be the most show-offy singer, but she definitely has charm. Musically, the disc veers towards sunny pop tunes that call to mind classic rock groups like Mamas and the Papas and Fleetwood Mac. The highlight is the lead single "In the Sun," which features pretty Phil Spector-style production.

Catch up on all of Rolling Stone's new album reviews.