Indie duo She & Him released a new single off their upcoming album on Nov. 11.
With the success of her popular show New Girl, it’s impressive how Zooey Deschanel has had time to work with her partner M. Ward to release four albums since they joined together in 2006. Their fifth album Classics is set to release Dec. 2. After switching to a major record label, it’s surprising how soon this album is due, less than two years after their last one. Classics will feature the duo performing live covers of famous songs with the assistance of an orchestra.
One of the first insights into this album comes with the release of the duo’s take on “Stars Fell on Alabama,” a jazz classic composed in 1934. The song has been covered by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and most famously by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. She & Him provide a nice cover of the song. Deschanel’s unique voice carries well over the orchestra without being too over the top. When Ward enters towards the end, his voice provides a good balance against Deschanel’s. The duo is seasoned enough to take on a full album of cover songs. Their style brings a new take to the song without upsetting fans of the other classic versions.
4/5
