Album Review: She & Him’s “Christmas Party” Is Pure Holiday Music

Zooey Deschanel has made her career through sheer lovability, and in She & Him, her duo with the vastly talented M. Ward,  she brings that sweet charm to Christmas Party. First, let me say, what we are all thinking: WOW! It’s going to be Christmas soon! The record is a clear reminder/ remembrance of the nearing warmth this holiday brings. 

Christmas is my favorite time of year, and Christmas Party reminds me why. The album might as well be a literal  Christmas Party. You can just see the table set up with your family’s cooking. The doorbell ring every few minutes to the presence of you loved ones gathering bringing smiles and gift. Creamy eggnog being poured and passed into cups, while your crazy uncle describes his hatred of the traffic that plagued his travel to your home, and you aunt interrupts him to tell a funny work story. No, Zooey does not sing about these situations, but she sings to them. As the actress/ singer described in her album vision, “When I sang it, I thought of Christmas at my grandparents’ house with all my cousins and my family… I hope this can be a record that makes people feel warm and happy and think of family.” This album is pure Christmas because it embodies the inspired soundtrack that has played on so many radios and iPods every year.

From “Let It Snow” to “Must Be Santa”, the album has classic, 50’s flared instrumentals, which makes sense as Zooey’s vocal style is reflective of the era. She has a wholesome drawl with a sugared delivery that makes every song sound like a cupcake made for listeners’ ears. The result is pacifying hypnotism. From its first track, a soft, unique cover of the near untouchable Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to the delightful “A Marshmallow World”, this She & Him album immediately transports you to a snowy, loving Christmas day. Yet, it does it effortlessly without question of your desire because to put Christmas Party on is to literally say, “I’m Ready For Christmas!”. The entire record is a complete delight, and listeners will be surprised by the richness of Zooey’s voice to turn songs like “All I Want For Christmas” and the Polynesian classic, Mele Kalikimaka, into soft, sparkling platforms that elevate the uniqueness of her voice. She even turns “Christmas Don’t Be Late” into a soulful, ukulele lullaby that is whimsical because of its simplicity.

Let’s be honest, no one sounds like Zooey Deschanel. which is what has given her singing career a distinguished longevity. Not too many artists can make a smoldering rasp sound as gentile and kind like her. Yet, that is what makes She & Him’s Christmas Party captivate listeners, and partially begin to plan for their secret santas. Click Here for More Information On She & Him and to Buy Christmas Party.  It will jolt your excitement for the anticipated season. YAY!