WHAT MATT LIASSE THINKS: It’s not uncommon for people in Hollywood to juggle careers in both acting and music. In fact, what’s more uncommon is for such a person to be exceptionally good in both.

Acts like Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Scarlett Johansson leave music listeners wishing such acting celebrities would never return to the microphone again.

This is not the case for She & Him. The duo band consists of two already established celebrities: the “she” being Zooey Deshanel, famous for her roles in “Elf,” “Yes Man” and “(500) Days Of Summer,” and the “him” being M. Ward, known for being a solo act and a part of the American supergroup, Monsters of Folk.

Together, the group offers soft rock tunes found in many different motion picture soundtracks.

The band’s sophomore album, “Volume Two,” is a sweet album combining joyous moods, with fun, pop hooks and catchy choruses.

From the album’s opener, “Thieves,” She & Him creates a distinct 21st century Beatles sound and continues to follow-up with it throughout the entire 43 minutes.

The folk-inspired beats are one thing, but Deshanel’s angelic vocals are what are strongest about the album. The hauntingly beautiful sound her voice gives to the album is what any listener will take from it the most.

The lyrics are top-notch as well, dealing with both love and hate. In one song, Deshanel croons, “I’m still thinking ’bout you every time I’m riding in my car,” and three songs later brags how she’s “gonna find somebody that’s twice as cute ’cause I didn’t like you anyhow.” The album seems to be following an on-again, off-again relationship.

The humble album doesn’t feature a grand introduction or have an epic final track, but instead continues at the simple pace it starts with. The choruses found on “Volume Two,” though, are impossible not to sing along with. It’s the exception to the rule that just because actors sing in a movie doesn’t mean they should create an album.

Artist Name | She & HimGrade | B