Actress Zooey Deschanel and singer M. Ward met during the filming of “The Go-Getter” when the two worked on the soundtrack. Ward decided to help Deschanel produce some material, and they formed She & Him in 2007. The duo’s first album, “Volume One,” is a testament to the artistry and talent of both. Deschanel’s soothing voice and Ward’s delicate instrumentation creates a record that is a perfect recollection of days gone by.

The album offers up a nice mix of country ballads about heartbreak and ’60s bubbly hits. Each of these two formulas is superbly implemented. Deschanel’s vocals, which sound like a blend of Patsy Cline and Karen Carpenter, offer up a sweet innocence. Ward’s guitars and keys are simple enough to keep the focus on Deschanel’s gorgeous singing.

The album’s most country-toned tracks, “Change is Hard,” “Black Hole” and “Got Me,” are reminiscent of a Cline ditty complete with slide guitar and gentle piano. Deschanel has a slight twang to her voice that is darling. On “Black Hole,” she sings “But I’m stuck here / Getting misty over you / I’m alone on a bicycle for two.” These beautifully tragic lyrics are typical of the album’s theme of heartbreak and longing for love.

“I Was Made For You” and “Sweet Darlin’” are the album’s two ’60s-inspired tracks. The tapping drumbeats, jazzy piano and background vocalizations on “I Was Made For You” conjure up images of an evening at Johnny Rockets. “Sweet Darlin’,” co-written with actor/musician Jason Schwartzman, contains a beat you can clap to, accompanied by vibrant strings and a grooving guitar akin to “Leader of the Pack” by The Shangri-Las.

The disc features two quite beautiful covers, The Miracles’ “You Really Gotta Hold On Me” and The Beatles’ “I Should Have Known Better.” The Miracles’ cover allows Deschanel to stretch her crooner chops on this simplified version of the Motown hit. Ward adds his smoky vocals to help the track feel like a truly blues ballad. “I Should Have Known Better” takes a much more mellow pace than the

original, with a Hawaiian-esque twist, soft percussion and swaying guitars. Both covers offer unique interpretations of classic tracks.

The album’s only hiccup is the last track, a performance of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” The song doesn’t feel as polished as the rest of the disc. An acappella version of the spiritual hymn seems out of place on the otherwise impeccable album.

She & Him serves up a wonderful trip back to a simpler time. Deschanel establishes herself as a songstress, rising above the many actresses who try their hands at singing. Ward helps to craft a beautifully simple CD that is a calming release from today’s hustle-and-bustle world.

"Volume One" by She and Him received three and a half out of four stars.