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Volume Two
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Volume Two Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

  • Summary: Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward return with their second album together, which features two cover songs.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. musicOMH.com
    90
    Ably coaxed on and assembled by Ward--whose input ought not to be overlooked--Volume Two is an outstanding collection of tracks worthy of any discerning listener's undivided attention.
  2. The A.V. Club
    83
    Save for the occasional song seemingly arranged by rote, Volume Two delivers the expected sweetness, but on a grander scale than the duo’s debut.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    Like the previous album, Volume 2 would suffer under the weight of its own pastiche if it weren’t so darn endearing, filled as it is with call-and-response vocals, studio reverb, sweeping orchestrations, and other bygone tricks of the trade.
  4. Chicago Tribune
    75
    Like its predecessor, Volume II stands outside current production trends, and it’s built to last on its own modest terms.
  5. Paste Magazine
    70
    She plays the dewy-eyed ingénue a bit too faithfully at times, but there is no denying her legitimacy as a tunesmith, divvying her set between bouncy piano-pop, folk-flavored sing-alongs and orchestral anthems.
  6. PopMatters
    60
    Their vision is charming and lovely and idiosyncratic, but their slavish devotion to their mission statement is starting to feel like an anchor on their talent.
  7. Under The Radar
    40
    Rather than being something different or a step in a new direction, it's merely a continuation of the same thing as last time. [Winter 2010, p.65]
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See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. godwinkent888
    Dec 6, 2014
    10
    For some reason I like this better than Volume One. Their sound evolved a bit into a softer, more chill one... a bit different from theirFor some reason I like this better than Volume One. Their sound evolved a bit into a softer, more chill one... a bit different from their debut. Fave tracks are "Lingering Still", "Thieves" and "Home". Love this album.… Expand
  2. MaxwellP
    Mar 28, 2010
    10
    This is my first review. I had to do one on Volume Two because everyone needs to know how wonderful it is. If you haven't bought it you This is my first review. I had to do one on Volume Two because everyone needs to know how wonderful it is. If you haven't bought it you really should. M. Ward's arrangements are fantastic and Zooey Deschanel's lyrics are exceptional yet again. The best part though is her voice. This album is almost perfect from song one until the very end. Enjoy this sunny gem or you'll really be missing out!… Collapse
  4. NathanM
    Mar 25, 2010
    9
    An excellent follow-up to Volume One. While Volume One allowed listeners to fall in love (or not) with Zooey, Volume Two, as Zooey comes into An excellent follow-up to Volume One. While Volume One allowed listeners to fall in love (or not) with Zooey, Volume Two, as Zooey comes into her own, allows listeners to fall in love with the instrumentation provided by M. Ward.… Expand
  5. RaulfS
    Jun 17, 2010
    9
    Even in musics not so remarkable, it's terrible lovely.
  6. MattB.
    Apr 1, 2010
    8
    Does this remind anyone else of Neko Case?
  7. rdeath
    Nov 27, 2010
    7
    If you're familiar with M Ward then the music/production should come as no surprise here, the vocals by Zooey Daschanel lend themselves veryIf you're familiar with M Ward then the music/production should come as no surprise here, the vocals by Zooey Daschanel lend themselves very nicely to Ward's stylings. The whole affair has a very throwback feel, very early Americana. The whole album feels very wholesome and heartfelt. It's an enjoyable listen, but it's not very daring. It's a nice album to drive around to, windows down, wind blowing, sun shining.. By far the highlight of the album, Brand New Shoes is possibly the most sparse and bare song on the album, but it strikes a chord more solidly than any other offering here.… Expand
  8. jimmytancredi
    May 29, 2011
    7
    I'm so happy that Chloe Deschannel has initiated this group, their music is simply amazing. I would love if they were more relevant in musicI'm so happy that Chloe Deschannel has initiated this group, their music is simply amazing. I would love if they were more relevant in music business, it's a shame because their melodies are worthy sophomore, I found this album more diverse and ultimately more interesting. This album is better than the "Volume One" absolutely.… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Discussed Album of 2010

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