Mary Mary

By Rene Williams

Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records

The gospel music industry has been waiting for two of gospel’s sweethearts, Mary Mary, to drop their newest release. One of the most anticipated projects of 2005, their third Sony Urban Music release does not disappoint. The dynamic duo, known for such hits as Shackles and In The Morning, present their eponymous CD release and it’s a scorcher.

Produced by Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell, the 11-track contains the urban vibe we’re used to from the group while at the same breaking new ground. Unlike any other project, this collection of songs finds the women sharing experiences and life stories through their music. Opening with the testimony-inspired, funk-laced track, Believer, Erica and Tina Campbell recount situations where the hand of the Lord delivered them, thereby making them “believers”. Tina says, "The song talks about me having a car accident eight years ago when my car flipped upside down. My car got totally destroyed. The roof caved in and all the windows busted out. But there was no glass on me! No scratches and no scars. There were no pains and no whiplash! The car was totalled and I was facing traffic but guess what? I ended up on the island. My car was flipped up in the air and I didn't end up in the traffic. That's nothing but God. You ask me why I believe? Because God saved my life!"

In addition to the protection and deliverance of God, the personal touch felt on this project is probably a result of the changes in their lives. Both Erica and Tina have had children during their time away from the limelight giving them even more experiences to share through their music. As Erica explains, "We've been focusing on having babies and staying home with our husbands and family. We've been enjoying life. You gotta take time for family."

Venturing into new territory withBiggest, Greatest Thing, the sisters sing in a 1930’s big band style. Reminiscent of the Andrews sisters, the song speaks of the awesomeness of God. Heaven, already getting lots of love from radio, finds Mary Mary ministering with an uplifting message over a thick urban groove and a throwback vibe. Reminding us what’s to come when we get to the pearly gates, the song oozes with joy and anticipation. The “get-to-the-dance-floor-as-soon-as-you-can” cut, The Real Party contains an incredibly infectious hook and necessitates hand-clapping and serious praise. Including call-and-response and some nice horn work, the song invites the listener to “get the victory”.

Save Me , with a hip back beat and a smooth groove, is another strong cut. The first thing you’ll notice about Yesterday is its 60’s style. Sounding almost like an unreleased Ray Charles track, the song was penned by Warryn Campbell. Complete with a full orchestra, it’s definitely old-school – with a gospel twist. The song’s lyrics center around leaving the past in yesterday and trusting God for today. The sisters sing this one to pieces. Erica says she’s sure the song will move people deeply. She says, "I guarantee that somebody is going to cry when they hear that song. The lyrics are so strong. Whatever devastation you've had in your life, you can't let it keep you down because that was yesterday and today is today. If you're still living in yesterday, you won't appreciate God's greatness for today."

What Is This is another fine piece of work with its urban feel (including violin stylings). Love You That Much is a tune of total surrender. Its head-bobbing rhythms and sweet vocals by the group is quite nice. Stand Still will encourage anyone who’s going through. Bold, in-your-face lyrics define the song while inviting us to “stand still and know” that He is God.

And I , featuring gospel great Kirk Franklin, is a laid-back, hip-hop song with a theme of worship. Sung from the heart of a lover of God, the song closes with spoken word from Franklin. Speak To Me, a perfect song for church worship, is a simple one and easy to sing along to. Beckoning for the Lord’s voice, it’s a pensive and sincere worship song.

Fans of Mary Mary will love this one. Stretching themselves lyrically, musically, and personally, this project further defines them as true artists and ministers.

For more information about Mary Mary, go to www.mary-mary.com.

Feedback - Rene Williams is a freelance writer for Gospelcity.com, GTM Magazine and Charisma Magazine. She also is the author of the Gospel News Update, a bi-weekly e-zine about what's happening in the Christian music industry, and the D.C. Gospel News Update, a weekly newsletter about gospel events in the Washington, D.C. area.