Mary Mary – Self-titled album

Description

Thankful is the full-length debut album by the American contemporary gospel/R&B duo Mary Mary (sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina “Tina” Atkins-Campbell), released on Columbia Records in May 2000. The album was produced by Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell, except track 6 produced by Mary Mary and Tye-V Turman, track 11 produced by Rick “Dutch” Cousins and Campbell, and track 14 produced by Andrew Gouché and Campbell.

After the success of their 2000 single release «Shackles» it seemed like sisters Erica and Tina Campbell would be an act to straddle mainstream and gospel arenas but they haven’t managed to equal that original success. Their second album ‘Incredible’ was dogged by delays which cost them momentum and didn’t seem to have the same marketing muscle and record company support afforded its predecessor. So now we come to album number three and the girls are back with their best album yet. Always blessed with strong songwriting and vocal talents, they’ve refused to compromise the message and this release is packed with excellent stuff and a few surprises. Highlights include the strong, real life testimony of «Believer» where the girls map out times when God has intervened in their lives. The first single, «Heaven» has a catchy ’60s Motown feel to it and warns people to get ready for eternity. On «Biggest Greatest Thing», the girls do their best Andrews Sisters impression on a swinging big band number. It’s glorious, outrageous fun! At the other end of the scale «The Real Party» is a celebratory number. «Yesterday» is an old fashioned gospel ballad which would move a church congregation anywhere! «Love You That Much» is another highlight with its understated funky groove. «And I» features Kirk Franklin doing his usual talky bit in between the lines and the girls creating a really pretty melody. Only occasionally do they falter. Particularly on «Save Me» which is the weakest thing here. Overall though, it’s fabulous gospel R&B and the girls are back on form. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, August 2005]

Mary Mary returns with its third outing, following the sisterly duo’s 2000 platinum crossover debut “Thankful” and its gold follow-up “Incredible.” With its strong gospel sales base, the twosome makes no effort to chase the secular market by watering down its message. And with the strong creative hand of principal producer Warryn Campbell still steering the ship, the pair deliver its most diverse, adventuresome and entertaining work to date. Lead single «Heaven» topped the Hot Gospel Tracks chart for eight weeks and is a lighthearted, funky joyride, with “made for summer” written all over it. «Believer» is a slammin’, hooky hip-hop hit-to-come. But when stretching out on letter-perfect big band swing («Biggest Greatest Thing») and torchy blues («Yesterday»), Mary Mary shows a range and depth that portend even more daring, and delightful, things to come. [G.E., Billboard Magazine, July 30, 2005 (Album Reviews/Spotlights – Gospel (“Releases deemed by the review editors to deserve special attention on the basis of musical merit and/or Billboard chart potential.”))]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/mary-mary/203784805)

CD tracklist:

01. Believer
02. Biggest, Greatest Thing
03. Heaven
04. The Real Party (Trevon’s Birthday)
05. Save Me (feat. Baby Dubb)
06. Yesterday
07. What Is This
08. Love You That Much
09. Stand Still
10. And I (feat. Kirk Franklin)
11. Speak To Me

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Columbia Records.