“…I’m a believer” and so the musical odyssey begins as the sister chanteuse bellows the funky rhythm to the intro of the 42-minute, 11-tracks, self-entitled, third album - Mary Mary (Sony/Columbia). Just three years after their second album Incredible (Sony/Columbia) hit the streets, and five years since their debut release Thankful (Sony/Columbia) turned heads, the sister pair - Erica Atkins-Campbell and Tina Atkins-Campbell - are back in the driver’s seat, relaying some of their most personal journeys, revelations and testimonies, all while giving thanks, worship and praise through infectious, foot-stomping, head-bopping, holier-than-thou hand raisin’ vibrations and lyrics captured in groovy, inspirational bluesy, jazzy tunes.  

Tina and Erica have both matured, each juggling families and their ministries. With two albums under their belts, Mary Mary has gained a comfort level that has given them confidence to spread their wings, while charting unfamiliar grounds.  The album - Mary Mary - is a mélange, touching on musical inspirations traced back to the hay days of Rev. James Cleveland, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday and the likes of Rev. Al Green, all reinterpreted through the melodic voices of the sisters-in-sync.  The lyrics are as spiritually complete as Thankful and Incredible, yet the music is definitely more experimental and broader, characterizing a more seasoned, confident Mary Mary.

With personal experiences that have impacted their lives, the sisters are delivering a message wider than the scope of their personal visions.  As you listen to the album, you’ll be swayed by its musical content and more so with the lyrical aspect revealing their strong personal bond and relationship with the Lord.  The song, Believer speaks of the wondrous working power of a God who protects his children.  After a near fatal car accident that threatened Tina’s life and a tragic fire that bequeath their mom’s house, Mary Mary are, at this point, indeed unwavering believers in God’s protective hand. “That's nothing but God. You ask me why I believe?  Because God saved my life!" says Tina.

The tracks Biggest Greatest Thing and Yesterday are riddled with jazzy, bluesy tones with the former taking on a bigger than life big band sound prevalent in the music of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald of the 1930s. Yesterday is such an uplifting, inspirational track …you get the feeling Heaven just opened up and showered blessings to soothe all your worries…all your pain.

Heaven, the lead single, is simply divine.  With a groovy, up tempo, head- bopping beat, reminiscent of the Jackson 5, this track seduces you into a holy dance, while remaining lyrically sanctified.  It speaks of a life here on earth as the building ground towards establishing a life in Heaven.  Without Christ, there’s no Heaven and, as spoken in the words of Mary Mary, “You have to have Christ in your heart and He has to shine in your life… you have to have a relationship with God if you're planning on making it to Heaven".

Now, if you’re looking to get your praise party on, the track The Real Party (Trevon’s Birthday) is on point with an infectious up beat tempo designed to throw your hands up in the air in holy celebration. It’s a feel-good joyous jam designed to get your praise in full effect through a dirty dance mix!

Other mid tempo selections such as groove-centered Save Me Now induces the listener into introspection, while What Is This creates a undeniable spirit of contrition.  And I (featuring MC Kirk Franklin) is a beautiful gem that skillfully combines a throwback groove garnished by a Latin guitar lick, a jazzy drum snare and a sweet vocal fragrance only Mary Mary could provide.  Love You That Much and Speak To Me round off an amazing collection of songs that will most certainly appease any Contemporary music lover, all while tending to the needs of the burdened soul.

The sincerity behind their sweet, melodic voices is captured in every selection.  When you listen to the songs, you hear believers, you feel the firm dedication and commitment to faith, you sense their bond to a divine source empowering them with words of wisdom, you taste their passion and see their joy as believers. 

With book shelves littered with awards, the Platinum-selling Gospel titans - Mary Mary - are on the verge of recreating a new paradigm for Contemporary Gospel music and for Christians in the music business.  Mastering the technical wizardry of production, mixing, musical excellence and vocal proficiency, Mary Mary, under the supervision of their studio master – Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell, are setting a new standard of excellence with each release.  And Mary Mary, the album, is a crowning achievement for one of Gospel music’s finest artists and firm believers.