Customer Reviews

The Sound

5 star:		(73)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

When Mary Mary released their debut album, Thankful, in 2000, they took the gospel world by storm and flipped it upside down. Never had an artist or group so masterfully combined the sounds of contemporary rhythm and blues and the message of traditional gospel. Thankful went on to become a huge success, with a top 10 R&B single ("Shackles") and a platinum plaque. Their sophomore album, Incredible, was certified gold. Since Mary Mary was so successful, their main prodcucer Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell became very in-demand in the contemporary gospel--and even plain R&B--world. Soon, there were many songs that were crafted after the original sound of Mary Mary. Being wise, Erica and Tina refused to keep on with the same sound, so on their self-titled third album, they explored new genres, such as club and even big band.

With this album, they chose to broaden their sound even more, making the title extremely appropriate. Throughout the first half of The Sound, Mary Mary tries their hand at some of the musical trends of the past (and the present) and they of course add their wonderful messages atop the wonderfully produced tracks. "The Sound" is a surprising mix of a 60's girl group tune and surfer pop/rock. The first single, "Get Up," is an inspirational dance track which switches tempos and volumes to excite the listener. "Superfriend" with David Banner is a triumphant hip-hop anthem and "God In Me" utilizes--but doesn't rely one--the vocoder, recently popularized by T-Pain. (But actually... they used it way before him on tracks like "Shackles.") It features Kierra "KiKi" Sheard, whose voice has become much more mature and incredible over the past few years. "Boom" is a R&B up-tempo with a catchy chorus. The second half of The Sound contains a string of gospel ballads that are much more traditional in nature, but they're still a bit contemporary. "I'm Running" has great harmonies, as does "Forgiven Me" with its climactic refrain. "Dirt" is a mid-tempo with a message: a flawed past helps on become a better and more well-rounded individual. "Seattle" is a delicate cry for redemption; "Holy Spirit rain/ like Seattle." And the two final tracks, "I Worship You" and "It Will All Be Worth It," show that the sisters can truly sang... which we, of course, already knew. Honestly, I couldn't be more pleased with this album. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Mary Mary. Thankful is still by favorite album of theirs, but The Sound is pretty close!

I am normally a Mary Mary fan; however, after listening to this album I am truly disappointed. Not only with the quality of music on this CD, but also with their selection of singers on the album. I don't listen to secular music; however when a friend mentioned she was surprised to see David Banner on this CD (who by the way - has extremely explicit lyrics and does not represent God in any way through his music), I was shocked that they would even collaborate with someone with such an image. Not everything labeled gospel is "Godly" and this CD certainly fits that bill. The songs were self-indulgent and in my opinion does not glorify God. I would not recommend this CD.

Every song on this CD is excellent. I love the radio station format and the mix of musical styles. When I first saw that David Banner was featured on one of the songs, I rolled my eyes...but then I listened to the track. His verse on Superfriend comes across as sincere. Each track has a great beat, but the words are so meaningful. Seattle is one of my favorites on the CD.

There are certainly no album fillers on this masterpeice. I loved this cd and was truly blessed by each track. I really agree with these ladies when they say, it takes a lil Dirt to grow. Each song was relatable and spiritfilled..God Bless you ladies for your creativity and eagerness to reach everyone by showing that you are examples and life happens to us all.

I like this CD. It sounds like your listening to the radio because between each song the announcer comes on and says your listening to the sound. You can't beat the songs on this CD. They are not your moms christian music. It has a upbeat popular music sound and is very uplifting and real.

This CD definitely brings a different "sound" from Mary Mary. The music is wonderful and varied - it catches your attention from the very first track. You definitely notice it is something different from the everyday gospel album, but it is not at all short on Godly lyrics. My personal favorite "God in Me", though with a hip-hop/R&B feel, the message in the lyrics are so strong and so reflective of the daily walk of so many Christian young women that it nearly brought me to tears.

It is absolutely excellent, and I highly recommend it not only for Mary Mary fans and other fans of gospel music but for music lovers in general.

I am so disheartened by the panning of this album on here. I'm a born-again Christian and frankly I hated the last Mary Mary cd, even though I loved their debut album.

The Sound was a wonderful breath of fresh air, well sung, well mixed and seriously contemporary beats. Let's face it, great beats and good music move you and that's what this album is full of. As my fellow top-rating reviewers have said, the music is fresh and enjoyable and it's nice to praise the Lord and move my feet at the same time! Not every day is a choir day, neither is every day a Chrisian rock music day, this album is yet another way you can keep your music clean and still walk in the way of the Lord. With music this good, I am slowly but surely overcoming an addiction to music with suggestive lyrics but great beats (Usher anyone?)

The song people seem to have the biggest issue with "God in Me" is my favourite because it reminds me that all I have and everything I am, is thanks to the wonderful work that God is doing in me through the Holy Spirit. No "God in Me" = nothing to celebrate. For all the naysayers check out Isaiah 41:20 "That they may see and know, and consider and understand together,that the hand of the LORD has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it." For people to know that God has done something they have to see it so why is it wrong for Mary Mary to celebrate outward appearances of success??

"I'm running" speaks about needing God so bad that you run to Him you don't walk, I understand the urgency of this song and it reminds me that I must never leave confessing and making right with Him through Christ to the bottom of the list. If you know you have things to sort out, get running!

I think it is unfair for us Christians to keep Good News to ourselves, we should share it as best as we can with the world. I for one am proud to distribute this CD without alienating anyone, sure it's not a Theological masterpiece but the songs make you think about God and they do say "Jesus" in the CD so at some point you'll have to think of Him too! I'm secure in my relationship with Jesus, I don't need to listen to a song say his name over and over and over again for me to appreciate the messgae within. Even Jesus used parables so lighten up people, don't let the devil steal your joy, get the CD and get dancing!!!

My daughters both highly recommended this CD by Mary, Mary. But it wasn't until I saw a video of "I Worship You" that I decided to check it out. I listened to the sample tracks, and despite some of the negative reviews here, I bought it.

Thank God I did not listen to the bad press! This is THE most praise and worship-filled Christian CD I have bought in a long time. The songs lift my spirits and send me to a place of worship and adoration of my Lord that I never want to come down from.

I am of the belief that Believers don't have to say "Jesus" or "God" or "Praise the Lord" every other word for the act of worship and adoration to be realized. Mary, Mary has hit that place with this CD. There is no mistaking Who these ladies are devoted to. God has given them a versatility in their music that helps deliver His message to a wide audience.

What I learned from this particular purchase is to listen for myself and let the Spirit speak to my heart about what praise and worship is and what it is not.

I like the whole CD, and the songs that bring tears to my eyes especially are: God in Me, I'm Running (includes Psalm 42, one of my favorites), Forgiven Me, Seattle, I Worship You, and It Will All Be Worth It. I think that is almost the entire CD! :-)

I have had the cd since it was released, and I must say that it touched the life of not only myself, but the lives of many COLLEGE students who needed God to meet them in the place they were in.

If you have idealized or boxed-in conceptions limiting God to one particular sound or "feel" then true this cd may not be for you, but if you can understand that with God there is NO BOX, but just a simple standard of holiness and evangelism then go get the cd, enjoy it, and share it with someone WHO NEEDS GOD! As someone else posted Jesus, didn't always hang with the disciples, and the priest for all intents and purposes were the one's who in fact crucified him. So the one-sound vein that some of these reviews are taking are well-intended but mis-guided.

As for the argument that "Jesus" isn't boistuously yelled in every track, or that "calvary" isn't drilled 10,000 times is just "RELIGIOUS" and "IGNORANT". Why do I say that? Because Jesus didn't speak of himself or use references to scripture when trying to make a point. Jesus used parables to grasp the understanding of those he was trying to reach.

I think Mary Mary has not only channeled the essence of Jesus' methodology but has executed it well with this cd. The Sound...SELF-EXPLANATORY...SAY SOMETHING! Get Up...in essence "We must work the work of He who sent us while it is day for the night cometh when no man can work (paraphrasing"! Superfriend...maybe it would be greatly appreciated if the theme had've been sang in the hymnal "There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one, no not one" But I like it just how it is! God In Me..."I'm crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet now I but Christ that lives in me" or "If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side...now let Israel say..." Boom..."A charge I have to keep" I believe the scripture says, and as the sisters point out, if God says say it, I have to say it. I'm Running..."Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Jesus Christ". Forgiven Me..."Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new" Dirt..."I sought the Lord thrice to remove this thorn...BUT HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT" Seattle...Holy spirit rain like seattle, overtake my life, like a flood, LIKE CALIFORNIA SHAKE WHAT'S NOT LIKE YOU I JUST WANT A HEART LIKE YOURS...sounds like some spiritually sold out lyrics to me! I Worship You...You took everything I was, made me what I am, and with all I am, I worship You "They that worship must worship in Spirit and truth" I think "ALL I AM" includes that! It Will All Be Worth It...I guess I don't have to explain this one because it features some singers that any "religious" person would enjoy anyway! LOL!

Go get it today!

I truly love the album & DVD! The "Get Up" & "God In Me" music video was great, the songs makes me wanna dance, give praise to God & feel the holy spirit. The kids loved it as well! The album is upbeat, inspirational, fun & the lyrics are not too depressing. I'll have to admit, I cried a few times when I heard the song, "Forgiven Me" it touched my heart.

What most people need to understand is that, Gospel & Christian music is slowly evolving into a new genre of music such as R&B, Rapp, Rock, Jazz, etc. and I believe it is a blessing in disgust.... Contemporary gospel music will be able to touch people from all walks of life, especially the youth. It is VERY important that we inspire the children & adolescents, to continue to walk with the Lord despite of all the negative influences within the world today, for they are our future!

I love to see the adults & kids feeling happy and singing positive songs, instead of the secular music that pertains to explict lyrics. I think most gospel artists are great, but they tend to forget that some of us still love to dance too! It's refreshing to hear "happy" gospel music with a dance beat, which is sooo hard to find...

Mary Mary keep up the good work and God bless you all!!!!