Thankful

Mary Mary

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 2, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 2, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00004T0Q1
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (95 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,909 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Christian & Gospel > Gospel

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Because they were raised in a churchgoing household and nourished with the sounds of such gospel legends as Commissioned and the Winans, it is no great mystery as to why Erica and Tina Atkins have become the sister-act duo of the hour. Their singing/songwriting is laden with a soulful confidence borne of supreme talent and a joyful testimony that springs from firsthand knowledge of God's redemptive goodness. Mary Mary found its genesis when the Atkins sisters met up with producer-songwriter Warryn Campbell. Their initial success in song publishing crested when Yolanda Adams recorded two of their songs on Mountain High... Valley Low. After this, it was just a matter of sorting out the best record deal. Thankful unites the dancing soul and the grateful heart. The blending of Erica and Tina's perfectly strung voices, and the finely crafted hip-hop/gospel flavor brings this genre to a new level. Celebration vibes in such songs as "Shackles (Praise You)" and "I Sings" stir images of packed-out dance floors bumping to the groove and lost in a swirl of colored lights. In contrast, a reflective side dives deep into the intimacies of following Jesus. The assured declaration of "Can't Give Up Now" and the tender beauty of "Be Happy" convey the heart of what keeps the Atkins sisters impassioned. One listen to this debut release makes it clear that Mary Mary has bypassed rookie status. This CD should come with a "Satisfaction Guaranteed" sticker. --Israel Button

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Taking the "Shackles" off Contemporary gospel music, June 7, 2000

By	"dre08" (Go Tar heels!) - See all my reviews

I have reviewed the comments from other amazon critics for this debut album. All I have to say is to remove the Shackles off what is defined as gospel music. These sistas are young and attractive, and yes this is appealing to an aesthetics driven seculiar world. However, the message of gospel is real and heartfelt. This women can really sing and they are also quite innovative. They have updated classic hymns such as "What a Friend we have in Jesus" and "Wade in the Water" (if you have seen Alvin Ailey - it is the final dance performance)and done it well! I originally bought the CD for the single "Shackles" which is getting a lot of airplay for its uptempo, infectious chorus "I just wanna praise you", and tight harmonies. Other noteworthy cuts include "Still my Child" - letting listeners know that God is still our father, "Thankful" and "Can't Give up Now"- a theme of ongoing spirit and determination with faith that God is on our side. For those who said that it was not religious, you are right - it is a spiritual album. One can take what he/she needs from it. Nonetheless, Mary Mary has taken the shackles off of contemporary gospel music and will become a major driving force in the new millenium - trust me. Buy this album - I really recommend it whether you are looking a new tight CD or you want to have your spirit lifted.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Communicative happiness and positive thinking, October 25, 2001

By	Sandy (Brussels, Belgium) - See all my reviews

We are not familiar with Christian music in Europe. Some of us might remember Amy Grant had one hit single somewhere in the 80's, but she was classified in 'pop' section, just like Mary Mary are classified in soul/r&b section. This is why I did not pay much attention to the lyrics when the single "Shackles - Praise you" went on heavy rotation on a certain Music TeleVision. I just liked the communicative happiness and energy irradiating through the rhythm and the voices. I couldn't help clapping hands, dancing and humming along.

The same feeling goes through the entire album, between upbeat songs (the title track, "Joy", "I sings", "I got it", "Somebody", "Good to me", "Wade in the water") and slower ballads ("What a friend", "Can't give up now", "Be happy", "One Minute", "Still my child"). The album gives a nice impression of style and rhythm variations and all the songs are uplifting, conveying Tina and Erica joyful assurance that life is worth living even through the hardest circumstances.

I must be honest, I am not spending much time pondering the lyrics - mainly praising God and thanking him for being there in every moment of human life, good or bad - because I am not particularly religious. But if I wake up in a 'ready to bite' mood, I only have to play that album in the car to start my working day smiling and in a much friendlier mood... which make it much more agreeable for my colleagues and I. Shouldn't it be the purpose of a musician? Make sure your day has become a little bit brighter by listening to his songs? It works for me since I bought the album one year ago. I am confident it will work for you too, no matter if you believe or not.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MARY MARY MORE THAN CONTRARY! 1, May 2, 2000

By	"angalique30" (THE BLESSED APPLE) - See all my reviews

Folks these ladies are going to BLOW UP! The wonderful part is they are going to do it singing the Lord's praises. Not only can these sisters(blood related sisters as well) sing crazy, Tina and Erica are seasoned song writers(they wrote along with there producer Waryn Campbell Yolanda Adams hit song YEAH).The first single off of the highly anticipated album SHACKLES is a funky praise song that is infectious and dares you not to bob your head or get your holy dance on.Also these ladies go for traditional as well and cover the late, great Rev. James Clevland classic"NO WAYS TIRED".Also, they have a tear jerker song that should melt even the hardest of hearts and I really think that the song is going to win souls for the kingdom called STILL MY CHILD.This song talks about someone who has strayed from Father God but wants to come back but doesn't know how to make their way back.God goes on to say that you always were and will be MY CHILD! To God be the glory! Folks.....these sisters are something to behold. They are the new faces of gospel and this cd proves they definitely have what it takes to cross over without ever missing a chance to spread the good news of Christ. This cd is an instant classic!