Mary Mary (CD - 2005)

Additional personnel: Kirk Franklin, Baby Dubb (vocals).

Mary Mary's 2005 self-titled album, their third release, finds sisters Tina and Erica Atkins returning in fine form after a three-year hiatus. Known for their energetic take on contemporary gospel, the dynamic duo cranks up the spiritual party several notches on MARY MARY, drawing not only on neo-R&B grooves, but on swing, mainstream pop, and club-oriented dance music ("The Real Party" even tips its hat to four-on-the-floor house beats). Yet even though Mary Mary's sound is big, inclusive, and immediately catchy--with its hip-shaking rhythms and hook-filled melodies--their Christian message never dims. Songs like "Believer," "Heaven," and "Speak to Me" reveal the sisters' unwavering commitment to spreading the word. That Mary Mary can so skillfully marry their mission to a commercially viable sound makes them one of the most exciting acts in contemporary gospel, and their third release is among their strongest, most well crafted efforts. minimize