Track Listing

1. Thankful
2. I sings
3. What a friend
4. Shackels (praise you)
5. Can't give you up now
6. Be happy
7. Joy
8. I got it
9. Somebody
10. Good to me (with destiny's child)
11. One minute
12. Still my child
13. Stll my child (interlude)
14. Wade in the water

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9620 in Music
• Released on: 2002-04-22
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
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 coloured 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

real good
I think this album will really strike a cord with you if you are a Christian..the songs are really good, but if you can relate to the lyrics, its even better..its really moving and powerful..i cant say wheteher or not a non-Christian would find it as appealling: I think if you like R&B, you would..of course it's about God and his greatness, it is a gospel album: if you like quality vocals, lyrics and rhythms, I would recommend this album.

WOW...WOW...WOW!
The first time I heard the excellent 'Shackles' as a Christian, I knew I would buy this album. I usually go for 'Delirious?' or 'Reliant K' type bands with my taste in music...but I broke the mould with 'Mary Mary' over that song and I am sooooooo glad I did.

The songs aren't heavily religious and portray God as a real, present, caring being rather than the distant idol a lot of worship music can portray Him as.

It makes you look very seriously at your relationship with the Almighty - I mean the first time I heard 'Still my Child' I burst into tears. How can you not be moved by lyrics like this: "I sent a message in the wind, When the birds sang their song, And when you went to sleep last night, I told the moon shine all night long, Just wanted you to talk to me, And I know it's been a while, And to answer the question, You are still my child" It really touched me and I thank the Lord for 'Mary Mary' and the music they produce - trust me you want this CD in your collection :)

At last! Somebody creates decent modern Christian music!
This album is quite literally a God send for those of us Christians who are bored of the dirge Christian bands usually produce. Most of you will be familiar with the brilliant, up-beat single 'Shackles', which is the most accessible track here, but this album provides something for everyone. Mostly slow and soulful, highlights include 'Still My Child' which is like a less cheesy Disney song and is guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye, and 'Wade in the Water', which just plain rocks. Sisters Erica and Tina certainly have the talent for success, and I would venture the most powerful voices in R&B at the moment. My only hope is that non-Christians don't get turned off by the heavily Christian lyrics, because this is the first time a Christian group have made music which deserves to be heard by all - regardless of its message.