Mary Mary
Self-titled
Integrity Gospel
11 tracks @ 42:22

After a three-year hiatus to start families, sisters Erica and Tina Campbell return with their third record. WOW is about all I can say for this winner.

Mary Mary really stretch themselves musically on this record. As Tina Campbell says in the duo’s PR material, “you can’t redo what you’ve already done.” “Biggest Greatest Thing” has a big band sound, similar to Denver and the Mile High Orchestra. It’s a song about faith as the biggest greatest thing is something ”I’ve never seen.” Erica adds, “In the end the harmonies sound like the Andrew Sisters. We’re very proud of the song because it was foreign to us. You have to challenge yourself and not always do what’s comfortable for you.”

The song “Yesterday” is delivered in a 1950’s crooner-style and is about moving on. Erica says, “I guarantee that somebody is going to cry when they hear that song. Whatever devastation you’ve had in your life, you can’t let it keep you down. If you’re still living in yesterday, you won’t appreciate God’s greatness for today.”

“Heaven” has a 1970’s Motown feel and even has a bit of Love Unlimited Orchestra-style strings. It’s a song of hope and encouragement with the insightful yet simple lyrics, “I wanna live my life so I can live again.”

“And I” has Kirk Franklin doing some of the vocals. The record concludes with the soulful, piano-driven “Speak to Me.”

Highly recommended.

- Rob S.