Mary Mary
The Sound (Integrity/Columbia)
Mary Mary’s fifth studio album, The Sound, opens with the Gospel duo introducing Mindblock Radio, the imaginary station that becomes the portal for your listening experience. So, if sisters Tina and Erica Campbell are the hypothetical DJs, then they are crate-digging like crazy on their latest effort.
After hitting the scene with the Grammy-winning “Shackles (Praise You)” in 2000, Mary Mary successfully defied the notion that Gospel music couldn’t reach a younger, urban audience. On the new single, “Get Up,” their divine message is modernized by a pulsing synth and bass rhythm that could just as easily belong to Ciara.
The Sound, however, tends to lose focus while darting from pop, to hip hop, to an old-school approach. It feels as if Mindblock Radio is on scan, and some of the channels are worth skipping. While versatility has always been their shtick, songs like “Superfriend” featuring David Banner, or the vocoder-filled “God In Me,” are strikingly contrived.
The Campbell sisters are most in their element as the album settles, and the beats make way for their angelic vocals. “It Will All Be Worth It” and “Seattle” are delicate songs that take you into that wondrous Gospel realm in a cool and creative way. “I’m Runnin’” is another 70s-hinted gem that stands out as the album tapers.
Pushing the envelope and experimenting helps Mary Mary reach an untapped set of ears, but their uplifting, spiritual lyrics hit hardest when they streamline their sound and keep it soulful.
The Sound is in Stores October 21
Track Listing for The Sound1. Intro
2. Sound, The
3. Get Up
4. Superfriend
5. God In Me
6. Boom
7. I'm Running
8. Forgiven Me
9. Dirt
10. Seattle
11. I Worship You
12. It Will All Be Worth It
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