Mary Mary

MARY MARY

Members: Erica Atkins (born Inglewood, California); Trecina (Tina) Atkins (born Inglewood, California).

Genre: Gospel, R&B

Best-selling album since 1990: Incredible (2002)

Hit songs since 1990: "Shackles (Praise You)," "In the Morning"

Building upon the success of 1990s artists such as Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams, the sister duo Mary Mary brought gospel music into the pop mainstream, using the sound of contemporary hip-hop and R&B to spread a message of religious salvation. A key factor in the sisters' appeal, beyond the catchy melodies and infectious beats of their records, is their emphasis on personal uplift. Avoiding harder-edged messages of repentance and judgment, Mary Mary embraces the lighter side of gospel, an approach that ensures acceptance among a wide-ranging audience.

Raised in a strict religious family in Inglewood, California, Erica and Tina Atkins spent their early years singing in church, influenced by the histrionic style of gospel legends such as the Clark Sisters and Shirley Caesar. By the mid-1990s, they were appearing on the popular television program "Bobby Jones Gospel," and touring in the gospel musical play, Mama I'm Sorry. Soon after, the sisters began writing songs for top gospel acts such as 702 and Yolanda Adams. Working with R&B producer Warryn Campbell, Mary Mary released its debut album, Thankful, in 2000. Spurred by the exuberant, driving hit, "Shackles (Praise You)," the album crossed over to the R&B charts, earning Mary Mary a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. While most of Thankful is devoted to brash modern styles, a rousing version of the traditional gospel song "Wade in the Water" proves the sisters have not abandoned their roots.

In 2002 Mary Mary released its second album, Incredible, a more assured, well-rounded collection than its predecessor. While aggressive hip-hop rhythms still permeate the album, they are balanced with several songs that sport an appealing softer approach. Opening with an acoustic guitar intro that suggests the influence of folk music, "Trouble Ain't" coasts on a gentle bed of guitar, drums, and piano. Freed from the rigid hip-hop backing of their earlier work, the sisters reveal genuine vocal power and an astute understanding of harmony and collaboration. While their voices are perhaps too similar in quality to stand out from one another, both women use growls, high falsetto shouts, and other devices to give their performance variety. Like many of Mary Mary's finest songs, "Trouble Ain't" is a testament to perseverance and strength: "After you've done all that you know how / Just to keep from breaking down / Just believe it's gonna get much better after awhile." Although the song is interspersed with religious references, its inspirational message ensures a universal appeal. Incredible is further highlighted by the jumpy, dance-oriented title track and a warm, convincing update of 1970s gospel artist Walter Hawkins's "Thank You."

Since its 2000 debut, Mary Mary has merged gospel music with the modern styles of hip-hop and R&B, creating music that engages the body while appealing to the spirit. The duo's commercial success is a measure of the enduring power and flexibility of the gospel tradition.

SELECTIVE DISCOGRAPHY:

Thankful (Columbia, 2000); Incredible (Columbia, 2002).

WEBSITE:

www.mary-mary.com.

david freeland