Q (7/00, p.120) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...The lyrics are standard hallelujah fare, although neither craven nor proselytizing. On the brasher 'Shackles'...and the terrific title track there's soul to spare..."
Mary Mary: Erica Atkins, Tina Atkins (vocals).
Personnel: Jarvis E. "BBJ" Cooper (rap vocals); Wayne "Baby Dubb" Campbell (various instruments, programming); Al West (various instruments); John "Juba" Smith, Charles "Little Charlie" Bereal (guitar); Charles Veal, South Central Chamber Orchestra (strings); Warryn "Arc" Campbell (Fender Rhodes piano); Tim "Spirit" Carmen (organ); Andrew Gouche (bass); Derrick Rydell Walker (drums); Destiny's Child, Joi Campbell, Gormyko Collins, Keisha Ealy, Jacquelin Gouche-Ferris, Trecina Atkins, Thomasina Atkins, Chris Bolton, Eric Dawkins (background vocals).
Producers: Wayne "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Al West.
Engineers include: Wayne "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Anthony A.J. Jeffries, Kevin Crouse.
THANKFUL won the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.
Singer/songwriters Erica and Tina Atkins, the duo that makes up Mary Mary, combine modern R&B textures and spirituality in their debut album THANKFUL, produced by Warryn Campbell (Brandy, Boyz II Men). You can hear the joy, hope, and religious overtones in songs like "Joy," "Can't Give Up Now," and "Be Happy," while label mates Destiny's Child are featured on "Good to Me." Mary Mary display their unshakeable faith throughout this collection with a vibrant and joyous celebration of songs.
Other notable songs are the dance floor funk of "Shackles," "I Got It," and "What a Friend," a slower track depicting the Lord's grace. Erica and Tina contribute to all but one of the tracks, Andrew GouchT's "Wade In the Water." THANKFUL is uplifting, bright and extremely catchy.
