Something Big
Posted March 26, 2011
By shortperson22,
Mary Mary has cemented their place in Gospel Music after releasing many great albums. I had found "The Sound" a little disappointing in some areas, but now I can't wait to review, "Something Big"!
The title track, "Something Big" kicks things off with a fun hip hop beat, and shares the story of "something big" that happened. Salvation! I really enjoyed this track! I love the sort of back and forth vocals, and the extremely fun beat. This song has a church feel to it, and I can totally imagine singing this in church! If "Something Big" is any indication, this album will be amazing!
"Something Bigger" follows, and has this very neat intro, and the ladies start out rapping, and already I am enjoying this album! I enjoy the positive lyrics of this song, as Erica and Tina sing and rap about how good God is, and how He can change lives, and make them "Something Bigger"! This song has a lot going on, some may think a little too much, but overall I don't see how anyone can complain. Definitely a favorite!
Third on the album is "Blind", and continues the great beats, but tones things down a bit. "Blind" is a song of God's love, about how we can sin and become basically "garbage", however, God still loves us and will forgive us when we call on His name. This isn't a slow song necessarily, but is a slower tempo when compared with the previous two songs. Very good, so far I have no faults with this album!
"It Is Well" follows next, and isn't necessary a cover of the hymn, but rather a version of the same subject the hymn covers. This is a beautiful acapella song, however, I found the background vocals to be a little annoying as they are completely auto tuned and electronic sounding. I suppose some people might like this, but I find it just a bit annoying. However, this is a great song that showcases Erica and Tina's amazing voices!
Coming in at Track 5, "Never Wave My Flag" has this almost creepy intro, and gives the song a mysterious feel. As they sing about struggles, about giving in because "life is hitting me in the face", it turns into an anthem of never giving in, and she will "Never Wave My Flag" in surrender! This song has a very techno/electronic feel to it, which makes for great listening! The lyrical themes in this song are strong and powerful. I am totally hearing in my head a mashup of "Never Wave My Flag" and another song...
"Walking" has very 90's feel to it, complete with the electronic synthesizer you hear as part of the main beat. The verses I find are really good, but the chorus is all repetition, which is a little off-putting in my opinion. We as Christians sometimes need to realize that it doesn't always take running to get ahead. This song isn't one of the highlights of the album in my opinion, but has a strong, positive lyrical message with a fun 90's beat.
About halfway into the album, "Slow Walk" comes through your speakers. The intro is attention getting, for sure, having a little kid yelling, "1,2,3!" and having the chorus of the previous song sped up, and then slowed down. "Slow Walk" deals with the topic of taking time to slow down, and not miss the important moments in life. The interesting thing about this song is the rap, and I thought it was a great addition to the track.
"Survive" is another song about struggles, and how they overcame. The chorus is once again repetition, which I find to be boring. This song is a testimony that will encourage those who listen. The bridge is a sort of song sermon of encouragement, and rounds out "Survive" very nicely.
Well, are you ready? Seriously, "Are You Ready"? Ninth on the album, it starts out with a fun guitar strumming, clapping, and a few "La la la's". Immediately my ears perked up! Definitely different, in a good way! This song is about a girl who decides she wants a better life, and packs up to leave her ghetto to live the good life. In the chorus, however, the question is asked, "Are You Ready" for this? Can you make the best of your time as you are right now? This is a great song, and goes right up on the favorites board!
"Catch Me" slows things down, and speaks of how though we can try our best, we still fall, and are dependent on Christ. This is another beautiful song, and does not fall into the "sleepy boring" category of slow songs. There is nothing super crazy about the music, but it is absolutely perfect for the song.
As we come to the end of the album, "Sitting With Me" is next to last. It starts out with someone criticizing Tina and Erica (as we later find out in the verse) for being "Holy Rollers" and "Jesus Freaks" as well as a young man who is saving himself for mariage. In spite of being made fun of, and ridiculed, the people being sung about always let Christ show through them. And it paid off. The chorus is so amazing, and will definitely encourage Christian young people and Pastor's kids all over the world. I love the part of the chorus where it says "I'll sit on the sidelines as long as He's sitting with me". One of the BEST songs on the album!
Finally, "Homecoming Glory" finishes the album out. It is a very interesting song both musically and lyrically. Basically the story in the song is of Heaven, and the things to come. The welcoming choir, knowing our work is done, when life is forever, and then seeing God face to face. It's definitely a different song, but nevertheless, is one to enjoy.
"Something Big" is definitely the best Mary Mary album. Containing strong lyrics, packed with references to God, Heaven, and the love we have been given. The music is also strong, with fun beats, and then simplistic melodies backing the girl's vocals. Tina and Erica's vocals shine in every song! "Something Big" is without a doubt, something big! You will not regret buying this album!
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