Mia Paylor weighs-in on the newest project from Mary Mary, Something Big…
Our favorite Marys are BACK with their new release, Something Big! And, I’m back to tell you about it…track-by-track!
1. “Something Big”
It has a ‘60’s rock feel, a call and response hook, and a churchy spin on the vamp. According to Mary Mary, Jesus will do “Something Big” for you…change your life…if you let Him.
2. “Something BIGGER”
The beat says, “Club banger!” But, the message says, “Dream and live as big as our big God!” The jury’s still out on which I wanted to do more: dance or do big things.
3. “Blind”
LOVE THIS! Adequately describing God’s unconditional love, this mid-tempo R&B jam has a VERY catchy hook!
4. “It Is Well”
I really like this 2011 take on the hymn, “It Is Well”. I would’ve loved it without the Roger & Zapp effects. A completely “pretty” approach would’ve had me calling for the sheets.
5. “Never Wave My Flag”
LOVE THIS! It’s feisty, defiant, optimistic, and determined…yet, balanced. The lyrics act as a great Cornerman…telling me to fight through life’s challenges to achieve victory. The message isn’t lost in the rhythm. Can I get this as a Ringtone…and a CallerTune?! And why does this song make me think of a Meatloaf video?! Maybe it’s the dramatic build…
6. “Walking”
My 6-year-old son, Jordan, nearly LOST HIS MIND when he heard this on Pandora last week! This radio single is good, positive, treadmill/working music.
7. “Slow Walk”
BUSY people will appreciate this fun interlude. It uses slowed samples of “Walking”. “I can’t do everything/I need a vacation.” My sentiments exactly…
8. “Survive”
Do I wanna hand-dance or lose my MIND over one of the best bass lines I’ve heard in a minute?! Mary Mary does some SERIOUS SANGING here. Needless to say…LOVE THIS!
9. “Are You Ready”
This has an Urban Pop feel…like something Ne-Yo would write. The song is about being prepared for the life you claim to want.
10. “Catch Me”
With a CCM verse and an urban hook, that B-section had a tough job linking the two. But, it did it! I enjoy this R&B slow-burner. Catch me when I fall, Jesus!
11. “Sitting With Me”
I love the message. Any young person striving to be godly in today’s world will identify with this. Call me a cornball or a holy roller. For as long as I KNOW I’m saved, I’m GOOD!
12. “Homecoming Glory”
This paints a vivid picture of Heaven. There’s a light echo on the verse, a crisp background behind it, an airy chorus…very dreamy, dramatic, simple, and child-like. We have master class production work here…listen and learn.
Something Big sticks to the Mary Mary formula: great production work, crossover hits, throwback tracks, and great singing! IMO, it outshines The Sound. The lyrical messages are more mature. However, Something Big hasn’t dethroned Incredible and Mary Mary as my favorite Mary Mary projects because of their cohesive flow and limited use of musical and lyrical clichés.
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EJ’s Note:
Great job, Mia!
Because of the magnitude of this release, I wanted to chime in here, too. 
BUY THIS ALBUM. It”s one of the most incredible projects to hit stores this year– from the musicality, to the lyricism, to the concept, to the delivery… Something Big will feed and nourish the believer, while winning the trust, attention and admiration of unbelievers. It’s a must-have and, in my opinion, one of the greatest works from Mary Mary to date.
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Purchase it by clicking right here
Great review! A lot of people have said this was better than The Sound and I disagreed at first but after listening to it my opinion definitely changed. This album does outshine The Sound.
Ok, this really is a FULL review. I just MIGHT buy my first Mary Mary cd.
Awesome review! I may check it out.
I agree...Incredible was their best to me and this definitely beats out The Sound! I do find this to be one of their better projects!I love them!
Not a MaryMary fan.
Will be getting the album today thanks for the review
I'm about to listen now!!!
Mia great review girl, you are too funny but real. I love Mary Mary and I was going to buy the cd anyway, but you've made me excited about this project. Thanks.
I'm curious...based on what you did like, I'm surprised you didn't also like "Survive" and "Homecoming Glory"...especially the latter! What wasn't appealing about those two tracks?
Great review, I don`t know about it outshine The Sound, that was one remarkable cd.
Hey, Mia I am a big fan of Mary Mary. I will be going out to purchase this CD. I am excited about song that you gave your review on... I love praizing the Lord. I am born to praise Him. I am looking forward to using some of the music for Praize Dancing. Thanks for sharing.
If I can be completely honest, I thought 'The Sound' was cool. I only LOVED "Worship You". "God in Me" was def catchy and fun to play. Great production...but it only got worn out in my car because my son, Jordan, HAD to hear it, lol. I thought the radio concept was a bit much. "Here's the Mary Mary spin on every sound on radio"...it felt a bit forced/copied to me...and what I LOVE about the Mary's is that they have the ability to be current AND original! Plus, I'd grown accustomed to the lyrical stylings of their earlier CDs...which, IMO, were a bit 'dumbed down' on 'The Sound'. But, I LOVE LOVE LOVE several of the songs on 'Something Big'...and they remind me of how creative and thoughtful the Mary's really are. I'm getting waaaay more nourishment from this offering...
I got the new CD from Amazon MP3 store today (btw I'm loving Amazon's new cloud music storage service...finally a cloud solution, right?!?! Also I hear Google is working on a cloud music solution too. It's good to live in 2011!). There are definitely 2 or 3 instantly likable songs but the majority of the others will take a few listens to actually get. Honestly I wanted something different from Erica's vocals, maybe a little less of that 'top of the lungs" gospel sound and more of that gorgeous relaxed voice singing that Erica does so well (think Erica on a Jill Scott tune). She has an awesome, warm voice, one of the best in gospeldom, that sometimes seems compromised in the Mary Mary setting. I think Mary Mary could take a page from CeCe and BeBe here where each artist is allowed to be their best and showcase their individuality (Cece = worshipful and Bebe = love/crossover gems) via individual solo tracks and key changes during the duets so they are always presenting their best. In the end I/we love Mary Mary though don't we? They can do little wrong. Nice going ladies!! P.S. I bought this CD primarily because I appreciate and identify with the ministry and testimony of Mary Mary. Even if I am not feeling every song on this compilation I LIKE THEM. I think they represent the kingdom well. Go get 'em ladies!!
Them it wasn't really necessary for you to post a comment at all now was it?
Have to say, this project to me was better then The Sound. Even though I liked that album, this one was easier to get into, IMO
Ok so I listened and I really love "Survive", "Are You Ready", I absolutely positively love "Sitting with me" and "Homecoming Glory"....that song had me picturing what Heaven is truly going to be like and googling Alvin Love III, lol. I knew by the name that he was CeCe's son but I had to find out what other songs he had written because that one was beautiful. The other songs were nice too, I can't compare it because I haven't really purchased a Mary Mary cd in years but I love this and I really feel like the diversity of the cd will minister to many different people on many different levels. I can say they gave you a little bit of everything.
As a group, to me they are way too overdone, now. Loved their very first album, but lost interest as they continued on what I consider a Materialism Movement. When I heard "God In Me" and saw that horrendous performance with LL.CJ, I was done for sure. They, all 3 of them, are much more talented and gifted performers than that mess they delivered to the people. I was sorely disappointed all around. If album art counts for anything, then I will NOT be purchasing/downloading for certain. I'm sure many will dissagree with me...oh well. I like to know the intentions of ppls hearts if I'm filling my mind with their lyrics and music. I'm definitely not feeling the sisters Mary anymore.
Brotha Percy’s 7 word reviews: MARY MARY “Something Big” Columbia/Integrity Music ...Release Date: 03/29/2011 1. Diverse 2. Current 3. Heartfelt 4. Affirmative 5. Effective 6. Inspiring 7. Infectious
Timo...The caption of this review is purchase or pass....In my reply "I am not a fan"...means I am passing.How about that?
Nice review, I'll be getting this CD.
I just bought the album and i really love it! sitting with me and homcoming glory are my favorites by far! i feel it had the strongest messages! but the whole cd is very new,fresh, and pure to me! yes some people wont appreciate the diversity and the crossover sound but i feel its much better thaan the sound! i feel this cd reminded the people that yeh we do have nice beats but God gets the Glory out of it all! and the miget sounds from something bigger track 2, that is genius! i love that song! but i feel mary mary did their best in the first cd! but this is the most diverse and intriguing to me! p.s. on the back cover of the cd! i think they need to smile or smerk or somethin! they look so mean to me! wats the problem? lolol
They've really drifted into an Inspirational R&B sound. I really like their first album, Incredible was okay, third album was so-so, I didn't like The Sound that much. But this is probably their worst work. I listened and I couldn't find any real highlights.
Hey TimO Honestly I wanted something different from Erica's vocals, maybe a little less of that 'top of the lungs" gospel sound and more of that gorgeous relaxed voice singing that Erica does so well . She has an awesome, warm voice,, that sometimes seems compromised in the Mary Mary setting. I think Mary Mary could take a page from CeCe and BeBe here where each artist is allowed to be their best and showcase their individuality (Cece = worshipful and Bebe = love/crossover gems) via individual solo tracks and key changes during the duets so they are always presenting their best. Re - The above wooooooooooooooooooow I thought I was the only one who ever felt this way.... I wholly wholly agreee and other than when she is singing relaxed (eg the beginning of their song yesterday) I do feel she tends to shout at the top of her lungs....
I do have to say that MM have pretty much lost me too as a fan... ...dunno if I'd call them inspirational RnB ..I think they're just straight up clean RnB .... I only like 2 tracks on the album ' Sitting with me' and 'Catch me ' so those will ne the only 2 I'm buying...
Hey Mia *whispering* I listened to the album via youtube...someone put up most of the songs there and as at that time Homecoming Glory wasnt up...will check it out thanks.....
Ooooh sorry guys didnt realise I'd already commented on this sorry for the repetition ...please feel free to delete the my post just b4 this one EJ...thanks
Hey there!!! *waving at my gp pal* LMBO! *whispering loudly* Oh, ok. Please tell me what you think about Homecoming Glory once you hear it. It really is well put together... :-)
Mia, Mia, Mia. I got it, got it, got it. I will be sweating and walking to this music at the gym. Shout out to the MARY's 4 fitness album of the year, they should have received a stipend from the gov't on fighting obesity with this one. Let's get it WALKING (Talking to myself).
Funny...I was a bit surprised that people said this album wasn't gospel enough. To me this album is a lot more overtly gospel than The Sound. But, back to the point...this album is awesome! If you're even on the fence about buying it, just go get it! Honestly, I think this CD will go down as possibly the best release in 2011 (still an early call, I know). Okay, this is starting to look like an ad now. I just really like this CD!
Clean R&B? Did you listen to the lyrics? To each his own, I guess...
Agreed! I would love for them to do solo songs...even if they're just bonus tracks. As much as I love Mary Mary, I'd almost be curious what a solo album would sound like...
Just as an FYI-- the track "It Is Well" actually is a solo by Erica. Tina doesn't sing on that one.
^^^^ See?! I can't... LMBO! And this is fasting season too?! You'll look like the Incredible Hulk in no time, LOL!
I can understand your opinion on it, as I said I haven't purchased any cd since "Shackles" because I felt a lot of the songs were more appealing to those that weren't really in church. I will say that I noticed a lot of motivation but in this cd I noticed a balance and a genuine stand for Christ in the majority of the lyrics. I said that to say I feel you on why you are not purchasing but at least consider a few of the songs you may miss out on something nice like I almost did :)
Frankly...I do not see anything different in the Mary's than what the "WORLD" offers..I have been observing them...Their mode of dressing is even more worldly than those we call "WORLDLY "people. As for this CD..it would appear as if they are afraid of mentioning the name Jesus and when they do it is as if they are patronizing Him.That's my take Mia...Sorry
All opinions are respected by me, MeMe. Seriously. Aside from rocking leggings on the regular, they seem to cover up. And when they wear leggings, there's usually a shirt covering the bootay, lol...like I wear my leggings. ;-) Now, if I were in a gospel duo, would I wear leggings on TV spots? Probably not cause I wouldn't want to deal with the flak, lol. Some drama just isn't worth creating, IMHO. Now, regarding patronizing Jesus...I assume you mean they're lyrically asking Him for stuff instead of simply worshipping Him. Do you remember which songs you're referring to? Would a balance between the amount of songs that reverenced God for who He is and the other messages (testimonies "Something Big, It Is Well", perserverance "Somthing Bigger, Never Wave My Flag, Walking, Slow Walk", unconditional love of God "Blind", Heavenly home "Homecoming Glory", godly living "Sitting With Me", etc.) have made a diffence in your opinion?
Mary Mary dress like R&B -- or very close. They deflect by talking about God, reaching sinners, etc. They are straight up wordly R&B. Again, they get preachy to deflect. Their goal is to make us think we are crazy when we notice and comment. People are not confused. Mary Mary and their handlers are confused. They need to make all the money in the world they want. That is not the issue. Do not tell me it is gospel. They need to say they are going in a different direction and seeking new fans and opportunities. That is ok. But they cannot think we don't see. WE SEE!!
Mia...not only their leggins...I have seen many other picts of them ,hence my conclusion. In regards to the songs I should have said the ones I have heard ..".Walking" and " Gonna do it big " or something like that. This is my final crtique of the Mary's God bless you all.
Thanks for sharing! I do feel that ALL modern gospel CDs could afford to be a bit more balanced (vertical worship/encouragement). But, I don't think that makes the messages being offered wrong or less-Christian. Less meaty? Yeah. Milk? Yeah. A bit juvenile for a mature Christian? Maybe...a bit understandable. Ungodly or worldly? No. I'm wondering if some of the differences in opinions are generational. I'd love to read a comment from someone under 30 to see if their reasons for not supporting Mary Mary are similar to the ones posted.
You made me feel young with the under 30 comment, lol!!!! I completely get the first part of your comment. About it not being categorized as ungodly just because it's may be on a level where someone that is just becoming a christian can relate. I'm really not a big Mary Mary fan, but I applaud their drive to reach the unreached. I do understand the concern about the look that they may have but lets be real I wear skinny jeans, jeggings and some more stuff, and still carry myself in a modest and appropriate way. And like you said there is a whole slew of "gospel" artist that could use a bit more gospel (ministry)....I heard a song where someone said God makes it rain like niagra and he don't even need viagra??!!!??? Yeah so uhm this cd was really not that bad, I think there may be a bit of prejudgement because of their past cd's.
I just bought this cd at Best Buy for only $7.99 (what a bargain!) and i have to say that imo this is THEE best Mary Mary cd to date. Yeah it does seem like an inspirational r&b album but you have to listen to the words. This album is mostly for those who are already walking with Jesus. This cd is for those who are trying their best to stay saved and they do a very good job with that. This cd is awesome! Catch Me and Sitting With Me are the stand out tracks. This is definitely a must have and definitely blew The Sound out the water. One of the best cd's of the year!
Hi Mia, As always, I love your reviews & I finally decided to chime in. I am a fan of Mary Mary, I've been supporting since the first album & so on, so on. Though I may not have always liked or "preferred" some of their "creative" choices on more recent works, I have never been confused about their message. However, this album (Something Big) just doesn't seem like their best album, IMO. Lyrically, I thought it was great. The standouts to me are Homecoming Glory, Catch Me & Sitting With Me. The words in those songs are simply amazing! Vocally, I loooove their voices. They have such strong, unique voices, but I think a few songs could have been softer. Musically, it was just OKAY to me. The sound of course may be different for "gospel" music alone. I mean, you can count on one hand the number of gospel artists who are bringing that to the table. But as for music in general, as a "whole", I just don't see anything different that really sets the music apart (like on some of their previous albums). BUT...that bass line on Survive is something else! lol Technically, no...Sorry Mary's (that's just my opinion). I'm an engineer, so I pay attention to all the technical happenings. It was just...not good...at all. (I'm not going into details here, cause that's too much to type) I really do support Mary Mary's ministry. I love & understand the meaning/purpose of "Something Big", I just thought it would be better. It's not a bad record at all, but I don't think it's their best. Either way, I still bought it. And I will still listen to it here and there. I'm still a fan :)
I'm kinda confused Dequan....I'm certain Mary Mary's lyrics are clean ...that I can vouch for even though I havent listened to the entire album/lyrics or have I missed something?
Hey Mia Re - Homecoming Glory .....you're sooo right ...beautiful song ....very meaningful lyrics... and I understand Cece Winans sons ALvin wrote it wow... really good song Gotta chime in that I think its great ur trying to find out how/where/when and why Mary MAry lost alot of us .....
I knew you'd love it! :-) I couldn't let you miss out on that one... You know, as much as we all claim that we don't care what folks think, we really do. Rejection in all forms is hurtful. And I'm certain that along with gaining new supporters, an artist would strive to maintain their original supporters as well...that's good business! ;-) Folks constructive feedback could be helpful as they pray and seek the Lord concerning their next CD. Maybe they can add the missing/eliminated element that the supporters they lost have been yearning for. But, they need to know what "it" is in order to even consider that...
Hey there! I'm glad you enjoyed the review! "BUT...that bass line on Survive is something else! lol" I pull out my "Air" bass and start making my Jonathan Dubose, Jr. faces EVERY TIME I hear it, LMBO! "Technically, no...Sorry Mary's (that's just my opinion). I'm an engineer, so I pay attention to all the technical happenings. It was just...not good...at all. (I'm not going into details here, cause that's too much to type)" If you explained this, it's a possibility I'd no longer enjoy listening to A LOT of the CDs I have, LOL. Don't expose me to the truth, Busy! ;-)
MIa...I am using the word patronizing in the following context... –adjective displaying or indicative of an offensively condescending manner: a patronizing greeting, accompanied by a gentle pat on the pack. God bless.
It seems that the best songs lyrically on the album are the ones they allowed other people to write....those 3 songs you mentioned.
@ Gospel Very true the best songs lyrically and overall on the album are those which other folk wrote for them
Oh ok. Thanks for clearing that up. I may not have come to the same conclusion but I do respect your opinion. God bless you, too!
PASS
I rather share a smoothie with Prince than buy the New Mary Mary album they're last 3 album have been garbage they need to get back to the Thankful & Incredible format or at least supersede it!
From the first album, I have ALWAYS been a Mary Mary fan. Their music....from the sound to the message has ALWAYS been on point. For ME, their ministry always pull me BACK to the gospel... because I feel MOST ministries/gospel ONLY direct their ministry to the #church. But how do we reach souls by staying in the church, w/ the "church sound." The church approach.. You can't save the saved. I'm a fan of ALL music, that's good... from Rance Allen to Kirk Franklin to Da Truth to Mary Mary. I say this all the time and will continue to say...The SOUND is not GOSPEL.. The MESSAGE is the Gospel. Don't confuse that. Different genres has borrowed and stole from each other over time. Gospel has stole from the blues and vice versa...but think about it.. in the bible days...how do you think they were singing, praising and worshiping Christ. What was the sound like back then? We don't know... their is no particular sound. Get the CD, look at the words. This is REAL ministry. If preachers can get up and have sermons/series about God, relationships, marriage, wealth, etc and enlighten, save/reach souls...then why can't gospel artist do the same. Its the CHRISTIAN LIFE. Everything they spoke about on this CD is in the word of God. Why can't we do it BIG for GOD... he gave his ALLLL for us.. by dying for our sins... but we as gospel give him this one sound...one direction because its safe and it always been done "this way" so do it "this way." GOD is bigger than that. REACH HIS PEOPLE, THERE IS NO LIMIT. Everybody has a different calling/purpose in ministry. Find out what it is and DO IT and DO IT BIG! GOD BLESS :-)
Have you heard the first track on the CD? Think you should probably listen to that before pre-judging the CD. Almost the first word they say is "Jesus."
First off mia, great review...ima supporter of the marys have been once since like 12(im now 20)...I was a little skeptical about this album because of all of the flack they got for the sound. I reluctantly bought the album...I was a little bugged out about "something bigger" at first but then I did what I have to do in order to listen to a mary mary album: hear the words- those are what speak to me not the music. I think that's what gets people-the music. If you take away the urban beats then the message becomes clear: the love of god is still being spread. People are quick to say that their music isn't gospel anymore, but I can guarnatee that if they made a straight up" traditional album" complete with scriptures that good ole fashioned baptist or cogic beat and they were screamin god and jesus throughout every song the only people who would be affected by it would be folks with a churchy background and folks in the church, and even then the folks in the church would find an issue. My whole point is maybe mary marys music isn't for people in the church, maybe its for the folks who are out in the streets thuggin and can't get with churchy lingo...im a pk. I grew up in a house with a minister daddy an evangelist mama a preachin grandad and preachin aunts unlces and cousins. Dottie peoples donnie mcclurkin, shirley ceasar and folks like that didn't appeal to me. Know who did? The marys and kirk. It wasn't until I got deep into christ that I was able to enjoy people like shirley and hezekiah and so on. So my point im trying to mak(and there is one lol) is don't knock erica and tina's approach, just because it doesn't work or appeal to you. We as christians are supposed to be able to take our ministry to the folks too scared to come in church. Think about it: how did jesus reach the non believers: he went amongst them; he talked where they could understand. That's what mary mary is doin. Anywho...its a great album from start to finish. I honestly believe that "something big" and kirk franklin's "hello fear" are gonna be like the 2 best gospel albums this year, unless marvin sapp comes out with another album...lol
Mia and all...Go to Amazon.com and read the reviews
Still gotta pass. I don't feel I'm missing anything at all when I look at their whole presentation. What's the saying, "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch..." That's mostly how I feel about them now. Their whole image is completely material though they may have what they consider to be good intentions. I have to go with my gutt and what my heart discerns. I won't tell others to pass (though I wish they would) because I'm sure that someone somewhere may be able to find some kind of blessing through them (though I doubt the foundation of that blessing) and far be it from me to tell ppl what they should and shouldn't do, you know. I have an opinion that can only apply to me & ppl who feel the same as I do. If you felt blessed by a few of their songs, then I am happy for you, TRULY, and trust that perhaps God managed to reach you despite what I view as their less than tasteful new image. I hope you are always able to gain something possitive in all that you choose to listen to in the future as well. Be lovely, be blessed. =)
"Don't get me wrong, based on my review, y'all know which of their projects are my favs...but it seems like this mass Mary Mary exodus is less about the music and more about THEM... Am I missing something???" I think its both the music & THEM. When one takes into account more than just the lyrics, and vibrations from the music, it's pretty tough not to begin questioning if they are worth supporting anymore. Heart is everything. I saw an interview with one of the sisters & from it deduced they are material and about a type of blessing that may not necessarily be "kosher", I'll say. That alone makes the music they've created, suspect to me. I expect people to be genuine and up front and without secrets. I can't speak for anyone else but that's where I stand in answer to both questions you asked.
MeMe, Love your use of the word patronizing in regards to their music and am thinking we might be of the same mindset about the sisters Mary because of it. I noticed that alot of sistahs go blonde once they reach a certain monitary status: Queen Latifah, Beyonce, Eryka Badu, and now even in the Gospel realm with MaryMary. Have you noticed this too? I wonder is it a marker of some sort. Hmm...
"Mary Mary and their handlers are confused." wish I could give you an applause. this is exactly what I meant when I said, "I expect people to be genuine and not secret."
Hey! That's not fair. All ppl under 35 are still considered youth. I take offense to your discrimination, lol. I'm not 32 for another month, so does my opinion still count? =) "Ungodly or worldly" depends on your perspective. I'd ask, 1)what God do they serve? 2) define worldly. Just because they don't sing about making love doesn't mean they are not worldly. Materialism is very much a worldly type of view.
After listening to this album over and over again I was very disappointed. It's not life changing anointed gospel music and Jesus nor God is barely mentioned in most of the songs. They're trying too hard to be secular now in my opinion. This is just a watered down gospel album but it's definitely r&b. The Mary's used to be my fav artists but they're changing too much. Not the best from Mary Mary. Back to hello fear!