
Homage – Mary Mary – “Something Big”
Seasoned Gospel sistas, Mary Mary, delivered impeccable inspiration with the release of their fifth studio album, “Something Big.” This album has several songs that pull its listeners closer to God, and I’m going to tell you about them.
Album peaked at no. 10 on the US Billboard 200, and no. 2 on Top Gospel Albums. Two US Gospel Airplay singles were released in support of “Something Big”: ‘Walking’ (no. 3), and ‘Survive’ (no. 13).
Of the six Grammy Award nominations this faith-wielding duo has accumulated, “Something Big” earned one at the 54th ceremony for Best Gospel Album.
Production on this album was primarily helmed by Warryn Campbell, of Soul Seekers, with additional production by Gerald Haddon, Jazz Nixon, and LaMar Edwards. Gerold Haddon helped with the piano & strings for the creation of ‘Survive.’
“Something Big” is a genre diverse album, aiming to encourage any good music lover to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ. Elements of hip-hip, R&B, gospel, and electronica are heard throughout this beautiful album. Standout tracks are ‘Something Big,’ ‘Blind,’ ‘Never Wave My Flag,’ ‘Walking,’ and ‘Are You Ready.’
Let me tell you why….
‘Something Big’
Song is a wonderful opener, with incredible energy, encouraging listening to get up and jam to the Lord’s favor. Tina blissfully testifies in verse 1,
Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey everybody, I got something to say / I met this man named Jesus and I ain’t never been the same / You know my heart been changed, my mind been changed / I’m nothing like I was cuz I was stuck on stupid, but now I’m filled with love.
The ‘Something Bigger’ follow-up increases such optimism with added drums, and the lady’s focused flow:
Everybody doin’ that, can’t do it again / Why you mad at me ’cause I wanna do it big? / Don’t think I’m unplugged and I’m disconnected / ‘Cause I didn’t do what y’all expected.
With these two tracks, Mary Mary make it crystal clear that they aren’t wavering in their mission to serve God through their good work in this music industry.
‘Blind’
Christians understand that, when you choose faith, abundant life chooses you. It’s understood that you can choose faith without being perfect in the least bit, so long as you commit to the life-changing journey through Christ. ‘Blind’ illustrates the fact that anyone can go to God, as He doesn’t discriminate. God will instead, reveal you to yourself, inducing an ultimate spiritual awakening, with unconditional love.
‘Never Wave My Flag’
This Timbaland-type tune encourages any believer who may be experiencing hardship, trials, and tribulations to continue trusting the process & purpose God has designed from the beginning.
Songwriting on ‘Never Wave My Flag’ came from the creativity of Mary Mary, Warryn Campbell, Juan Winans, and Matthew Edwards– the latter of which also helped produce the track with Warryn. As a human spirit, finally living for the love of God after years of voluntary separation, the opening verses are extremely relatable:
Seems like I should run away / ‘Cause life is hittin’ me in the face, ay, ay / But I’m here, and I’ll never surrender to fear / Retreat and be defeated, no way, ’cause I can’t, I can’t.
‘Walking’
I totally appreciate this song for it’s humanity, and slow groove. Song simply speaks on the faith walk being an imperfect, yet intentional one. Which, to God, means everything. These lyrics help illustrate just that:
Look at me, I’m tryin’ / Every day, I fall down / Make mistakes, get back up / Try again next time that you see me…[I’m walking, I’m walking, I’m walking now…]
‘Catch Me’
This Juan Winans co-write testifies to listeners of God’s grace. Song explains that though we humans are imperfect, we still can receive the undying love of God through Christ the savior. Lyrics like, “my faith gives me strength” stick out as very understandable.
All in all…
These Stellar Award legends aim to lead listeners to the love of God. A love so undeniable, so unconditional, that we pivot from unfruitful lifestyles to praising God through our daily work. “Something Big” is a phenomenal album, because it helps promote the Good Gospel through good music.
Mary Mary On The Web
About The Writer Taylor Valery
Taylor Valery is a Freelance Writer and Music Reviewer with Devine Jamz Gospel Network. Valery is also a professional writer at IAPWE – International Association of Professional Writers & Editors. He is the creator of HomageCollage which is a music appreciation blog created to celebrate the wins of affective artists. Homage2Heat is the new HomageCollage vertical that highlights heatseekers.