Because they were raised in a churchgoing household and nourished with the sounds of such gospel legends as Commissioned and the Winans, it is no great mystery as to why Erica and Tina Atkins have become the sister-act duo of the hour. Their singing/songwriting is laden with a soulful confidence borne of supreme talent and a joyful testimony that springs from firsthand knowledge of God's redemptive goodness. Mary Mary found its genesis when the Atkins sisters met up with producer-songwriter Warryn Campbell. Their initial success in song publishing crested when Yolanda Adams recorded two of their songs on Mountain High... Valley Low. After this, it was just a matter of sorting out the best record deal. Thankful unites the dancing soul and the grateful heart. The blending of Erica and Tina's perfectly strung voices, and the finely crafted hip-hop/gospel flavor brings this genre to a new level. Celebration vibes in such songs as "Shackles (Praise You)" and "I Sings" stir images of packed-out dance floors bumping to the groove and lost in a swirl of colored lights. In contrast, a reflective side dives deep into the intimacies of following Jesus. The assured declaration of "Can't Give Up Now" and the tender beauty of "Be Happy" convey the heart of what keeps the Atkins sisters impassioned. One listen to this debut release makes it clear that Mary Mary has bypassed rookie status. This CD should come with a "Satisfaction Guaranteed" sticker. --Israel Button