New Release: Mary Mary "Something Big"

Late last year, I wrote about the controversy that surrounded Mary Mary's "God in Me." However, it doesn't seem like it's slowing them down. They are currently on tour with Women of Faith Conferences with other Christian artists Amy Grant, Mandisa, Natalie Grant, Sandi Patty, and Selah. Now, they are coming out with their newest album Something Big. According to an interview on the Women of Faith website, the title refers to the desire to "...tell the world about the biggest, greatest, and best thing to ever happen in our lives … Jesus. Jesus is Something Big in our lives and we just can’t keep it to ourselves. Gotta tell it!!" As for the theme, Mary Mary states that "Something Big is the soundtrack to living, loving, giving, and DOing in a BIG way. Living outside of yourself, while taking a look within one’s self at the same time."

Later in the interview, Erica and Tina Campbell discuss their songwriting process. "It’s funny because we never come into the studio and jump right into music making," Tina says. "We lounge around . . . there’s generally a lot of laughing and shooting the breeze about nothing in particular. Then we listen to a few tracks or Warryn (our producer) creates one or several different tracks―depending on which process moves us or him the most. Erica jumps online to watch stuff on YouTube for inspiration, Warryn stops making MM tracks to go play Sunday morning up-tempo choir music . . . All this insanity helps us vibe and bring it together. Then we pray." To put it more simply, as Erica does, "We work, pray, play, and write."

Something Big was released on March 29 (this past Tuesday) and features the new single "Walking." If you can't see them at a Women of Faith Conference, then watch them on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tonight! I'll post the performance tomorrow.

Women in Christian Music: Something to Think About

In celebration of Women's History Month, consider this 2008 article from the New Release Tuesday website. The author, known as "Logan," comments on the influx of female fronted bands and solo artists that were taking over the airwaves and charts. Some of the acts he mentioned was the then-newcomer Francesca Battistelli, Barlow Girl, Sixpence None the Richer, Superchick (pictured at left), Flyleaf, and Krystal Meyers. Logan also mentioned Aly &AJ in his example, whose song "Never Far Behind" was a hit on Christian radio in 2005. "Together, they are all accomplishing the once daunting task of making females just as prominent as males in the music world," says Logan. "But there is still plenty of opportunity out there for female artists."

But what of those female artists that paved the way for these ladies/female fronted-bands? Of course there's Amy Grant, known for helping bring Christian music to public consciousness. Or CeCe Winans (pictured at right), a Grammy and Stellar (think Grammys for Gospel Music) Award-winner singer who found success with and without her famous family (the Winans family are known for their many Gospel groups, including BeBe and CeCe Winans)? There's also groups like Mary Mary and Point of Grace who have produced many number singles over the years.


 There are plenty more female Christian artists and I'm sure there are more to come. I agree with Logan: I don't mind a little girl power in my music either.

Big News for Hillsong United!

This is definitely a HUGE accomplishment! According to Today's Christian Music, Hillsong United is the first Christian act to sell out the Staples Center in LA. The band is currently touring in support of their new album "Aftermath," which is also their fastest-selling album. The Aftermath Tour has been selling out at other venues, such as Boston's Orpheum Theater and NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom. To find out more about the tour, visit the band's website or facebook page. For the story, click on this link: Hillsong UNITED | HILLSONG UNITED Becomes First Christian Artist To Sell Out Los Angeles Staples Center | TodaysChristianMusic.com

NAACP Image Awards

On March 4th, Fox aired the 42nd Annual NAACP Image Awards, which honors achievements from people of color in the past year. There is only one category in the Christian/Gospel music area (Outstanding Gospel Album [Traditional or Contemporary]). Here are the nominees (with the winner in bold):

"The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III" by Kirk Whalum

"Here I Am" by Marvin Sapp 

 

"Just Love: Deluxe Edition" by Brian Courtney Wilson

"The Master Plan" by Temela Mann

"You Are Not Alone" by Mavis Staples

 

Congratulations to the winner!

 

Billboard Report: Week of March 19, 2011

Christian Albums: "Hundred More Years" by Francesca Battistelli

• #16 Billboard 200
• #21 Digital Albums

Christian Songs: "Beautiful" (from "The Generous Mr. Lovewell") by MercyMe

Gospel Albums: "Wow Gospel 2011" by Various Artists

• #45 Billboard 200

Gospel Songs: "Nobody Greater" (from "Triumphant") by VaShawn Mitchell

• #87 R&B/Hip-hop Songs

American Idol 10 - Stefano Langone [I Need You Now] - Wild Card Round

I just thought I share this video from last week's American Idol results show. Gospel and Christian music is rarely performed on this show (despite having contestants that profess to be Christians). So hearing a song like Smokie Norful's "I Need You Now" is a rare, but welcomed, surprise. (If you didn't see the end, Stefano Langone, the singer in the video, made it to the Top 13!)

Billboard Report: Week of March 5, 2011

See what happens when you miss a week (or two)?

Christian Albums: "Aftermath" by Hillsong United

• Debut
• #17 Billboard 200
• #5 Digital Albums
• Had the greatest airplay and and sales gains this week

Christian Songs: "Your Love" by Brandon Heath

Gospel Albums: "Wow Gospel 2011" by Various Artists

Gospel Songs: "Nobody Greater" by VaShawn Mitchell

• #87 R&B/Hip-hop Songs
• Had the greatest airplay and and sales gains this week