Today’s From The Vault pick celebrates the debut single of a group that has changed the face of Gospel forever. It’s the uplifting ‘Shackles (Praise You)’ by Grammy winners Mary Mary.

Released during the very last weeks of the last millenium, ‘Praise’ introduced the world to the ladies’ brand of Contemporary Gospel with Urban-Pop undertones. While not its originators, the ladies are renown for popularizing the Urban Gospel genre on a global scale

Indeed, with a peak position of #28 and #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot Hip-Hop/R&B respectively, the track managed to crack the British Top 5, reach the thriteenth position of the French Chart and went to #2 in Australia.

The Darren Grant directed music video aided the duo’s world domination. Showcasing how we can always overcome trials and tribulations – not unlike Michelle Williams’ ‘If We Had Your Eyes’ visual – it had a very appropiate blend of “preachy” and “sophisticated”. A true classic.

Mary Mary went on to become the most successful Contemporary Urban Gospel group thanks to this single and its parent album which taught the world how to perfectly mix “secular” beats and religious lyrics.

With the ladies gearing up for the launch of the third season of their hit WE tv show, we can’t wait to hear what the future holds for the group.

Your thoughts?