Mary Mary vs. MALARKEY | Head 2 Head

In the 32nd edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Mary Mary and MALARKEY contend for the best rendition of “Shackles (Praise You).”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberating, we render a verdict on which performance was the best, or, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  In the 32^nd edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Mary Mary and MALARKEY contend for the best rendition of “Shackles (Praise You)”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Mary Mary, “Shackles (Praise You)”

Thankful // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 2000

“Down for so long, feel like all hope was gone / But as I lift my hands, I understand / That I should praise You through my circumstance.” Grammy-winning contemporary gospel duo Mary Mary (Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell) earned a multiplatinum album (Thankful) and a pair of gold albums (Incredible and Mary Mary). However, the duo, who’ve reached the pop charts thrice, has only one top 40 hit. Their platinum single, “Shackles (Praise You)” reached no. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2000.

What made the gospel record, perform well on the pop charts? It emulated the sounds of R&B of 2000.  Erica and Tina gave glory and honor to God with a fresh, trendy sound.  They penned “Shackles” with songwriter and producer Warryn Campbell.  Warryn produced alongside Poke and Tone.  The song makes you want to dance while giving off encouraging, spiritual vibes.  The positivity and danceable aesthetic propelled this song to pop success. The section to beat is the chorus:

“Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
(What you wanna do?)
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
(Feel me?)
And I’m gonna praise You
(What you gonna do?)
I’m gonna praise You.”

The chorus sums things up perfectly.  God has been merciful and allowed them to break free, therefore, they want to thank and praise Him. All said and done, “Shackles (Praise You)” still means the most to believers, but even those who don’t ascribe to religion can dig the positive vibes.

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Intriguing Songs Associated with Chains ⛓ (2021)
• Praise 🙌: 5ive Songs No. 24 (2021)
• 11 Songs Filled with Immense Praise 🙌 (2022)
• Mary Mary, Shackles (Praise You): 1 Hit WONDERful 25 (2024)

2. MALARKEY, “Shackles (Praise You)”

MALARKEY // “SHACKLES (PRAISE YOU)” // HEXAGON // 2021

“Take the shackles off my feet, so I can dance (so I can dance) / I just wanna praise You (just wanna praise You).” UK-based DJ/producer/songwriter MALARKEY (Sam Butler) remixed the contemporary gospel classic: “Shackles (Praise You)” by Mary Mary.  Gospel and electronic dance music seem worlds apart, at least on paper.  However, Butler transforms the ‘poppier’ song of praise into one fitting for the dancefloor.

In the hands of MALARKEY, “Shackles (Praise You)” takes on a much quicker tempo. The increase in speed makes it more characteristic of dance. The dance music cues work seamlessly on this remix.  Butler adds an infectious beat with a thudding kick intact, colorful synths, and that signature, rhythmic house piano. Woo! Even as Butler tweaks the original by Mary Mary, many of the contemporary gospel music vibes remain intact.  The sped-up vocals by the duo maintain their soulfulness and high-flying praise.  The chorus that solidified “Shackles” as a pop hit for the duo is still lit. MALARKEY proves on “Shackles (Praise You)” that gospel dance music is legit. Praise Him 🙌!

Appears in 🔻:

• MALARKEY, Shackles (Praise You): Covers No. 31 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

So, who made the most joyful noise on “Shackles (Praise You)”? Was it the ‘fresh’ original by Mary Mary or a thrilling, dance cover/remix by MALARKEY? Both renditions are sweet.  It’s impressive that MALARKEY transformed the gospel joint into a dance joint.  Do you know what’s even more impressive? A contemporary gospel duo did pop numbers while still glorifying The Most High.  Therefore, the rightful winner of this Head 2 Head is Mary Mary.

Mary Mary vs. MALARKEY: Head 2 Head No. 32 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; HEXAGON, Sony BMG Music Entertainment; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]