DESCRIPTION:
THE OSMONDS - CRAZY HORSES
© 1972 MGM/KOLOB/ POLYDOR/ UMG RECORDS

TRACK LISTING:

1. BIG FINISH/ CRAZY HORSES
2. LIFE IS HARD ENOUGH WITHOUT GOODBYES
3. WE ALL FALL DOWN
4. GIRL
5. WHAT COULD IT BE
6. JULIE
7. HOLD HER TIGHT
8. AND YOU LOVE ME
9. HEY, MR. TAXI
10. UTAH
11. THAT'S MY GIRL

PRODUCED BY ALAN OSMOND AND MICHAEL LLOYD

I have to say this is now one of my all-time favorite rock records! I’m a 45 yr. old male and only recently discovered the Osmond’s 1972 “Crazy Horses” album just this year. I knew of a few of their hits, but was only exposed (thru my older sisters) to some Donny Osmond singles and “The Plan” album as a child. “The Plan” is incredibly cool btw.
After hearing “Crazy Horses” for the first time forty plus years after it was recorded, I’m amazed how timeless and modernistic much of it sounds. For instance, there are cool keyboard/synth ‘trills’ reminiscent to 80’s music in the song “We All Fall Down” and this was a decade before. Interesting. Donny Osmond was quite the keyboardist. He also “scratches” out (on his Yamaha YC-30’s portamento strip) the “neighing horse” sound on the Crazy Horses title track. All over the album you’ll hear glimpses of what rock, pop, blues, and r&b would become in the future. These guys were innovative and ahead of their time on “Crazy Hoses” and even “The Plan”.
Some of The Osmond’s favorite artists include Steve Wonder, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. My guess is that some of the songs on Crazy Horses just might be homages to these musicians, and if so, kudos to them for demonstrating their abilities to hone in on a particular genre and nail it…with their own original song. Brilliant.
The Crazy Horses album truly is a rock n roll gem. I think the major reason this album did not explode onto rock territory (although it was No. 14 on Billboard) is twofold…
(1) - Osmond fans were always a million “bubble-gum pop” young tween girls (I mean look how cute these guys were!) They themselves were in their teens and early twenties when they released Crazy Horses and wanted to be accepted by their peers and deemed rock artists. What young male artist wouldn’t?? But as we know unfortunately in the music industry, you can’t control what kind of fans you get. As in their case they were just too good-looking and clean-cut…so that drew the girls in big time. Some things could be worse ;)
(2)- The religious factor. Yes the boys are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), but who cares?!?! There had always been a bias toward them because of that (now that’s “Crazy!”) I mean, shouldn’t Music be about Music and not what religion you are? These guys created great songs…so let’s enjoy the music. Yeah “The Plan” was a sharing of their beliefs thru music, but it wasn’t even threatening or preachy and was a beautiful work. Any person whether atheist or whatever would appreciate the music and message in The Plan…there’s something for everyone.

NOTE: As an artist myself, I personally thought the track order on the original Crazy Horses LP was a little weird, so I put them in an order that I feel has a continuity of hook, mood, song meaning and melody. I also created a ‘contemporary style album cover & back’ (pictured in the video) as if it were re-released today with praises. Enjoy!
ROCK ON OSMONDS!