Introduction:
The 1972 release of “Crazy Horses” by The Osmonds was nothing short of a seismic event in the world of pop music. It shattered the public’s perception of the clean-cut, family-friendly act from Utah, replacing their signature bubblegum pop with a raw, gritty, hard rock sound. The song was released on October 14, 1972, as the second single from their fourth studio album of the same name, Crazy Horses. The album was a defining moment for the band, marking a decisive shift in their musical direction. The Osmonds, consisting of brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and Donny, wrote the song themselves, taking control of their artistic destiny and challenging the expectations placed upon them by their record label and fans. The genre of “Crazy Horses” is most accurately described as hard rock and heavy metal, with elements of glam rock. This genre shift was a bold move that caught many by surprise, as it placed them in a completely different musical league than their contemporaries.
The story of “Crazy Horses” is rooted in the Osmonds’ desire for creative freedom. Having achieved massive commercial success with pop hits like “One Bad Apple” and “Puppy Love,” the brothers felt a need to express their true musical interests, which leaned heavily toward rock music. According to interviews with the band members, the song was born from a jam session in their basement. Wayne Osmond began playing a heavy, chugging guitar riff, Merrill came up with a melody, and Alan contributed the chords. The result was a sound that was far more aggressive and experimental than anything they had released before. The lyrics, with their cryptic lines about “crazy horses smokin’ up the sky,” were initially misinterpreted as a reference to drug use, leading the song to be banned in several countries. However, the band clarified that the song was a protest against environmental pollution, specifically the smog generated by car exhaust. This socially conscious message further solidified their artistic credibility and demonstrated a maturity that extended beyond their years.
The achievements of “Crazy Horses” are remarkable, especially considering the risks the band took with its release. While the song did not reach number one on the US charts, peaking at number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100, its impact was far more significant than its chart position suggests. The single was a massive hit internationally, reaching number two in the UK and achieving number one status in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The album, Crazy Horses, also performed well, reaching number fourteen on the Billboard Top LPs chart and being certified Gold by the RIAA. The success of “Crazy Horses” earned the Osmonds newfound respect from the music industry and fellow musicians. Legendary artists like Ozzy Osbourne and the members of Metallica and Duran Duran have all expressed admiration for the song, with Osbourne reportedly calling it one of his favorite rock and roll songs of all time. This critical acclaim from the rock community proved that the Osmonds’ musical evolution was not a gimmick but a genuine artistic statement. The song remains a cornerstone of their legacy, a testament to their versatility and courage to defy expectations.