Introduction:
“Crazy Horses” is a song by the American family group The Osmonds. Released in 1972, it stands out in their discography for its departure from their earlier bubblegum pop sound, venturing into the realms of hard rock and heavy metal. The song became a hit, showcasing the band’s musical versatility and appealing to a broader audience.
The Osmonds began their career as a barbershop quartet, comprising brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay Osmond. They gained initial fame in the 1960s and early 1970s with a string of pop hits that often featured their younger brother Donny. However, as they matured, the Osmonds sought to explore a more diverse musical direction. “Crazy Horses” marked a significant turning point in their sound, demonstrating a heavier, more aggressive style that incorporated elements of hard rock.
“Crazy Horses” is the title track from The Osmonds’ 1972 album Crazy Horses. The album itself is notable for its shift towards a harder rock sound. While the Osmonds had previously been known for their clean-cut image and pop sensibilities, Crazy Horses showcased their instrumental skills and willingness to experiment with a heavier, more guitar-driven sound. The album was released by MGM Records and was produced by Alan Osmond and Michael Lloyd.
The song “Crazy Horses” was released as the second single from the album. It achieved considerable commercial success, reaching number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s popularity helped the Crazy Horses album reach number 14 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and earn a Gold certification from the RIAA in January 1973. “Crazy Horses” also stands out as the only hit record from the Osmonds to feature Jay Osmond as the lead vocalist.
The lyrics of “Crazy Horses” address environmental concerns, using the metaphor of “crazy horses” to represent gas-guzzling cars and their destructive impact on the planet. This thematic depth, combined with the song’s raw energy, resonated with audiences and contributed to its enduring appeal. The song’s opening, featuring a distinctive, almost theremin-like sound created on a Yamaha YC-45D combo organ by Donny Osmond, along with Wayne Osmond’s powerful guitar riff, immediately grabs the listener’s attention.
The Osmonds’ transition to a heavier sound with “Crazy Horses” broadened their fanbase and challenged the perception of the group as merely teen idols. The song’s influence can be heard in its subsequent covers by various artists across different genres, including Electric Six, Lana Del Rey, The Prodigy, and others. “Crazy Horses” is now recognized as a significant song in the evolution of heavy metal music, with author and music journalist Chuck Eddy ranking the Crazy Horses album at #66 in his 1991 book The Five Hundred Best Heavy Metal Albums in the Universe.