A cautionary tale about the perils of environmental destruction, disguised as a high-octane rock anthem.
Ah, The Osmonds. Just the name conjures up images of perfectly coiffed hair, dazzling smiles, and catchy tunes that dominated the early 70s airwaves. But beyond the clean-cut image and bubblegum pop hits, there was a song that stood out, a track that showcased a different side of the family band: “Crazy Horses”. Released in 1972 from the album of the same name, this wasn’t your typical Osmonds fare. It was a raw, energetic, almost frantic rock song with a powerful message, and it resonated deeply with audiences, climbing to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
The story behind “Crazy Horses” is as intriguing as the song itself. While many perceived the Osmonds as manufactured pop idols, they were in fact a tight-knit family of musicians with diverse musical tastes. The song was primarily written by Alan Osmond and Mel Larson, and it was inspired by a very real concern: the growing threat of air pollution caused by automobiles. Imagine that, amidst the glam rock and disco fever, a teeny-bopper band was singing about environmental issues! It was quite a bold move, and it certainly wasn’t what anyone expected from the Osmonds.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of these “Crazy Horses”, which are clearly metaphors for cars, “smokin’ up the sky,” leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The song warns that if we don’t stop these “horses” from running wild, “it’s all our fault.” It’s a powerful message, delivered with an urgency that is palpable even today. The driving guitar riffs, the pounding drums, and the raw vocals, especially from Merrill Osmond, create a sense of impending doom, perfectly capturing the anxiety surrounding the issue of pollution. It’s almost as if the song itself is a runaway horse, galloping towards an uncertain future.
The musical arrangement of “Crazy Horses” was a significant departure from the Osmonds’ usual style. It was heavier, edgier, with a distinct rock and roll feel. This shift in sound wasn’t accidental. The band wanted to be taken seriously as musicians, and they wanted to address important issues through their music. “Crazy Horses” was their way of proving that they were more than just pretty faces; they had something to say. The song’s intensity, its raw energy, and its powerful message resonated with a broader audience, including many who might have dismissed the Osmonds as mere teen idols.
Looking back, “Crazy Horses” stands as a testament to the Osmonds’ versatility and their willingness to take risks. It’s a song that has aged remarkably well, its message about environmental responsibility remaining as relevant today as it was in the 70s. It serves as a reminder that music can be more than just entertainment; it can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking conversation about important issues. For those of us who remember hearing it on the radio for the first time, it’s a nostalgic trip back to a time when even pop stars were concerned about the future of our planet. The song’s legacy isn’t just about its chart success; it’s about its enduring message and its ability to connect with listeners across generations. It’s a true classic, a reminder of a time when music had the power to make us think, to make us feel, and to make us want to make a difference. The album “Crazy Horses” itself became a gold record, further solidifying the song’s impact.