Crazy Horses cover

Crazy Horses

The Osmonds · 1972

26 min · 5 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant fusion of bubblegum pop and rhythm and blues, layered with infectious hooks and a driving beat.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Crazy Horses (7″ mix) — The title track features an iconic riff and socially conscious lyrics about environmental concerns, setting it apart from typical bubblegum fare.
  • →
    Crazy Horses (12″ extended mix) — This extended version offers a deeper dive into the song's infectious groove, highlighting the band's musical versatility and appeal on dance floors.
  • →
    Crazy Horses (original version) — The original version captures the raw energy and urgency of the song, showcasing the band's harmonies and instrumental prowess at their finest.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of catchy melodies and energetic arrangements, marking a notable shift in the Osmonds' sound.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a prominent guitar riff that drives the song, contrasting with the more melodic and harmony-focused tracks that precede it.
  • Several songs incorporate brass instrumentation, adding a layer of richness and energy to the arrangements.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • upbeat grooves for dancing
  • for party atmosphere
  • short bursts of energy
  • infectious hooks that engage
  • celebratory vibe with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking deep emotional exploration
  • prefer lengthy immersive tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1972, Crazy Horses marked The Osmonds' evolution from teen idols to serious musicians. This album followed their successful debut, featuring a more mature sound and thematic depth that reflected broader trends in early '70s pop music.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Crazy Horses (7″ mix)

    In a moment where the verses depict a sense of urgency about societal change, the chorus bursts forth with a rallying call.

    The contrast between the reflective verses and the spirited chorus emphasizes the tension between awareness and action, a powerful move that elevates the song's message.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Crazy Horses (7″ mix) 3:05
  • 2 Crazy Horses (club mix) 6:59
  • 3 Crazy Horses (club dub) 6:59
  • 4 Crazy Horses (12″ extended mix) 6:25
  • 5 Crazy Horses (original version) 2:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata