Introduction
A Whisper of Regret, A Question Lingering: The Osmonds’ Quiet Contemplation
A poignant exploration of unspoken feelings and the lingering “what ifs” of a fading relationship, “(Would It Make You) Think” presented a more mature and introspective side of The Osmonds.
The Osmonds. We remember them, don’t we? A whirlwind of coordinated smiles, dazzling harmonies, and a seemingly endless stream of upbeat hits. But beneath the polished veneer of pop stardom, there were layers of emotion, a spectrum of feelings that occasionally found their way into their music. In 1972, amidst the height of their popularity, they released “(Would It Make You) Think,” a song that deviated from their usual exuberant style, offering a glimpse into a more contemplative and vulnerable side of the group. While the song reached a respectable number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, its true power lay in its understated emotional depth, its quiet exploration of regret and the unspoken questions that haunt the aftermath of a relationship.
This particular track, found on the album “The Plan,” signaled a shift in The Osmonds’ musical direction. They were growing, evolving, and their music reflected that. Gone were the simple, carefree melodies of their earlier hits. In their place, we found a more nuanced approach, a willingness to delve into the complexities of human emotion. “(Would It Make You) Think” was a prime example of this evolution. Its lyrics, penned with a gentle melancholy, spoke of a relationship drifting apart, of words left unsaid, and of the lingering question of whether a change in behavior, a different approach, might have altered the outcome.
The song’s arrangement was equally understated, relying on soft melodies and subtle instrumentation to create an atmosphere of quiet reflection. It was a departure from the energetic, often flamboyant style that had become their trademark, and this deliberate shift in tone allowed the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage. For those of us who lived through those times, the song resonated with a familiar ache, a sense of shared experience. We’ve all had those moments, haven’t we? Those times when we look back and wonder, “What if?” Those moments when we replay past conversations, searching for clues, for missed opportunities.
The beauty of “(Would It Make You) Think” lies in its universality. It wasn’t about grand gestures or dramatic pronouncements; it was about the small, subtle nuances of human connection, the unspoken feelings that often linger beneath the surface. It was a song that spoke to the quiet moments of introspection, the times when we’re left alone with our thoughts, grappling with the complexities of love and loss. It was a song for those quiet evenings, when the radio played softly, and memories flickered like old film reels.
The voices of The Osmonds, always harmoniously blended, carried a new weight in this song. It wasn’t just about technical perfection anymore; it was about conveying genuine emotion, about sharing a sense of vulnerability with their audience. And they succeeded. They delivered a performance that was both heartfelt and sincere, a testament to their growing maturity as artists. For those who grew up with The Osmonds, this song might evoke a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of a time when music was more than just entertainment; it was a reflection of our own lives, a mirror to our own experiences. It was a time when a simple melody, a heartfelt lyric, could touch the deepest corners of our hearts.