Introduction
In 1972, The Osmonds—already household names thanks to hits like “One Bad Apple” and “Crazy Horses”—released the album Crazy Horses, showcasing a bold evolution from their earlier bubblegum-pop roots. Nestled in the album’s second side, track 11 is a soulful, uptempo offering titled “Julie”, penned by brothers Alan, Wayne, and Merrill Osmond.
Opening with expressive piano and heartfelt lead vocals, “Julie” departs from the album’s heavier rock tracks. The song weaves genuine emotion into brisk tempo and rock‑tinged instrumentation—melding energetic riffs with earnest lyrics that spotlight admiration for a girl named Julie . It builds on the Osmonds’ growing confidence as songwriters and musicians, reflecting their transition into more personally crafted material—an artistic direction that began with Phase III and culminated in Crazy Horses.
While much attention on Crazy Horses centers around its hard‑rock singles—“Hold Her Tight” and the title track—“Julie” offers a revealing glimpse of the group’s melodic and vocal strengths. Featured “amidst this harder‑edged album… opening with piano and some very soulful vocals by Merrill” , the track underscores the Osmonds’ versatility and capacity for nuanced emotion beyond their teen-pop image.
Though never released as a single, “Julie” has earned admiration in retrospective album reviews. It demonstrates the Osmonds’ commitment to authenticity during a period of transformation—showcasing both their instrumental skill and emotional resonance. Positioned just two tracks before the edgy “Big Finish,” “Julie” acts as a graceful prelude, encapsulating the group’s evolving identity: heartfelt yet energized, sincere yet adventurous.
In sum, “Julie” stands as a significant yet often overlooked gem within Crazy Horses, offering a richer, more personal side of The Osmonds as they expanded their musical scope and deepened their artistic journey.