Introduction
“Crazy Horses” is a groundbreaking track by The Osmonds, released on October 14, 1972, as the second single from their album of the same name. Departing from their previous bubblegum pop image, the band embraced a hard rock and heavy metal sound, marking a significant shift in their musical direction. The song was co-written by Alan, Wayne, and Merrill Osmond, with Jay Osmond taking the lead vocals .
The inspiration for “Crazy Horses” came during a basement rehearsal when Wayne began playing a heavy rock riff. Merrill contributed a melody, and Alan added the chords, resulting in the song’s creation within an hour. The lyrics, penned by Alan, address environmental concerns, symbolizing pollution through the imagery of “crazy horses, smoking up the sky”—a metaphor for gas-guzzling cars emitting harmful fumes .
The recording process took place at MGM Studios in Hollywood, where the distinctive “Wah! Wah!” intro sound was added later. The album’s cover art was shot in a junkyard, surrounded by old cars, reinforcing the song’s environmental message .
Upon release, “Crazy Horses” achieved commercial success, reaching number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also banned in France due to concerns over drug references in the lyrics . The song’s success helped The Osmonds gain a new audience, including rock fans and even members of Led Zeppelin, with whom they later performed .
“Crazy Horses” remains a testament to The Osmonds’ versatility and willingness to evolve artistically, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.