Introduction
In the summer of 1973, the American family pop‑rock group The Osmonds released “Let Me In” as the second single from their ambitious concept album The Plan . Written by brothers Alan, Merrill, and Wayne Osmond, and produced by Alan, the track marked a stylistic shift for the group: blending their signature soft‑pop sound with Philadelphia soul textures and heartfelt balladry .
“Let Me In” represented a departure from the rock‑driven singles of their 1972 album Crazy Horses and the previous Phase III era, instead leaning into emotionally direct vocals and introspective lyrical themes . The song features Merrill Osmond on lead verses and Donny Osmond, supported by Alan and Wayne in unison, on the chorus—reviving the dual‑lead vocal dynamic they had employed during Donny’s earlier boy‑soprano days .
At its core, “Let Me In” functions on two levels: as a romantic plea and as a Mormon/Christian allegory, echoing the parable of the Prodigal Son—a recurring motif throughout The Plan album, which explores themes of spiritual redemption and divine reconciliation . This dual nature underscored The Osmonds’ identity at the time—not just as teen idols but also as musicians pushing moral and religious messages into their pop repertoire.
Upon its release on September 1, 1973, “Let Me In” achieved commercial success in several countries: it peaked at No. 2 in the UK, reached No. 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and climbed to No. 4 on the U.S. Easy Listening chart. In Canada, it hit No. 15 on the pop chart and No. 5 on adult contemporary listings .
Though overshadowed in the U.S. by earlier hits like Yo‑Yo and Down by the Lazy River, “Let Me In” remains notable for showcasing the Osmonds during their period of artistic ambition—and for embodying the personal and spiritual convictions they wove into their music at their mid‑1970s peak.