The Osmonds – My Drum

Introduction

A Child’s Heartbeat, A Timeless Melody

In the early 1970s, The Osmonds—already famed for their polished pop hits—embarked on a bold musical transformation that embraced a harder, more self‑authored rock sound. Released on their third studio album Phase III in late 1971, “My Drum” stands out as a compelling symbol of this creative pivot. Written collaboratively by band members Alan, Merrill and Jay Osmond, the track demonstrates the group’s newfound confidence in both songwriting and musicianship

Phase III marked a deliberate departure from their earlier teen‑pop image, aiming for a more mature, soul‑infused rock aesthetic. Recorded between June and September 1971 and released in January 1972, the album reached No. 10 on the Billboard Top LPs chart . Within it, “My Drum” emerges as a rhythmic centerpiece—a raw, drum‑driven composition that channels the group’s evolving rock identity. Notably, Jay Osmond, the band’s drummer, contributed to the writing, a reflection of the Osmonds’ intention to highlight their instrumental prowess alongside their vocal harmonies .

Though overshadowed commercially by singles like “Yo‑Yo” and “Down by the Lazy River,” “My Drum” holds a distinct place within the Phase III tracklist at number 7, embodying the gritty, self‑assured style that would become more pronounced in their next release, Crazy Horses . It also even found its way into their early‑’70s Saturday‑morning cartoon series The Osmonds, underscoring its role as a key part of the group’s evolving artistic narrative .

Ultimately, “My Drum” offers a revealing snapshot of The Osmonds at a crossroads: still anchored in their family‑band harmonies, yet restless and eager to assert themselves as authentic rock musicians. With its punchy rhythm and earnest songwriting, the song encapsulates a transitional moment—one where the polished popular framework met a rawer rock spirit, all driven by the beat of Jay Osmond’s own drum.

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