Introduction:
The Osmonds, for many, were synonymous with bubblegum pop and teenage hysteria, a clean-cut quintet of brothers in matching suits. Yet, to dismiss them with that singular image is to miss a crucial, deeply spiritual chapter of their career. In 1973, they released an album that transcended their pop idol status and delved into something far more profound: The Plan. At the heart of this transformative work lies “The Plan Medley,” a promo piece that, even now, stands as a testament to their artistic and spiritual journey. This isn’t just music; it’s a soul laid bare, a sacred narrative delivered with an emotional weight that can only come from true belief.
What makes “The Plan Medley” so deeply affecting is its raw, unpolished sincerity. The Osmonds weren’t performing a concept; they were living it. The lyrics, penned by Merrill and Alan Osmond, are a lyrical journey through the Mormon faith’s core tenets: the pre-mortal existence, the purpose of life, and the promise of a return to a divine home. But you don’t need to be a member of their faith to be moved by it. The medley speaks to universal human questions: Who are we? Why are we here? And where do we go next?
The music itself is a slow, powerful build. It begins with the simple, almost childlike reflection of “I Can’t Get Away,” a gentle confession of a spirit searching for its purpose. Then, as the arrangement swells with strings and a full choir, the melody shifts and deepens, taking the listener by the hand through a cosmic story. This isn’t the slick, upbeat sound of “Crazy Horses” or “One Bad Apple.” This is a somber, hymn-like anthem, a meditation set to music. The brothers’ voices, especially Merrill’s, are filled with a breathtaking earnestness. You can hear the quiet reverence and the profound sense of awe in every note, as if they are not singing to a crowd but to a higher power.
The genius of the medley lies in its structure, effortlessly weaving together themes of a heavenly council, a spiritual war, and the ultimate decision to follow a divine plan. It’s a bold artistic statement, especially for a group at the peak of their mainstream fame. By releasing “The Plan Medley,” The Osmonds risked alienating a significant portion of their fanbase, trading chart-topping hits for a piece of music that was more sermon than song. This was not a commercial calculation; it was an act of courage and faith.
Decades later, “The Plan Medley” endures not as a relic of 70s rock, but as a timeless piece of spiritual art. It is a quiet reminder that even in the brightest spotlight, some things remain sacred and private. It’s a testament to the power of a story told from the heart, a story of hope and destiny that resonates long after the final chord fades. To listen to it is to be invited into a moment of pure, heartfelt vulnerability, a profound meditation on life’s most enduring questions. It’s a song that doesn’t demand your attention; it earns your quiet, thoughtful reflection. It touches the soul because it came from the soul.
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