Junk Box Jury

“Having A Party” taken from the album ‘Love Me For A Reason’ (MGM 2315 312) November 1974

The Osmonds | Love Me For A Reason | (MGM) | Well, here it is folks, the album that’s been heralded as the Osmonds’ soul work . . . well, the second side maybe. Very moody cover, all big hats and soft lights, super soul-style. The fist side of the album, can’t in all honesty, be described as soul. “Having A Party” and “The Girl I Love” is pure Osmonds, lots of vocals and rhythm – all with that H.B. Barnum sound which isn’t surprising as he co-wrote both numbers.

Then their last single, “Love Me For A Reason”, before swinging into “Ballin’ The Jack” and “Send A Little Love”, written by Solomon Burke. It may not be soul, but all the right names are there.

It’s side two where the funk is introduced, especially with the instrumental backings – Shaft style intros and chaka chaka guitar notes. Very fair version of “I Can’t Get Next To You” and “I Can See Love In You And Me”.

Only one Osmonds penned number, “Sun, Sun, Sun” complete with deep, throaty vocals and an Indian Reservation rhythm. The album boogies to a close with “Fever” (not the Peggy Lee song) and it sounds like everyone had a good time.

It’s an LP that might have Osmonds knockers shutting up for a while, well produced, slick and solid. (Record Mirror, 30/11/74)

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cost of record: £2
from: British Heart Foundation