More Than a Boy Band: The Osmonds’ Prog-Rock Opus
For those of us who grew up in the era of “Osmondmania,” the image of the clean-cut, singing brothers from Utah is forever etched in our minds. They were the epitome of wholesome, family-friendly entertainment, a pop sensation with a string of infectious hits. But in 1973, The Osmonds took a bold and unexpected turn with their concept album, The Plan. Opening this ambitious project was the track “War In Heaven,” an intense and dramatic piece that served as the album’s overture. As a part of a larger album and not a standalone single, it didn’t have its own chart position, but the album it belonged to was a major moment for the band, reaching No. 58 on the US Billboard Top LPs chart and a respectable No. 6 in the UK, showcasing a new, more mature side of the group.
The story behind this song and the entire album is a fascinating one, rooted deeply in the family’s Mormon faith. The album, co-written by the brothers, was an ambitious effort to create a rock opera that explored the tenets of their religion, particularly the “Plan of Salvation.” “War In Heaven” is the dramatic opening act, setting the stage for this spiritual journey with its heavy, psychedelic-tinged sound. It’s a track that feels like a full-blown musical number, with pounding drums, soaring harmonies, and a sense of cosmic conflict. The song’s meaning is drawn directly from Mormon theology, depicting the pre-mortal conflict in which spirits chose to follow or reject God’s plan.
This wasn’t the bubblegum pop of “One Bad Apple.” This was The Osmonds stretching their artistic wings, showcasing a musicality that many of their detractors overlooked. It was a a signal that they were more than just a boy band; they were talented musicians and songwriters with something deeply personal to say. For those of us who were there, listening to that album for the first time felt like a secret—a private glimpse into the hearts and minds of a family we thought we knew. It was a testament to the band’s versatility and a powerful reminder that behind the pop stardom lay a creative fire, burning with a passion that was both unexpected and profoundly moving.