Introduction: A Shining Moment in The Osmonds’ Discography
“We Can Make It Together” stands as one of The Osmonds’ most uplifting collaborations, featuring the combined talents of this famous musical family with the legendary country singer Merle Haggard. Released in 1972 on their album “The Osmonds Live,” this piece of music represents a perfect fusion of the group’s pop sensibilities with country-western influences that defined much of American music in the early 1970s.
Historical Context and Album Background
“The Osmonds Live” was released during what many consider the golden era of the family’s musical career. Following their breakthrough success with hits like “One Bad Apple” and “Down by the Lazy River,” the Osmonds were riding high on the charts and in the hearts of fans worldwide. This live album captured the electric atmosphere of their concerts during this period of immense popularity.
Recorded primarily during their performances at The Forum in Los Angeles, the album showcased the family’s remarkable stage presence and musical versatility. “We Can Make It Together” stood out as a special studio track added to complement the live recordings, giving fans something new alongside the concert experience.
The early 1970s represented a transitional period in American music and society. The optimism of the 1960s was fading, and many artists were creating music that addressed the changing social landscape. The Osmonds, while maintaining their clean-cut image, weren’t immune to these influences, and “We Can Make It Together” reflects a conscious effort to spread a message of unity during divisive times.
Musical Composition and Arrangement
“We Can Make It Together” is built on a solid foundation of country-pop instrumentation typical of early 1970s productions. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar introduction that establishes both the melodic theme and emotional tone of the piece. This guitar work, likely performed by Alan Osmond (one of the group’s primary musicians), demonstrates the technical proficiency that set The Osmonds apart from many of their contemporaries.
The rhythm section provides a steady, unobtrusive backbone to the song. A measured drum pattern keeps the song moving forward without overwhelming the vocal harmonies that are the true stars of the production. The bass guitar work is similarly restrained yet essential, providing warmth and depth to the overall sound.
What truly elevates the instrumental arrangement is the tasteful addition of piano throughout the song. The piano accents punctuate emotional moments in the lyrics and provide melodic counterpoints during the verses. During the chorus, the piano becomes more prominent, helping to build the sense of crescendo that makes the refrain so powerful.
String arrangements add a layer of sophistication to the production. Sweeping violins and deeper cellos create a rich texture that enhances the emotional impact of both Merle Haggard’s contributions and the Osmonds’ harmonies. These orchestral elements were characteristic of many productions from this era, bridging the gap between country, pop, and the more elaborate arrangements found in adult contemporary music of the time.
Vocal Performance and Harmonies
The vocal performance on “We Can Make It Together” demonstrates why The Osmonds were considered vocal powerhouses of their generation. The family’s signature tight harmonies are on full display, with Merle Haggard’s distinctive voice providing a wonderful contrast to the Osmonds’ smoother tones.
Donny Osmond, who was becoming the group’s most recognizable voice, delivers a particularly emotive performance on his solo sections. His clear tenor captures the youthful optimism that was central to the group’s appeal. The contrast between Donny’s voice and Merle’s weathered, experienced baritone creates a fascinating dynamic that enhances the song’s message of different people coming together.
The harmony arrangements show sophisticated musical knowledge, with the brothers often singing in five-part harmonies that demonstrate their years of performing together. The blend is nearly perfect—a testament to both their natural familial vocal similarities and their rigorous training.
Lyrical Content and Thematic Elements
Lyrically, “We Can Make It Together” embodies the hopeful, positive messaging that The Osmonds were known for. The song’s central theme revolves around unity, cooperation, and the belief that working together can overcome any obstacle. This message resonated strongly in the early 1970s, a period marked by social unrest and division following the turbulent late 1960s.
The lyrics avoid being overly specific about political or social issues, instead focusing on universal themes of hope and togetherness that could appeal to listeners across different backgrounds. This approach was consistent with The Osmonds’ desire to create uplifting, family-friendly content while still acknowledging the realities of the world around them.
The chorus, with its repeated affirmation that “we can make it together,” serves as both the musical and thematic centerpiece of the song. The straightforward nature of this message, delivered with genuine conviction by both The Osmonds and Haggard, gives the song its enduring appeal.
The Osmonds and Merle Haggard: An Unlikely Collaboration
The collaboration between The Osmonds and Merle Haggard represents an interesting crossover between two seemingly different musical worlds. The Osmonds, with their clean-cut image and pop-oriented sound, might have seemed an unusual match for Haggard, who was known for his outlaw country persona and songs that often dealt with hardship and struggle.
However, this collaboration worked remarkably well for several reasons. First, The Osmonds had genuine country music influences in their repertoire, particularly evident in their harmonies and some of their instrumental approaches. Second, Haggard, despite his rougher image, was a versatile performer capable of adapting to different musical contexts.
Most importantly, both acts shared a fundamental authenticity in their performances. Whether singing about heartbreak in a honky-tonk or spreading messages of hope on primetime television, both Haggard and The Osmonds connected with audiences through emotional sincerity. This shared quality allows “We Can Make It Together” to avoid feeling contrived or forced.
Production Qualities and Studio Techniques
The production of “We Can Make It Together” reflects the studio techniques of the early 1970s while maintaining a relatively timeless quality. The song benefits from the warm analog recording methods of the era, giving the vocals and instruments a rich, full-bodied sound that modern digital recordings often struggle to replicate.
The mix prioritizes vocal clarity while ensuring all instrumental elements remain distinct and audible. The engineers did an excellent job of balancing the multiple vocal parts with the diverse instrumental palette, allowing listeners to appreciate both the technical proficiency of the musicians and the emotional impact of the performance.
Reverb and delay effects are used judiciously to create a sense of space without the excessive wetness that characterized some productions of the era. This restraint in effects application helps maintain focus on the song’s message and emotional content rather than drawing attention to production techniques.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
While “We Can Make It Together” wasn’t The Osmonds’ biggest hit, it represents an important aspect of their musical legacy. The song exemplifies their ability to bridge different musical worlds and create content that appealed across generational and cultural divides.
The collaboration with Merle Haggard also helped solidify The Osmonds’ credibility with more musically discerning audiences. By working with an artist of Haggard’s stature and authenticity, the group demonstrated that they were serious musicians rather than merely teen idols.
In the broader context of American popular music, “We Can Make It Together” stands as a testament to the fluid boundaries between musical genres in the early 1970s. The song draws from country, pop, and even elements of folk and gospel to create something that defies easy categorization—a quality that gives it enduring appeal nearly five decades after its release.
Similar Listening Recommendations
For those who enjoy “We Can Make It Together,” several other songs capture similar musical elements or thematic content:
- “Let’s Find Each Other Tonight” by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens – Another collaboration that showcases Haggard’s ability to blend his distinctive voice with a complementary partner.
- “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies – Shares the theme of unity and caring for others, with similarly sophisticated vocal arrangements and orchestration.
- “I Believe in Music” by Mac Davis – Features a positive, uplifting message about the power of music to bring people together, with country-pop production elements similar to “We Can Make It Together.”
- “Put Your Hand in the Hand” by Ocean – A contemporary gospel-influenced hit that shares the optimistic spiritual undertones found in The Osmonds’ work.
- “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night – Though more rock-oriented than The Osmonds’ sound, this hit shares the expansive production values and theme of universal celebration.
Conclusion: A Timeless Message of Hope
“We Can Make It Together” remains a standout track in The Osmonds’ extensive catalog, not only for the novel collaboration with Merle Haggard but for its sincere delivery of a message that continues to resonate. In an era where division often seems more prevalent than unity, the song’s central theme feels particularly relevant.
The technical aspects of the recording—from the intricate vocal harmonies to the tasteful instrumental accompaniment on guitar and piano—demonstrate the musical sophistication that sometimes got overlooked due to The Osmonds’ teen idol status. The album containing this track showcases a group at the height of their powers, comfortable in their identity yet willing to expand their musical horizons.
For contemporary listeners discovering or revisiting this piece of music, “We Can Make It Together” offers both a nostalgic glimpse into a specific moment in American popular culture and a timeless reminder of music’s power to unite. Whether appreciated for its technical merits, its historical significance, or simply its uplifting message, the song stands as a worthy addition to any playlist focusing on the rich tapestry of early 1970s American music.