The Osmonds, the iconic squeaky-clean pop group of the early ’70s, shocked fans with their deeply innocent and heartfelt hit “What Could It Be?”, a song that magnificently captures the bewildering, tender awakening of young love. Released in 1972, this track climbed to number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, stirring the hearts of millions and forever engraving itself as the soundtrack for youthful romantic curiosity.
Picture the shy glances, the nervous smiles, and that fragile moment where the pulse races with the thrilling question: “What is this feeling?” The Osmonds’ beautifully structured harmonies and Donny Osmond’s earnest lead vocals turned that universal experience into a vivid musical journey. Their song boldly embodies the question every young soul asks, wrapped in an upbeat yet thoughtful pop sound that summons that electric fear and wonder of early love.
Penned by the gifted Osmond brothers—Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Donny themselves—“What Could It Be?” is more than just a pop tune; it is an emotional confession of innocent confusion and hopeful anticipation. The group’s reputation for wholesome, clean-cut music takes a slight introspective turn here, delving into the raw, unfiltered emotions swirling inside every adolescent heart as they tread the first steps towards romance.
A fan remarked during a recent interview, “For anyone who’s ever felt the flutter of innocence and excitement in their first crush, this song hits right in the heart. It’s not just music; it’s a mirror of young hope and fear.”
Their album “Crazy Horses”, featuring this gem, soared to number 14 in the Billboard 200, showcasing not just their commercial success but their uncanny ability to connect with the tender emotional landscape of their fans. The track’s gentle harmonies and bright melodic charm create an atmosphere brimming with sweet anticipation, perfectly capturing the uncertain thrill of an emotion too new to name.
For the generation that lived through the early ’70s—whether caught in the flush of their first loves or watching their children navigate those same treacherous waters—“What Could It Be?” stands as a timeless anthem. Its enduring power lies in the fact that it never shies away from the vulnerability and excitement that defines the start of every love story.
The Osmonds don’t just sing about love; they bring to life the innocent wonder and genuine heartache of those first sparks with a sincerity rarely seen in pop music. The question lingers, echoing through decades: “What Could It Be?” Is it love, fascination, or merely a fleeting moment? This tune invites us to recall, to feel again, and to hold close the beautiful mystery of youth—ever questioning, ever hopeful.