Billboard Reviews For Donny & Marie LPs

[Word from Daniel]

Billboard Reviews For Donny & Marie LPs:

MARIE OSMOND
Paper Roses
Producer(s): none listed
MGM/Kolob 4910 / Genre: COUNTRY
PICK
Originally reviewed for week ending 9/22/73

For a youngster of her tender years, her voice has strength and clarity, and the Sonny James production gets the right touch. The girl member of the famous family tackles some fairly difficult material, and acquits herself well. With the title from her big hit single, she shows diversity in the album, erasing all doubts as to her abilities. Best cuts: "Too Many Rivers," "True Love Lasts Forever." "You're The Only World I Know." Dealers: So certain is the label of sales here, that the jacket even includes a fan-club membership application.
MARIE OSMOND
In My Little Corner Of The World
Producer(s): none listed
MGM M3G 4944 / Genre: NO GENRE
SPOTLIGHT
Originally reviewed for week ending 6/22/74

Marie Osmond sells the naivete of youth in her approach to country music, as opposed to that other teen powerhouse Tanya Tucker whose shtick is sounding like a mature belter. Marie won't win any prizes for subtlety in her interpretations and the productions surrounding them in her second LP, but there is the abundant sweet charm that made her "Paper Roses" a crossover smash. And a few phrases here and there suggest that the 14-year-old Osmond sister has the pipes to handle a lot more wide-ranging music in years to come. Best cuts: "My Little Corner of the World," "I Love You Because." Dealers: Sales appeal for pop, MOR and country.
MARIE OSMOND
Who's Sorry Now
Producer(s): none listed
Kolob M3G 4979 (MGM) / Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 2/15/75

The lady in the Osmond family has made a career, and a good one at that, out of covering rock classics from the '50's and early '60's. (Remember "Paper Roses?") Well, she's at it again with an LP that should appeal to AM record fans and, on several cuts, country fans. The singing is not great, but it's certainly adequate and there are strong signs of continuing development. Excellent production from Sonny James keeps her within her vocal range. An overall nostalgic feeling that won't do anyone any harm these days, bringing back memories from one of the few times in the past two decades when there wasn't an awful lot to worry about. Best cuts: "Who's Sorry Now" (current single), "This I Promise You," "Love Letters In The Sand," "The Things I Tell My Pillow," "Jealous Heart" (a good country cut). Dealers: Artist has strong teen and country following.
MARIE OSMOND
Who's Sorry Now
Producer(s): none listed
MGM 4879 / Genre: COUNTRY
Originally reviewed for week ending 3/15/75

Everybody's little darling has another country hit on her hands, thanks to her own abilities, and the guidance of Sonny James, and the obvious encouragement of many. She's a proven winner, and here she treats some old standards and some new tunes with her innocent sounds. Best cuts: "This I Promise You," "Among My Souvenirs," "The Little Things." Dealers: The name alone is magic, and there are some great old songs in this one.
MARIE OSMOND
Marie (This Is The Way That I Feel)
Producer(s): none listed
Polydor PD16099 / Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 4/9/77

Marie's voice, presence and delivery get better each time out and she's in superb form here, backed with classy charts and production. Something for every MOR taste, with plenty of disco cuts, too. Best cuts: "Where Did Our Love Go," "You're My Superman," "All He Did Was Tell Me Lies."

(Daniel's Note: This is by far my favorite Marie Osmond LP. I love them all, but this one is the best!)
MARIE OSMOND
There's No Stopping Your Heart
Producer(s): Paul Worley
Capitol/Curb ST-12414 / Genre: COUNTRY
RECOMMENDED
Originally reviewed for week ending 8/10/85

In spite of its pop smoothness, Osmond's voice is surprisingly firm and effective in this carefully chosen gallery of manageable sentiments. She really shines on "I'll Be Faithful To You" and the duet with Dan Seals, "Meet Me In Montana."
MARIE OSMOND
I Only Wanted You
Producer(s): Paul Worley
Capitol/Curb ST-12516 / Genre: COUNTRY
PICK
Originally reviewed for week ending 9/6/86

Like her recent hits, Marie Osmond's latest album is awash with glowing country-pop production. The title cut, with its unexpected keyboard fills and out-of-nowhere backing vocals, sets the tone for much of the album. The songs here, too, have plenty of surprise chord changes and lyrical twists. As close as Nashville comes to pure aural delight.
DONNY OSMOND
To You With Love
Producer(s): none listed
MGM SE4797 / Genre: POP
PICK
Originally reviewed for week ending 11/6/71

There's no stopping any of the Osmonds this year and this LP by young Donny is no exception. The fine arrangements, top production work and super performance throughout combine to make this a sure sales monster. Featuring Donny's recent No. 1 smash, "Go Away Little Girl," this dynamite package also includes "Hey Little Johnny" and "I'm Into Something Good."
DONNY OSMOND
Portrait of Donny
Producer(s): none listed
Genre: POP / SE 4820
PICK
Originally reviewed for week ending 5/27/72

From the wealth of Osmond family talent comes another top performance by the million selling Donny. With brother Alan helping in the production, Donny has a strong package that will delight his millions of fans, offering super readings on "Hey There Lonely Girl," "Promise Me" (written by several Osmonds) and "I've Got Plans for You." Includes his monster hit "Puppy Love." Another dynamite LP from the young star!
DONNY OSMOND
Too Young
Producer(s): none listed
MGM SE 4854 / Genre: POP
PICK
Originally reviewed for week ending 7/15/72

Producers Mike Curb and Don Costa have widened the appeal of the big talents of Donny Osmond with this program that opens the door to the MOR and adult audience. Featuring his current hit, "To Young," Donny offers material for all ages such as the updating of "Lonely Boy," "Why," "Pretty Blue Eyes," and "Donna," plus a super piece of special material "Last of the Red Hot Lovers."
DONNY OSMOND
My Best to You
Producer(s): none listed
MGM SE 4872 / Genre: POP
PICK
Originally reviewed for week ending 12/9/72

All of Donny Osmond's hits under one cover spells a giant seller! They're all here from "Puppy Love," to "Why," "Lonely Boy," "Sweet and Innocent," "Hey Girl," to "Go Away Little Girl." Will hit hard and fast at the dealer level.
DONNY OSMOND
Alone Together
Producer(s): none listed
KOLOB SE-4886. (MGM) / Genre: POP
PICK
Originally reviewed for week ending 3/17/73

This is Donny's first LP since his voice changed and he's singing an octave lower. The material is all from two school: veteran composers like Paul Francis Webster; Jay Livingston, Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley, Neal Sedaka and from the Osmonds themselves. Donny's smooth presence sails along on a smooth course with the large orchestral backing adding depth to the sound. Best cuts: "The Twelfth Of Never," "It's Hard To Say Goodbye." Dealers: Osmond means youth sales; display prominently.
DONNY OSMOND
Donny
Producer(s): none listed
Kolob M3G-4978 (MGM) / Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 11/23/74

Donny, though still a teen idol, is developing into quite a decent singer, so the two are not necessarily contradictory terms. Mix of country, standard oldies and some rock oldies offer good vehicle for him to show himself off, and the quiet quality of most still suits his prime market, the teenage girl, perfectly. For those who liked the Osmonds better before they began their current soul move, have faith. Donny is sticking pretty close to what he's always done and is doing it well. Best cuts: "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Sixteen Candles," "Mona Lisa," "This Time," "I Have A Dream." Dealers: Play this up to the younger market, it's still his greatest strength.

(Daniel's Note: What about "I'm Dyin" ? I think that is one of the best cuts!)
DONNY OSMOND
Disco Train
Producer(s): none listed
Kolob PD-1-6067 (Polydor) / Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 8/7/76

Can Donny Osmond get a full-scale disco hit? His vocal sound may be a little too bright and sunny for a disco DJ to program into a medley at many smoke-filled niteries. But this is perhaps the ultimate sock-hop party record. And the Mike Curb production is impeccable, running off most of the main styles of disco riffs. As total recordings, these cuts compare to the quality of Curb's production for the comeback singles of Frankie Valli--who has a pretty sweet and sunny voice himself for a disco star. Best cuts: "C'mon Marianne," "Swingin' City Gal," "Disco Train," "Reachin' For the Feeling." Dealers: This is a validly genuine disco record and can be merchandised as such.
Donald Clark Osmond
Donald Clark Osmond
Producer(s): none listed
Polydor PD16109 Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 8/6/77

The seriousness and formality inferred by the title is also evident in the music with this album signifying Osmond as a complete artist. Brian Holland's crafty production has refined the mass teenybopper star into a credible pop vocalist capable of broadening his appeal to higher demographics. Tackling a wide spectrum of material that includes use of synthesizers, horns, strings and percussion, Osmond reveals new vocal dimensions with some gutsy vocals on the bouncers and sensitive one on the ballads. The lush arrangements by Jimmie Haskell, McKinely Jackson and Holland all add to Osmond's maturation. Best cuts: "I Can't Stand It," "The More I Live (More I Love)," "You Got Me Dangling On A String," "Oh It Must Be Love." Dealers: Osmond is seen weekly on his tv show.

(Daniel's Note: This is my favorite Donny Osmond LP. He is in top form here!)
DONNY & MARIE OSMOND
I'm Leaving It All Up To You
Producer(s): none listed
Kolob M3G 4968 (MGM) / Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 8/31/74

The Osmonds seem to come in a lot of combinations, but this is the first effort for this particular one. The two work well, whether singing straight duets or trading solos. Songs vary from country to oldies to soul material, and all are handled well, backed by the strong production of Mike Curb. Both Donny and Marie's voices have matured over the past year, and this set should establish them as far more than tennybopper stars. Best cuts: "I'm Leaving It All Up To You," "Gone," "It Takes Two," "Let It Be Me." Dealers: Pair are part of America's superstar family. All you have to do is display.
DONNY & MARIE OSMOND
Make The World Go Away
Producer(s): none listed
Kolob M3G-4996 (MGM)
Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 5/24/75

Ten strong duets from the teenage pair, all in the ballad or mid-tempo category, mixing in rock oldies with new material. A variety of arrangements, including standard, MOR type songs, a latin rhythm and even a few soul influenced cuts, probably through the influence of Alan Osmond who produced several of the tunes and Gene Page who arranged several others. Mike Curb and Don Costa also handle production. More mature vocals from both the artists, and no country (Marie's usual forte) or "teen aimed" songs (Donny's usual specialty). Solos within cuts, but each song includes the pair harmonizing at one time or another. On the whole, a more adult oriented package than previous product, with some soulful backup singing the main change (along with production) from other product. Best cuts: "Make The World Go Away" (a country tune handled pop), "Together," "I Will," "One Of These Days," "Mama Didn't Lie." Dealers: Place with group and in solo bins.
DONNY AND MARIE
New Season
Producer(s): none listed
Polydor PD16083 / Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 11/6/76

This dynamic duo should score heavily with an LP loaded with a healthy dose of teen-rock and soul standard interpretations. As usual, the production of Mike Curb gives excellent material and arrangements. Best cuts: "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," "Anytime Sunshine," "Show Me," "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," "Sing," "We Got Love." Dealers: The television series by this duo and their tv performances of these songs should help sales.
DONNY AND MARIE
Winning Combination
Producer(s): Brian Holland, Mike Curb, Michael Lloyd
Polydor PD16127 / Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 12/17/77

All but two of the cuts here are Holland-Dozier-Holland Productions, and they have much the same sleek, shimmering sound that characterized H-D-H's work with the Supremes a decade ago. Basically this is a collection of brassy, upbeat, disco-ish songs which feature Marie's plaintive innocence and the remarkable elasticity of Donny's fully-matured, highly-versatile voice. Good slick instrumentation throughout. Best cuts: "Soul And Inspiration," "Winning Combination," "I Want To Be In Your World," "Angel Love (Heaven Is Where You Are)." Dealers: Donny & Marie remain the hottest Osmond record configuration.

(Daniel's Note: This is my favorite Donny and Marie Osmond LP)
DONNY & MARIE
Goin' Coconuts
Producer(s): Mike Curb, Michael Lloyd, the Osmonds
Polydor PD16169 / Genre: POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 9/30/78

The brother-and-sister duo begins the new season of its popular ABC-TV variety show this month and here has an album with much the same broad demographic appeal: included are songs by both Chuck Berry ("You Never Can Tell") and Harold Arlen ("Let's Fall In Love"). Four of the songs here are from Donny & Marie's upcoming "Goin' Coconuts" movie, including the single and three originals by Alan, Wayne and Merrill Osmond. The rest of the songs, all of which have sleekly arranged orchestra backings, range from an oldie and good singles candidate ("You Don't Have To Say You Love Me") to new tunes by such contemporary pop tunesmiths as Michael Lloyd and Tony Macauley. Best cuts: "On The Shelf," "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me," "Gimme Some Time." Dealers: Merchandise around tv show.

This page last updated on February 23, 2001 @9:30pm CST by: Daniel J. Selby.