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Introduction
“I Can’t Stop” stands as one of the more obscure yet historically intriguing singles in The Osmonds’ discography, illustrating how early recordings can be redefined by later fame. Written by Jerry Goldstein and Wes Farrell and produced by Goldstein, the song was originally released in the late 1960s but failed to attract much attention. Its story, however, didn’t end there. Following the Osmond family’s rise to stardom in the early 1970s, the track was rediscovered and given a second chance.
When The Osmonds achieved massive success with hits like “One Bad Apple,” their former label decided to reissue “I Can’t Stop” in 1971. This re-release managed to enter the lower ranks of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 96. Though modest, its chart appearance highlighted how the group’s newfound fame could breathe life into earlier, overlooked material.
The single’s journey didn’t stop in America. Uni Records—and later MCA—reissued “I Can’t Stop” in several international markets. The 1974 UK re-release proved particularly successful, soaring to number 12 on the charts. This version’s stronger performance demonstrated how timing, geography, and shifting public interest could transform a once-forgotten track into a fan favorite.
Musically, the song fits neatly within the bright, pop-driven sound that came to define The Osmonds’ early-’70s style, even though the recording predates their commercial breakthrough. The brothers’ smooth vocal harmonies and the polished, catchy songwriting typical of Goldstein and Farrell give the song a familiar warmth and energy. Its B-side, “Flower Music,” often appeared on pressings from that era, a reminder of how record labels repackaged earlier material to capitalize on the group’s growing fame.
Although “I Can’t Stop” never reached the iconic status of The Osmonds’ biggest hits, it remains a fascinating piece of their musical evolution. The song’s history captures a moment when past work was reinterpreted through the lens of success—demonstrating how changing audiences, clever marketing, and the momentum of stardom can rewrite a song’s destiny.
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