Songfacts®:

• Merrill, the middle of the five Osmond brothers in the group at the time, sang lead on this track. In it, he's head over heels for a girl, but not sure she feels the same way. He wants her to love him for a reason, and that reason should be love.
• "Love Me For A Reason" was first recorded in 1974 by Johnny Bristol, a former Motown producer who included it on his debut album, Hang On In There Baby. Later in 1974, The Osmonds, who were on the same label (MGM), covered it and released it as a single. Their version was a big hit, especially in the UK where it went to #1.
• Bristol wrote the song with his songwriting partners Wade Brown and Dave Jones. Their other collaborations include "Can't Give It Up No More" by Gladys Knight & The Pips, and "I'll Be Here (When You Get Home)" by Diana Ross.
• The Irish group Boyzone released a cover of "Love Me For A Reason" in 1994 as their second single. Their version went to #1 in their native Ireland and to #2 in the UK.
• This was the last big hit for The Osmonds, whose fortunes faded along with those of their most famous member, Donny, who had a concurrent solo career. They pivoted to TV, with Donny and sister Marie hosting the variety show Donny & Marie from 1975-1979 (the other brothers worked on the show behind the scenes).