ROCK MOMENT – Fleetwood Mac ‘You Make Loving Fun’
Fleetwood Mac’s ‘You Make Lovin’ Fun’ is one of the brightest, most uplifting tracks on the band’s classic 1977 album Rumours. Written and sung by Christine McVie, the song provided a warm burst of optimism on an album otherwise fueled by heartbreak and fractured relationships. McVie penned the track about Fleetwood Mac’s lighting director Curry Grant, who brought joy back into her life as her marriage to bassist John McVie was dissolving. To avoid tension within the band, she initially claimed the song was inspired by her dog, but the emotional truth was unmistakable.
Musically, the track stands apart thanks to its unique blend of pop-rock and soul influences—much of which came from McVie’s use of the clavinet, a keyboard instrument famous for its funky, percussive sound. Most often associated with Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” the clavinet gave “You Make Lovin’ Fun” its distinctive bounce and rhythmic energy. Christine layered the clavinet with her electric piano to create a shimmering, full-bodied foundation that set the song’s uplifting tone.
The recording process was meticulous. Working at the Record Plant in Sausalito and later in Los Angeles, the band layered guitars, keyboards, and vocals to achieve a polished yet organic feel. Lindsey Buckingham added clean, syncopated guitar lines that danced around McVie’s clavinet groove, while Stevie Nicks contributed soft backing vocals that blended seamlessly into the mix. Mick Fleetwood’s steady, understated drumming grounded the track, and John McVie—despite the personal circumstances—delivered one of his most fluid and melodic bass performances.
Released as a single, ‘You Make Lovin’ Fun’ became one of Rumours’ four Top 10 hits in the U.S. Its combination of joyful lyrics, rich harmonies, and the unmistakable texture of the clavinet has helped it remain a fan favorite for decades.
Today, the song stands as a testament to Christine McVie’s musical brilliance—transforming personal upheaval into one of Fleetwood Mac’s most timeless and irresistible tracks.
