Fleetwood Mac – You Make Loving Fun: Joy in the Middle of the Storm

A Burst of Sunshine on Rumours

Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album is famous for heartbreak, tension, and songs dripping with drama — but tucked in the middle is a track that feels like a ray of sunlight breaking through the storm. “You Make Loving Fun” is Christine McVie’s love song, and it shines with warmth and optimism even as the rest of the record is steeped in breakups and betrayal.

When I first heard it, I remember thinking, how did a song this happy land on an album this heavy? And that’s exactly why it stands out.

Christine McVie’s Moment

Written and sung by Christine McVie, “You Make Loving Fun” was inspired not by her then-husband (and Fleetwood Mac bandmate) John McVie, but by the band’s lighting director, Curry Grant, with whom she was romantically involved at the time. Considering the band’s tangled personal lives during the making of Rumours, it’s no surprise this backstory raised eyebrows.

But Christine didn’t care — she delivered the song with confidence, warmth, and honesty. And fans instantly connected with it.

The Sound: Smooth, Funky, and Irresistible

Musically, the song is one of the most upbeat moments on Rumours. Christine’s Rhodes electric piano gives it a smooth, soulful texture, while the rhythm section of John McVie and Mick Fleetwood keeps it grooving with understated precision.

And then there’s Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar work, adding just enough bite to balance the sweetness. Together, it’s the perfect recipe for a track that feels both joyful and timeless.

A Fan’s Memory

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Fleetwood Mac perform this song live. Christine at the keyboard, smiling, her voice warm and steady, while the crowd swayed along. After all the stories of turmoil and heartbreak surrounding Rumours, it was moving to see her sing about love with such ease.

In that moment, you realized this wasn’t just a song — it was Christine claiming joy, even in the middle of chaos.

Chart Success and Legacy

Released as a single in 1977, “You Make Loving Fun” reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying Fleetwood Mac’s status as one of the biggest bands in the world. Alongside “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way,” and “Don’t Stop,” it became one of the four major hits from Rumours — an album that would go on to sell over 40 million copies.

To this day, the track remains a staple of the band’s live shows and a fan favorite for its upbeat, soulful vibe.

Why You Make Loving Fun Still Matters

Decades later, “You Make Loving Fun” still feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s proof that even in the middle of turmoil, music can capture joy, tenderness, and hope.

For me, it’s the song that always makes me smile when I spin Rumours. It reminds me that love — messy, complicated, and unpredictable as it may be — can still feel magical.