“Big Love” is a song by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released in March 1987 as the lead single from their fourteenth album Tango in the Night. Written by Lindsey Buckingham, the song stands out for its intricate production and its role in the band’s late-1980s resurgence.
Musically, “Big Love” blends pop rock with a strong emphasis on Buckingham’s signature guitar work. The song features a distinctive, driving rhythm and an intricate mix of vocal effects, including breathy “ooh” and “aah” sounds that create a haunting, sensual atmosphere. Though it sounds like a duet, the vocals are actually all Buckingham’s, processed to give the impression of multiple voices.
Lyrically, “Big Love” touches on themes of desire, independence, and emotional complexity. It reflects Buckingham’s introspective writing style, exploring the tension between intimacy and autonomy. At the time of its release, the lyrics were widely interpreted as a reflection of Buckingham’s feelings about relationships, particularly in light of his split from fellow band member Stevie Nicks years earlier.
“Big Love” was a commercial success, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reaching the top ten in several other countries, including the UK . It was one of the key songs that helped Tango in the Night become one of Fleetwood Mac’s best-selling albums.