Who Was Christine Perfect?

Before the chart-topping days of Fleetwood Mac, before “Songbird” and “Everywhere,” there was a quieter, bluesier voice emerging from the British scene — Christine Perfect. Released in 1970, her self-titled debut album is a soulful, piano-driven gem that reveals the early artistry of the woman who would become Christine McVie, one of rock’s most beloved singer-songwriters.

🧳 From Chicken Shack to Center Stage

By the time this album was recorded, Christine Perfect was already gaining attention as the keyboardist and vocalist for the UK blues band Chicken Shack, where her cover of “I’d Rather Go Blind” earned her a Top 20 hit. Shortly after leaving the band — and marrying John McVie, bassist of Fleetwood Mac — she recorded this solo project that marks a pivotal transition in her career.

This album would be her only release under her birth name, before officially joining Fleetwood Mac later in 1970.

🎧 What It Sounds Like

Christine Perfect is a blend of British blues, soul, and early folk-pop, grounded by Christine’s warm, understated vocals and elegant piano work. Unlike the bombastic blues rock of the late '60s, this album is subtle, introspective, and emotionally rich.

🔥 Essential Tracks:

• “I’d Rather Go Blind” – A soulful, heartbreaking rendition of the Etta James classic that put Christine on the map.

• “No Road Is the Right Road” – A melancholy, reflective tune that foreshadows her later ballads with Fleetwood Mac.

• “When You Say” – A lighter, folk-influenced number with beautiful melodic phrasing.

🕰️ A Forgotten Chapter Worth Revisiting

What makes Christine Perfect so special is its transitional energy — you can hear a young artist stepping away from blues and finding her voice as a songwriter. It’s a record full of feeling, vulnerability, and quiet strength — a mirror of Christine herself.

While it didn't make a commercial splash at the time, it has since become a cult favourite among collectors and fans of Fleetwood Mac, often seen as the missing link between her early blues roots and the mega-success she would later enjoy.

💿 Vinyl Collectability

• Original 1970 pressings on Blue Horizon Records are rare and collectible, especially with the original UK artwork.

• Reissued in later years as The Legendary Christine Perfect Album.

• A must-have for Fleetwood Mac completists and fans of British blues.

• Find your copy here