Introduction:
“Make It with You” is a timeless classic by the American soft-rock band Bread. Released in 1970, the song was written and produced by the band’s lead vocalist, David Gates. It served as the breakout single from their second album, On the Waters, propelling both the album and the band to mainstream success. The track became Bread’s first and only song to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone in the band’s career. Its gentle melody and introspective lyrics embody the hallmark sound of 1970s soft rock, a genre Bread helped define alongside artists like Carole King and James Taylor.
David Gates wrote “Make It with You” with an intimate yet universal appeal. The song’s lyrical content explores themes of love, connection, and the hope for building a meaningful relationship. Its smooth, romantic tone helped it become a favorite on both pop and adult contemporary radio. Gates himself played nearly all the instruments on the track, with the exception of drums, which were handled by band member Mike Botts.
Critics and audiences alike praised the song for its sincerity and the lush instrumentation that became Bread’s signature style. Beyond its chart success, “Make It with You” became a cultural touchstone, later covered by artists such as Aretha Franklin and Let Loose, further cementing its legacy in music history.
This track was pivotal in establishing Bread as a leading act in the soft rock movement, opening doors for subsequent hits like “Everything I Own” and “Baby I’m-a Want You”