Release Me

Album: Wilson Phillips (1990)
Charted: 36 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by the group, "Release Me" is about a woman who is trying to get over her ex, but he's not making it easy for her by coming around her door and asking for another chance. If he would just let it go, they could both move on.
  • This was the second Wilson Phillips single, following "Hold On." Both songs went to #1 on both the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts. The songs were easy adds for program directors looking to fill their playlists with pleasant tunes that wouldn't turn anybody off, and the trio came with a great backstory: Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys was the father of Wendy and Carnie Wilson; John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas were Chynna Phillips' parents.

    The next to singles from the album were also hits, with "Impulsive" going to #4 on the Hot 100 and "You're In Love" giving them a third #1.
  • Glen Ballard produced the album. He helped them get a record deal by putting together a 4-song demo for the group. Ballard was a proven hitmaker in the '80s, co-writing Jack Wagner's "All I Need" and Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror." He did even better in the '90s as Alanis Morissette's co-writer and producer.
  • When Glen Ballard first heard Wilson Phillips, he was impressed by how when they sang together, it sounded like one voice. That's the sound heard on "Release Me," where they sing together throughout the song. Learning their lessons from vocal groups of the past, Wilson Phillips tried to keep their contributions balanced, making sure none of the three became the focal point.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.