I have only played one other song by the group Wilson Phillips, and that was Hold On. As I noted there, the group has an interesting history. It was comprised of three female singers: Chynna Phillips, Carnie Wilson & Wendy Wilson. Chyna Phillips is the daughter of John & Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas, and the two Wilson girls are the daughters of Brian Wilson of Beach Boy fame, and Marilyn Rovell of The Honeys. They all grew up together in Southern California and the girls started the group when they were only teens.
This song was the group’s second hit single, hitting number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 on September 15, 1990 and spending two weeks at number one. Glen Ballard produced the album and helped them get a record deal by putting together a 4-song demo for the group.
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.
Release Me
Wilson Phillips
I know that it’s time for a change
Mmm but when that change comes
Will you still feel the same?
How many times have I tried to turn this love around?
I don’t want to give up
But baby it’s time I had two feet on the ground
Can you release me
Can you release me
Now that you’re gone I can’t help myself from wondering
Oh, if you’d have come down from your high
Would we’ve been all right?
Release me
Can you release me
Come on baby, come on baby
You knew it was time to just let go
‘Cause we want to be free
But somehow it’s just not that easy
Come on Darlin’, hear me Darlin’
‘Cause you’re a waste of time for me
I’m trying to make you see
That baby you’ve just got to release me
Release me
Release me
I’m not going back to you anymore
Finally my weakened heart is healing though very slow
So stop coming around my door
‘Cause you’re not gonna find
What you’re looking for
Come on baby, come on baby
You knew it was time to just let go
‘Cause we want to be free
But somehow it’s just not that easy
Come on Darlin’, hear me Darlin’
‘Cause you’re a waste of time for me
I’m trying to make you see
That baby you’ve just got to release me
Release me
Release me
I’m not going back to you anymore
Finally my weakened heart is healing though very slow
So stop coming around my door
‘Cause you’re not gonna find
What you’re looking for
What is this power you’ve got on me
What is this power, Oh
What is it, What is it
Come on baby, come on baby
You knew it was time to just let go
‘Cause we want to be free
But somehow it’s just not that easy
Come on Darlin’, hear me Darlin’
‘Cause you’re a waste of time for me
I’m trying to make you see
That baby you’ve just got to release me
Release me
Release me
I’m not going back to you anymore
Finally my weakened heart is healing though very slow
So stop coming around my door
‘Cause you’re not gonna find
What you’re looking for
Release me
Will you release me
Ah…Release me
Will you release me
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Carnie Wilson / Chynna Phillips / Wendy Viora Wilson
Release Me lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
I love this song, Jill. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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I’m glad! My pleasure!
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“Wilson Phillips” the eponymous first album by the trio entered my home in the form of a vinyl album purchased by my Son upon its release in 1990. That was during the time of my working long days and weeks, when most of the music that I listened to was only that of my favorite singers. Hearing this particular song playing one day made me a fan of their harmonious sound. Though never as much as the eldest Daughter became after she inherited the album when my Son left it behind. I could not tell you with any certainty what became of that original vinyl album, but the CD can still on occasion be heard coming from the lower level residence of said Daughter. Thank-you!
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Wonderful memories! The only thing that surprises me is that you cannot say what became of the original album … I would have guessed you still have it in your stacks!
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Nice record thanks, a group I really like. As good as their parents.
Cwtch
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I … I …
Cwtch
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It has a little bit of an early Eagles sound to it–I wasn’t familiar with this, although I had heard the name of the group.
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Yes, I suppose it does!
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Musical reprieve from cabin fever:
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Thank you Jill!! I think I had mentioned before that this song was going through my head after you had played “Hold On!” 🙂 Both great songs!
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Yes, you did! And I made note of it, then my aged, calcified brain promptly forgot. However, I did finally get around to it and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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You are good my friend!!
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🤗
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Love Wilson Phillips.
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I’m glad! 😊
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You’ve got good taste John.
Hugs
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