Synopsis
Shot in atmospheric black and white, the video opens with a swimmer moving through a pool before shifting to Wilson Phillips performing around a piano inside a modern Los Angeles home. The trio sing directly to the camera as the setting alternates between the stylish living room, the pool, and distant city views. The restrained presentation keeps the focus on their close vocal blend and the song's emotional plea for freedom from a relationship that has become impossible to sustain.
Factoids & Trivia
- The interior is the living room of Case Study House #22, better known as the Stahl House, a landmark modernist home in the Los Angeles hills.
- The video uses the single edit of "Release Me," rather than the longer album version.
- Wilson Phillips wrote the song together at Chynna Phillips' mother's antique piano in her living room. Producer Glen Ballard reportedly responded immediately, creating a backing track after hearing it.
- The clip was promoted as the group's follow-up to "Hold On," with its MTV world premiere announced for June 14, 1990.
- "Release Me" became Wilson Phillips' second consecutive No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining at the top for two weeks in September 1990.
- The video was filmed during the same demanding four-day production period as "Hold On," which the group shot back-to-back.