CHRIS STAPLETON - Heart Letting Go - Universal Music Group

“Heart Letting Go,” co-written by Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson, graces the soundtrack of the second season of the Netflix series Nobody Wants This. Known for his gravelly vocals and deeply emotive songwriting, Stapleton continues his tradition of raw storytelling with this moving ballad about the dissolution of love.

The lyrics of “Heart Letting Go” paint a vivid picture of a relationship on the verge of ending. From the opening lines, Stapleton captures the subtle but painful changes that signal love’s demise: “I don't see the same look in your eyes / The one that used to say we're meant to be.” The song’s strength lies in its honesty; the pain of realizing that the intimate connection once shared is fading away, and the struggle to decide whether to hold on or let go.

Stapleton and Anderson’s writing is poignant and direct, relying on small details (“all the little things you used to do / Are all the things that I already miss”) to evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss. The chorus, “It’s hard to stay, but leaving hurts / And I’m not sure which one is the worst,” beautifully encapsulates the paradox of love's end: the agony of both holding on and moving forward.

Chris Stapleton’s vocal delivery is, as always, powerful and heartfelt. He navigates the song’s emotional highs and lows with a sincerity that resonates. The melody complements the somber tone of the lyrics, with subtle instrumentation supporting the sense of melancholy and resignation. The restrained arrangement allows Stapleton’s voice and the lyrics to take center stage, amplifying the song’s emotional impact.

What makes “Heart Letting Go” stand out is the universality of its theme. The song articulates the struggle of many who have found themselves at the end of a relationship, torn between the comfort of the familiar and the pain of acknowledging what’s lost. The repeated line, “And listen to a heart letting go,” serves as both a lament and a form of acceptance, making the track not just a story of heartbreak, but also a journey toward healing.

“Heart Letting Go” is a testament to Chris Stapleton’s ability to convey deep emotion with simplicity and grace. The collaboration with Al Anderson results in a song that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable. As part of the Nobody Wants This soundtrack, it adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth, making it a standout track for fans of soulful country and anyone who has experienced the bittersweet process of moving on.

(Review Written By: Dave Pierce)