ELLA LANGLEY - Heart Letting Go - Core Records/Interscope Records

Ella Langley’s “This Version of Us,” co-written with Jordan Schmidt, Jon Nite, and Zach Kale, is a poignant, emotionally charged song crafted for the Netflix series Nobody Wants This. Produced by Jordan Schmidt, the track beautifully captures the bittersweet longing and temporary magic of a romance that doesn’t quite fit in the daylight but thrives in stolen moments and after-hours vulnerability.

At its core, “This Version of Us” explores a cyclical relationship defined by late-night rendezvous and the irresistible pull between two people who know their connection is fleeting. The lyrics paint a vivid narrative: “It starts with ‘What you up to?’, and ends in ‘Your place or mine?’” immediately sets the casual yet emotionally complicated tone. The interplay of desire, regret, and the wish to freeze time is woven throughout the song, as the chorus yearns, “If we could just stay this version of us.”

Langley, with her evocative voice, delivers each line with a sense of both hope and resignation. The verses are confessional, almost as if the listener is being let in on a secret—one that is only safe in the privacy of night. When she sings,“Stay in a slow dance of whiskey and romance / We wouldn’t let go when the sun comes up,” the listener is drawn into the momentary euphoria these lovers experience, even as the dawn threatens to break the spell

Jordan Schmidt’s production supports the song’s emotional depth with a blend of modern country and pop sensibilities. The instrumentation is warm and inviting, featuring gentle guitar lines and understated percussion that allow Langley’s vocals to take center stage. The arrangement mirrors the lyrics’ intimacy—a sonic slow dance that captures the hazy in-between where the couple exists.

The chorus builds just enough to elevate the emotional stakes without overpowering the song’s understated vulnerability. The repetition of the phrase “this version of us” is both a plea and a lament, making the hook resonate long after the song ends.

As part of Nobody Wants This, the song fits seamlessly into the show’s exploration of complicated relationships and the yearning for connection in imperfect circumstances. “This Version of Us” not only tells its own story but also enhances the narrative fabric of the series, reflecting the characters’ struggles to hold onto the best parts of themselves and each other—if only for a little while.

Ella Langley’s “This Version of Us” stands out as a heartfelt ballad that balances vulnerability with catchy songwriting. Both lyrically and musically, it captures the ache of wanting to pause time during those perfect, if imperfect, moments. It’s a song that lingers, inviting listeners to remember their own “versions” of love that burned bright, even if just for a night.

(Review Written By: Dave Pierce)