British star Charli XCX has released her newest project, a soundtrack for the latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s gothic romance novel “Wuthering Heights.” Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the main characters, Cathy and Heathcliff.
The soundtrack, consisting of 12 tracks, captures the emotions and themes of the film. It was executive produced by Finn Keane, who previously collaborated with XCX on “Number 1 Angel” and has also worked with A.G. Cook, Oklou, Bimini, Kesha, and Ariana Grande. The album features Sky Ferreira, a past collaborator on “Cross You Out,” and John Cale of The Velvet Underground, marking a new partnership for XCX.
XCX teased the era with the single “House,” a moodier track that signaled her shift from her party-girl aesthetic to a gothic, atmospheric style. The song, inspired by artists like Ethel Cain, begins with spoken word by John Cale and builds to a distorted, noisy climax. Its haunting lyrics echo themes of entrapment, with XCX singing, “I think I’m gonna die in this house.”
“Chains of Love,” released later that week, draws comparisons to XCX’s earlier album, “True Romance.” The song explores the feeling of being trapped in a relationship, with lyrics like, “I shouldn’t feel like a prisoner.” Critics noted the stark contrast between the buzz single “House” and the promotional track “Chains of Love.”
The third single, “Wall of Sound,” is a tense and cinematic piece that evokes a sense of claustrophobia. The lyrics reflect the push and pull of desire and hesitation: “Every time I try talking myself backwards/Away from my desires/Something inside stops me.”
The most recent single, “Always Everywhere,” is a haunting ballad that captures the lingering presence of a lost lover, repeating the title in the chorus.
One standout track, “Dying for You,” pairs an upbeat, danceable tune with somber lyrics. The song mirrors the tragic love story between Cathy and Heathcliff, with lines like, “All the pain and torture that I went through/Makes sense to me now/I was dying for you.”
The creative direction of the album marks a dramatic departure from XCX’s previous work, particularly her high-energy album “Brat.” Critics have praised the shift, describing the new album as “elegant and brutal,” mirroring the tone of the film.
Fans of XCX have embraced the change, with many calling it a rollercoaster of sound and emotion. While “Brat Summer” is over, “Wuthering Heights” challenges listeners to explore a new side of XCX’s artistry and fall in love with her evolving discography.
