Charli xcx released her seventh studio album “Wuthering Heights” as a soundtrack to director Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of “‘Wuthering Heights,’” inspired by the Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel of the same name, with both projects debuting Feb. 13. The record is a strong and captivating listen, working beautifully alongside the film. While it may not be her most groundbreaking project, it is filled with standout tracks that highlight her artistic range and versatility.
Marking a shift from her previous hyper-club-driven 2024 release, “BRAT,” this album dives into the dark, gothic and tragic themes of “‘Wuthering Heights.’” The tracks combine theatrical production with synth-driven gothic pop, all tied together by emotionally charged lyrics that linger long after listening.
The album opens with the single “House,” first released last November and featuring John Cale, a Welsh musician and founding member of The Velvet Underground. The track layers a spoken-word poem from Cale over xcx’s vocals and eerie, intense instrumentals, building an almost overwhelming musical experience. On first listen, the song feels abrupt and unexpected, but after a few plays, I'm convinced it fits beautifully with the film, pulling the listener into the cold, desolate landscape of “‘Wuthering Heights.’”
First introduced in the film’s debut trailer, “Chains of Love” was released Nov. 13 and the song quickly became associated with the new film adaptation because of its cinematic sound. Xcx’s vocals are the true centerpiece; they are airy and lushly layered, effortlessly carrying the emotional weight of the song. The song explores a moodier tone contrasting her past work, which is much more pop forward and danceable, yet the track still has her signature energy of being bold and inventive.
A song on this album I was highly anticipating was “Eyes of the World,” featuring a rare collaboration with Sky Ferreira, an American singer-songwriter who has not released a full album since 2013. While the song was not bad, it did not quite meet the high standards set by Ferreira and xcx’s music individually. Still, xcx delivers strong, evocative lyrics including the line, “I knew you loved me like I’m already dead,” which felt deeply connected to the dialog within the film.
“Dying for You” immediately stands out to me as the catchiest track on the album, and it feels the most reminiscent of her previous work on “BRAT.” Xcx sings, “Cause you’re the poison I drink/I drink twice to be sure,” delivering a darkly playful line that captures the reckless and intoxicating desire so prevalent within the “‘Wuthering Heights’” film. The song’s high energy paired with emotionally intense lyrics creates a thrilling tension, that keeps the listener hooked from start to finish.
My personal favorite track, “My Reminder,” captures one of my favorite aspects of the “’Wuthering Heights,’” story, which is the inescapable pull of loving someone you can never fully have, no matter how deep that connection runs. The lyrics, “I don’t hate you, I love you too much/But I won’t tell you cause we’re just different now,” perfectly reflects the complicated relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff. The production feels like a soft nod to her earlier work, especially her album “True Romance” which is also very synth-heavy and nostalgic.
The final track on the album, “Funny Mouth,” is well worth the wait, rewarding the listener with a carefully constructed buildup to a dramatic peak, ending the album. The production blends experimental, glossy cyber pop with dramatic string arrangements, creating a unique immersive sound. The lyrics “Unfunny words from your funny mouth/I take them inside/Are you man enough to compromise?” depict a relationship overwhelmed by misunderstanding, bringing the album full circle back to the story that inspired it and making it the perfect closing track to the record.
Overall, “Wuthering Heights” is a bold and compelling addition to xcx’s discography, highlighting her growth as an artist. From haunting lyrics to high-energy instrumentals, xcx demonstrates her versatility, blending her signature pop sound with a darker, more cinematic edge. The album makes the perfect soundtrack for the film, immersing listeners in the passion, obsession and heartbreak of the story.
