Charli XCX's Wuthering Heights Soundtrack: A Goth Spring Emerges After Brat Summer
Following the viral success of her 2024 album Brat, which captured the hedonistic spirit of a party-loving era with its lime green artwork and infectious electronic dance music, Charli XCX is now pivoting to a darker, more atmospheric project. The Cambridge-born singer, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, has composed the entire soundtrack for Emerald Fennell's big-screen reimagining of Emily Brontë's 1847 novel Wuthering Heights, marking a stark departure from her previous work.
A Shift from Pop Hedonism to Gothic Romance
As Britain's most adventurous mainstream music star, Charli XCX consistently navigates the fine line between catchy pop and esoteric experimentation. With Brat, she celebrated a summer of revelry, but now, she declares that era over, ushering in what she terms a "goth spring." This new phase is evident in her Wuthering Heights soundtrack, which contrasts sharply with the upbeat energy of Brat, delving into themes of doomed romance and wild, windswept landscapes.
The project began when director Emerald Fennell approached Charli to compose a single song for the film. In response, the singer delivered a full album, created in collaboration with regular partner Finn Keane. The soundtrack features guest appearances by The Velvet Underground's John Cale and American pop star Sky Ferreira, adding layers of depth and haunting presence to the music.
Musical Exploration and Dark Themes
Charli XCX has likened the Wuthering Heights soundtrack to the 1980s-style electronics of her 2013 debut album True Romance, though this comparison holds true only in fleeting moments. The opening tracks, such as "House" with John Cale's weathered spoken-word vocals and "Wall Of Sound," effectively evoke the dark, tumultuous events on the Yorkshire moors. On "Always Everywhere," chamber strings and atmospheric synths clash to emphasise a mood of tragic love, with lyrics like "Your name is carved where the wild winds have gone."
Sky Ferreira contributes a ghostly presence on the sombre ballad "Eyes Of The World," recalling her previous work with Charli on the 2019 single "Cross You Out." Despite the experimental leanings, Charli avoids treating the soundtrack as a mere art-house project. Tracks such as "Dying For You," "Chains Of Love," and the breezy "My Reminder" hark back to her early pop releases, albeit with darker lyrics that explore pain and introspection.
A Stand-Alone Success and Awards Potential
Inspired by the love story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, portrayed by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the film, Charli XCX's Wuthering Heights soundtrack excels as both a cinematic companion and an independent album. It stands as a worthy successor to Brat, offering a completely different yet equally compelling musical experience. With its blend of electronic experimentation and pop accessibility, the album is poised to be a strong contender in next year's awards season, showcasing Charli's versatility and creative ambition.
Beyond this soundtrack, Charli continues to expand her artistic horizons, starring in the forthcoming documentary The Moment, a satirical portrait of fame, and making cameos in various independent films. Her ability to seamlessly transition between music and film underscores her status as a dynamic and innovative figure in the entertainment industry.
