Charli XCX's latest musical offering, the soundtrack for Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," marks her first full-length release following the influential "Brat" era. This brooding collection of twelve tracks aims to carve out its own identity as a standalone album, diverging from her previous rave-inspired work while retaining her distinctive artistic signatures.
A Gothic Romantic Vision
Collaborating with songwriters and producers Finn Keane and Justin Raisen, Charli XCX delves into themes of deep devotion and infatuation, echoing the intense emotions found in both "Brat" and Brontë's classic novel. The soundtrack explores a shared sexuality in modern art, reflecting contemporary trends like wearing corsets to nightclubs, yet it distinguishes itself through innovative instrumentation.
Musical Evolution and Signature Styles
For the first time, Charli incorporates string arrangements, using them for propulsion on tracks such as the anxious "Seeing Things." Despite setting aside her rave elements, her hallmarks—auto-tuned vocals, unexpected production twists, and resonant pop hooks—permeate the album. These features are evident across the soundtrack, from previously released singles like "Wall of Sound" and the spacey ballad "Chains of Love," which hints at Taylor Swift's influence, to the electro-pop "My Reminder."
A notable collaboration includes Sky Ferreira on "Eyes of the World," their first joint effort since 2019's "Cross You Out," which samples English rock band Wolf Alice's "Don’t Delete the Kisses." This track showcases Charli's ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive whole.
Standout Tracks and Highlights
The undisputed highlight of the soundtrack is "House," featuring experimentalist John Cale. This song exemplifies Charli's admiration for the Velvet Underground, combining elegance and brutality in a gothic seduction. Cale recites a poem in his weathered Welsh tone over cello and metallic sounds, building to a booming finale where he and Charli harmonize, "I think I'm gonna die in this house." The track culminates in a spoken word coda, with Cale reflecting, "In every room, I hear silence," adding a layer of haunting depth.
Album Versus Soundtrack Dynamics
Charli XCX has expressed her ambition for "Wuthering Heights" to function as a standalone album, not merely a film accompaniment. This vision benefits from having a single artist realize a unified creative direction, a rarity in soundtrack production. The result is an enjoyable, if not revelatory, collection that successfully balances cinematic needs with artistic integrity.
In summary, "Wuthering Heights" by Charli XCX earns three stars out of five. Recommended tracks for repeat listening include "House," "Chains of Love," and "Funny Mouth," while "Altars," "Seeing Things," and "Open Up" might be skipped by some listeners. This album will appeal to fans of Charli XCX's "True Romance," those who appreciate yearning in the internet age, and enthusiasts of vinyl clothing aesthetics.
