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Driving down Ventura Highway with Spotify on shuffle, I passed a massive Wuthering Heights billboard in Hollywood. Then “Dying for You” came on. What started as a quiet morning suddenly shifted.
The song felt sharper, darker, and impossible to ignore. By the time I got to school, I had listened to the entire album. With the release of a new Wuthering Heights adaptation comes a full soundtrack from Charli XCX. Instead of trying to follow up BRAT with something louder or bigger, she does something more interesting. She slows down and leans into something darker.
Image Credit: Glenn Villas from Unsplash
This album trades club beats for strings, obsession, and atmosphere. According to Pitchfork, it has been described as “elegant and brutal,” which actually fits perfectly. It is not as explosive as BRAT, but it is more cinematic and emotional. It feels like something you sink into rather than something you just play.
The opening track, “House” featuring John Cale, immediately sets the tone. It feels eerie and theatrical, with spoken words layered over chaotic strings. It is intense and slightly unsettling, but it works by pulling you straight into the world of the album.
“Wall of Sound” shifts into something softer. There is barely a beat, just swelling strings and vocals. It feels less like a traditional song and more like a mood. It is the kind of track that only works if you let yourself sit in it.
Then comes “Dying for You,” which is easily a standout. This is the song that made me stop everything and pay attention. It blends gothic drama with a strong pop hook, and it just works.
It feels emotional without trying too hard, and it is incredibly replayable. Out of all the tracks, this is the one that stays with you the longest.
“Always Everywhere” brings things down again with softer production and detailed lyrics. It takes a simple idea and makes it feel specific and personal. It is subtle, but it sticks. The high notes she vocalizes are beautiful and carry the overarching message of the song.
“Chains of Love” is one of the most popular songs on the album. It is dramatic and catchy, with a chorus that hits right away. It feels like a reminder that Charli still knows how to make something instantly memorable.
“Out of Myself” leans more into traditional pop structure. It is enjoyable, but it does not hit as hard as the best moments on the album. Still, the production keeps it connected to the overall sound.
“Open Up” is short and minimal. It feels more like a transition than a full track, but it helps the album flow.
“Seeing Things” stands out more for its production than its melody. It feels tense with a choppy and eerie beat, which fits the tone of the album well.
“Altars” is quieter and more emotional. It does not have a big moment, but it grows on you over time. It is one of those songs that feels better the more you listen.
“Eyes of the World” featuring Sky Ferreira adds something new. Their voices work well together, and the track feels expansive and slightly dreamlike.
“My Reminder” is more straightforward. It is catchy and easy to listen to, even if it is not as deep as some of the darker songs.
The album closes with “Funny Mouth,” which is one of the most experimental tracks. It is intense and a little strange, but it leaves a strong impression.
When you compare Wuthering Heights to Charli’s earlier work, it feels like a shift rather than a step forward or backward. BRAT was loud, chaotic, and everywhere. This album is quieter and more controlled.
BRAT feels like a moment in culture. This feels like a world you step into.
Image Credit: Dao En Wong from Unsplash
Compared to Pop 2, the experimentation is still there, but it looks different. Instead of glitchy, futuristic sounds, she leans into classical and gothic elements. It is less about breaking pop and more about reshaping it.
The closest comparison is probably True Romance. Both albums focus on emotion and atmosphere, but this one feels more refined and intentional.
Crash was polished and built for mainstream appeal. This album moves away from that. It is less concerned with being accessible and more focused on creating a specific feeling.
Overall, this feels like a reset. It is not trying to top BRAT, and that is what makes it interesting. Some songs feel less developed than others, but the strongest moments carry the album.
The highlights, especially “Dying for You” and “Chains of Love,” are some of her best recent work.
Overall rating: 8.1 out of 10
This is not her most iconic album, but it might be one of her most immersive. It proves she can shift her sound completely and still feel like herself. And honestly, if “Dying for You” clicks for you, the rest of the album makes sense.
