‘Wuthering Heights’ album teases dramatic new era, genre for Charli xcx
Charli xcx steps out of her usual expertise in her latest album "Wuthering Heights," which was released Feb. 13. While the album isn't her best work, Charli's vulnerability exudes through her new sound, our columnist says. Maria Masek | Contributing Illustrator
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In the summer of 2024, the worldwide success of Charli xcx’s “brat” may have put the hyperpop star on a pedestal for becoming Gen Z’s biggest pop icon. But, Charli wasn’t done yet.
Nearly two years later, Charli returns with a new album, “Wuthering Heights,” released on Friday. Created for the controversial Emerald Fennell film of the same name, the album shows Charli in a light fans haven’t seen before.
In the 12 track, 34-minute runtime, “Wuthering Heights” presents Charli in her most vulnerable album yet. By blending classical, pop and rock together, the album is Charli’s boldest. While it isn’t a standout album from the artist, it is definitely worth appreciating Charli’s step out of her usual expertise.
In the opening track, “House featuring John Cale,” the melody is undoubtedly haunting, a telling signal of how the film could unfold. The song starts with an untuned, plucked string. It’s an uncomfortable ballad to listen to, almost like nails on a chalkboard. The song’s string theme continues as John Cale, founding member of “The Velvet Underground” is introduced.
Facing his impending doom, Charli is introduced later in the song as the two repeatedly sing the main chorus of the song, which has become a global meme since the song dropped on Nov. 10.
“I think I’m gonna die in this house,” Charli and Cale sing as the sound of booming trumpets and strings exacerbate the waves of panic.
In what is one of the strongest opening tracks of any album, “House” represents the biggest shift in Charli’s discography. While her previous albums, like “brat” and “CRASH,” focus on hyperpop and energetic themes, this track is a stark contrast. While I could only listen to the uneasy track once, the song was fascinating regardless, drawing listeners to see what else Charli can offer.
The mysterious strings from “House” continue as Charli sings a solo in the album’s second song, “Wall of Sound.” Charli finds herself stuck in a never ending loop of wanting to act on her romantic impulses.
Unable to escape thoughts of caving into desires, Charli is confined in her own mind. This “wall of sound” only reflects the thoughts back at her, feeling trapped by her own wonderings. The repeated lyrics produce a trance-like state, where Charli is helpless, wanting to break free.
The third song of the album, “Dying for You,” pivots away from the dark melodies of the previous songs while still maintaining a tragic theme through the lyrics.
Presumably, Charli is referring to the same person in “Wall of Sound” as she figures out why she’s self-sabotaging herself. Turns out, she’s hurting because she wants to be with the person she loves, but they don’t love her back.
“All the pain and torture that I went through / All makes sense to me now / I was dying for you,” Charli sings.
The lyrics are undeniably tragic. But, as Charli details all the ways she’s hurting for her lover, the song’s melodies are lighthearted. The track starts with rhythmic, catchy synth chords before Charli’s autotuned vocals create a nostalgic, indie-pop sound, similar to a song you’d hear in a 2014 cheesy rom-com flick, like BØRNS’ “Electric Love.”
But Charli doesn’t gloss over the fact that she’s been hurting for her lover and instead boldens it. With her renowned pop style, the song is deeply saddening, however, unlike “House,” you’d want to listen to this song on repeat.
While “Dying for You” was pop-forward, “Always Everywhere” and “Chains of Love” center around classical music elements, creating a euphoric feeling as Charli comes to terms with the fact that she will always feel defeated in the face of her lover.
The production of “Always Everywhere” and “Chains of Love” are triumphant. By incorporating somber strings, Charli has almost given up as the reminders of her pain are everywhere.
These songs tackle classical elements, like a strong string section, to create an ethereal feeling. While listeners may be put in a calm state by this, the lyrics are an admission of defeat.
While the first half of the album deals with the emotional baggage Charli carried, the second half tackles the aftermath of the relationship, which is exemplified in “Eyes of the World featuring Sky Ferreira.”
Charli discusses how she’s clearly not moved on from her trauma. Sky Ferreira adds a lower vocal register, providing an emotional depth to the song.
“Eyes of the World” combines subtle EDM, classical and rock elements together. The song circles back to “House” by reiterating the strings section. However, it departs from the pop-heaviness of the first half of the album. By incorporating different genres in “Eyes of the World,” the song becomes a quintessential allegory for heartbreak.
In the album’s finale, “Funny Mouth” is an epic conclusion to the journey Charli has endured in her new album. In the song, Charli poses a final resolution: she will not be repeating the same mistakes she once made.
“If there’s a light, don’t let it go out / Take it in stride, put your foot in your mouth / We’ll be alright,” Charli sings in the chorus.
The song starts with an atmospheric sound and a slower pace, almost as if Charli’s already made a decision to not act on her impulses with her lover again. Charli seems happy with the decision she’s made, as the song started with blissful notes. In the climax of the song, thumping EDM beats are introduced; Charli is standing firm on her choice.
If there was any song that I would associate with Charli, it’s “Funny Mouth.” In “brat,” the final song of the album, “365,” featured an epic, booming conclusion. “Funny Mouth” served a similar purpose. The song is a perfect amalgamation of the entire album — by bringing in different genres together while ending on a hopeful note.
In “Wuthering Heights,” Charli ditches the energetic hyperpop beats for something more dramatic. Whether the album is a memento of her own life or a metaphor for the movie, “Wuthering Heights” presents a different taste of Charli.
