Charli XCX – Wuthering Heights Forces disappointment – 5.4 (Music Review)

Charli XCX’s latest venture, Wuthering Heights, is an ambitious concept album that reimagines gothic through the lens of hyperpop excess and emotional chaos. A bold pivot from her Brat era’s party-girl anthems, trading sweat-soaked raves for brooding, wind-swept melodrama. But does it soar like Heathcliff’s tormented soul, or does it crash like a poorly mixed demo?

The album kicks off strong with a monologue or whatever something that wasn’t musical could be heard. Though, That next track “Wall of Sound” It’s catchy as hell, with a chorus that begs for TikTok dances: “ ‘Cause every time I try

Talking myself backwards

Away from my desires

Something inside stops me, oh”

From there, Wuthering Heights dives into familial dysfunction with distorted guitar riffs, shuffle dance in a way that feels both clever and chaotic.

Charli’s lyrics shine. 

Midway through, things get experimental. “Chains of Love” is a standout, blending industrial noise and the albums theme that’s equal parts dance-pop and XCX’s style . It’s the kind of song that could soundtrack a goth rave, showcasing Charli’s underrated vocal range. It’s raw and intimate, a rare moment of restraint in her discography.

Unfortunately, not everything lands. With repetitive loops that mimic the novel’s class tensions but drag on without much payoff.

Overall, Wuthering Heights is a fascinating experiment with pop audacity, but it stumbles in execution. It’s got moments of brilliance that affirm Charli’s status as a boundary-pusher, yet too many tracks but casual listeners might find it more frustrating than fulfilling.

Rating: 5.4/10

A turbulent ride that’s half genius, half gale-force disappointment—much like the moors themselves.