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Charli XCX Releases “Chains of Love,” from Forthcoming ‘Wuthering Heights’ Soundtrack

The song’s title isn’t the only thing about it that nods to the 1980s.

Charli XCX
Photo: Paul Kooiker

Hot on the heels of “House,” featuring John Cale, Charli XCX has dropped another new song, “Chains of Love,” from her soundtrack to Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The film, in theaters on Valentine’s Day, is the follow-up to the English director’s 2023 thriller Saltburn, which also stars Jacob Elordi.

The title of “Chains of Love” isn’t the only thing about the song that nods to the 1980s. Unlike the darkwave, neoclassical “House,” the new track—a cavernous ballad featuring über-dramatic lyrics about undying love, reverb-soaked vocals, and big, booming synths—is a throwback to Charli’s early singles like “Stay Away” and “Nuclear Seasons,” from 2013’s True Romance. “I’d rather lay down in thorns/I’d rather drown in a stream/I’d rather light myself on fire…I can’t let go,” Charli sings in the opening verse.

Watch the music video for “Chains of Love” below:

YouTube video

The soundtrack for Wuthering Heights is due out on February 13 via Atlantic Records.

Sal Cinquemani

Sal Cinquemani is the co-founder and co-editor of Slant Magazine. His writing has appeared in Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Village Voice, and others. He is also an award-winning screenwriter/director and festival programmer.

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