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:

The soundtrack for Wuthering Heights is due out on February 13 via Atlantic Records.
Since 2001, we've brought you uncompromising, candid takes on the world of film, music, television, video games, theater, and more. Independently owned and operated publications like Slant have been hit hard in recent years, but we’re committed to keeping our content free and accessible—meaning no paywalls or fees.
If you like what we do, please consider subscribing to our Patreon or making a donation.
