Charli XCX, Wall of Sound | Song Review

Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Charli XCX wows with the brief but dynamic and enigmatic single, “Wall of Sound.”

Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Charli XCX has moved beyond her Brat era.  Now, she’s in her Wuthering Heights era. While it is a different sound and vibe, Charli continues to make captivating music.  The brief “Wall of Sound” is a prime example.  She penned the third single and second track from Wuthering Heights alongside producer Finn Keane.

“Wall of Sound” commences with enigmatic, intense strings. Over these tense strings, creating that wall of sound, Charli XCX delivers lovely vocals.  The melodies are radiant while the lyrics are intriguing.  “Unbelievable pressure, wall of sound,” she sings in the second verse, and continues, “Love and hatred, and I can’t escape it.” Word. As “Wall of Sound” progresses, the wall of sound expands (bigger, more dramatic strings).  And yes, Charli is accompanied by a string orchestra, which is Chef’s kiss! The lyrics match the increasing dynamic level (“Growing louder, so I’m gonna stay still”).  The chorus is the cat’s meow:

“‘Cause every time I try

Talking myself backwards

Away from my desires

Something inside stops me, oh

Every time I try, something inside stops me, yeah…”

There is also the bridge that distinguishes itself from the verses and the chorus, where Charli asserts, repeatedly, “Tell me that you love me.” Charli XCX pulls back during the outro, while the wall of sound, fittingly, overtakes her voice. All told, “Wall of Sound” is a brief but brilliant record filled with “unbelievable tension, wall of sound.” 

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Charli XCX » Wuthering Heights » Charli XCX, Inc. / Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2.13.26 [📷: Charli XCX, Inc. / Atlantic Recording Corporation]

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