If there’s anything that the last two years have taught us when it comes to those who move between genres, it’s that there’s never enough Fousheé. And after a relatively quiet 2023, the Jamaican-American singer-songwriter is back and going against all preconceived notions of what she might do with her newest album, Pointy Heights. Named after land her grandfather purchased in Jamaica, Pointy Heights is Fousheé settling in sonic landscapes that she thrives in, ranging from the alt-pop she became known for to reimaginings of reggae classics. The compact tracklist more than justifies its place in an already accomplished discography while also explaining why Fousheé is one of the most sought-after musicians among musicians, potentially ranking in the elite category of “your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”

Not a minute wasted

The short runtime of Pointy Heights is deceptive, especially since Fousheé and Co. do more experimenting than entire catalogs. On one of the album’s best songs, “feel like home” finds all the instruments and musical elements swirling together at various points throughout the song. Both Fousheé’s voice and the lyrics depict a picturesque portrait of love, where the romance embodies paradise, and the moderately paced speed of the song reflects the gradual process of falling for someone.

With a newfound energy, “loversland” bounces back into the same rhythm as opener, “birds, bees.” Despite being the album’s shortest song at just a little over one minute long, it leaves an impression that lasts long after going through the tracklist. It also allows for seamless repeat listenings that never tire after that 10th or 20th time jamming out to the track.

Production as dynamic as Fousheé

From the decrepit keys reminiscent of an old reggae recording on “war” to the drums on the Steve Lacy-produced “still around” that are perfect for a treadmill or tap-dancing over bullets, there’s no shortage of sounds on Pointy Heights. “do you have a soul?” lets Fousheé show her spirit through soulful vocals that breathe life into the already lively guitar and bass. The chorus is the track’s bright spot, showing Fousheé’s penchant for melodies that creep up and get stuck in your head when you least expect it. “rice & peas,” on the other hand, might be the album’s most unique track, sucking you in through the glossy synths from which Fousheé glides over effortlessly. The thudding drums give the song an added kick, keeping the album’s bounce alive while doing its own thing for the most part.

Fousheé creating her own genre in real-time

Although Fousheé concerns herself with making sure each individual track stands strong on its own, complete with a unique identity, the album comes together rather nicely, never worsening because of the many genres. If anything, the welcomed variety creates the sense that Fousheé is occupying a space no one could touch because of how tailor-made it is for her and her only. Even “100 bux,” which takes components from Musical Youth’s “Pass the Dutchie,” is nothing like the interpolation it uses as a foundation. The brooding bassline and dreamy atmosphere bring the album’s already patient speed to a halt, allowing Fousheé to hypnotize in an emotional space that’s somewhere between comfort and malaise. If given to another artist for their interpretation, it’s difficult to imagine anyone else capturing that particular space between wildly different feelings than Fousheé herself.

Despite keeping busy working with artists like Childish Gambino, Fousheé is about as consistent an artist as you could hope for. Whether it’s the three albums she’s released since 2021 or the consistent quality she delivers on singles and features alike, there’s no need to worry about Fousheé disappointing wherever she pops up. And with Pointy Heights, the range of music inspirations she pulls from is fully displayed, exemplifying just how much of a genre-bender she is. Yet, no matter what style she’s experimenting with or what voice she uses for which song, she continually sticks the landing and then some.

Words: David Sosa

Visit Fousheé on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and potential shows near you.

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