My Favorite EPs of 2017
Here is my list of my personal top EPs of 2017
You can find my separate list for top Album of 2017 here.
My monthly lists of top albums of 2017 are listed below: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
My list last year for my top EPs of 2016 can be found here.
* indicates someone I saw live in 2017
The Best:
Amber Mark - 3:33am Genre: Neo-Soul / alt-R&B
3:33am is a brilliant introduction to the world by the 23 year old singer. This light EP is full of vivid and soulful expressions of emotion. The music is as eclectic as Amber’s personal background, that reminds me of a modern Sade. I don’t expect Amber Mark to remain in as much obscurity for long so I suggest getting familiar.
Anna Wise* - The Feminine: Act II Genre: alt-R&B / Pop
Frequent Kendrick Lamar collaborator Anna Wise returns with her second EP. On this EP Anna expands her avant-garde R&B sound in unexpected but always impacting and rewarding directions. I dare you not to dance to that ominous bassline on “Stacking That Paper”.
Big Wild - Invincible Genre: Electronic / Dance
ODESZA signee Big Wild impresses with this energetic blast of an EP. The Massachusetts born producer has been popping up here and there with great remixes and one-off singles, but it was last year’s “Aftergold” with Tove Styrke where I realized Big Wild meant business. Invincible takes some unorthodox approaches to electronic music (like the drama that begins the EP on “When I Get There” leading to a anticipated face melting beat drop only to slyful slip into a mid tempo head bobbing groove) that come off quite inventive.
Proof: When I Get There, Empty Room (Feat. Yuna), Invincible (Feat. iDA HAWK) Bonus: Aftergold (Feat. Tove Styrke)
Bishop Briggs - EP Genre: R&B / Soul / Pop
When the opening track of this thunderous EP, “River” begins you are almost pulled into a false sense of security with the somber tone of the opening verse; then the chorus comes in like the Kool-Aid man breaking down a wall and smacks you in the ear drum. Bishop Briggs soulful and sturdy voice is quite the spectacle to enjoy. She also is very effective in not over indulging, sparingly using its power leading to such gut punch, impacting moments on this EP when she lets the fuck loose. I see big things in the future for Bishop.
Proof: River, The Way I Do, The Fire
Jacob Banks* - The Boy Who Cried Freedom Genre: R&B / Soul / Blues
The voice of the London singer, Jacob Banks, it’s a sound to truly behold. Such raw emotion and power, backed by a potent R&B, blues, gospel and electronic fused sound. The Boy Who Cried Freedom is my personal introduction to Jacob Banks, but I will make sure to not sleep anymore on the singer. Make sure you also check out the emotionally gripping separate single “Unknown” in the proof section below. But be warned of all the feels.
Proof: Chainsmoking, Mercy, Unholy War, Bonus: Unknown (To You)
Lyves - Like Water Genre: alt-R&B / Pop
The subtle dark lit emotional music from Lyves is a captivating and beautiful ride. The somber slow burning tunes on Like Water aren’t in a hurry to get to their destination. Using the compelling and raw voice of Francesca as the flickering guiding light, the slower pace is just right.
Proof: Darkest Hour, No Love, Free, Bonus: Cover Me
MØ* - When I Was Young Genre: Synth-Pop
After a handful of blissful one off singles over the last two years, the frequent Diplo collaboration finally drops another project in this vibrant and youthful EP. The energetic Danish singer doesn’t disappoint with this offering as we await her sophomore album.
Proof: When I Was Young, Linking With You, Bb, Bonus: Nights With You
Rational - Vessels Genre: Pop / R&B
Early in the year we get the second EP from Rationale as another sampling of the brilliant debut album that will drop later in 2017. With only one song that appears on his self titled album, Vessels was a great indicator of what is to come, without giving too much away. Check out the top ten of my albums list for more.
Proof: Vessels, Reciprocate, Tethered
R.LUM.R. - Afterimage Genre: R&B
Empowering and bold R&B is how I would describe R.LUM.R.’s debut EP. With his intoxicating vocals and thunderous production, the Florida born singer makes quite the forceful entrance. He reminds me a lot of the brilliant Gallant debut album from a year ago.
Proof: Love Less, Bleed Into The Water, Frustrated
Serena Ryder - Electric Love Genre: Alternative / R&B / Soul
Canadian singer Serena Ryder returns with this energetic and dynamic project. Ryder’s raspy evocative voice can possess some real power she is not afraid to show off over her electronic/rock backdrops.
Proof: Revival, Electric Love, Utopia
TCVVX - TCVVX Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic
Dark and ominous but also gorgeous and delicate, Brooklyn singer TCVVX (don’t ask me how to pronounce that) makes his debut with this powerful alt-R&B record. The cavernous, warped production bring the listener right into the singer’s emotional and lustful world. Very emotive of early The Weeknd or JMSN (which happens to be MY SHIT) turn the lights down get lost in the passionate vibes.
Proof: Into Sleep, Tonight, Days, Bonus: Stuck
Umii* - This Time Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul
Possibly my favorite EP of the year (shhhh don’t tell the others), is from my own home town in this sexy and vibrant duo. Comprised of the sultry singer Reva DeVito and the smooth producer B. Bravo, together they have created some contemporary neo-soul that is incredibly infectious and an affirming listen throughout. The flowing vibes are both soothing, but also groovy enough to get your ass moving.
Proof: Dangerous, Make Your Move, Feelin It