Time to start this. First some honorable EP mentions;
Hana - Hana
Mr Fingers - Outer Acid
Charli XCX - Vroom Vroom
Fyfe - Stronger
Basecamp - In Stone
Alex Newell - Power
Gundelach - Gundelach
Ryan Playground - Elle
I was a little late to the party with the title track but I still love it. The EP, having features from Anderson .Paak (he's been a bit everywhere this year) to Chance/Tinashe & Tory, a recipe of interest was there. It was a short surprise with some nice production.
19. Florence + The Machine - Songs from Final Fantasy
A nice little collection from Florence thnx to Final Fantasy. She delivered here and I liked her Stand By Me cover.
18. Massive Attack - Ritual Spirit
I love me some Massive Attack, even tho I found Heligoland to be mediocre. Ritual Spirit managed to keep me interested with its four tracks and I hope it indicates a positive turn whenever they decide to make another LP again.
17. Aphex Twin - Cheetah
I didn't expect him to release another EP so soon but hey here we are. It's yet another decent electronic sidepiece that can be functioned as background noise. I used it quite a bit for studying believe it or not. There was a couple of tracks that could've been left out like the <40 second ones but it's fine.
16. NCT #127 - The 1st Mini Album
Upon release, it was one of my favorite mini albums of the year. Since they debuted I been rooting for them. Fire Truck's production is certainly the highlight. Wake Up + Another World also pack a 1-2 punch. It's all around a consistent effort.
15. Oddisee - Alwasta
Oddissee delivers a conscious rap EP tackling various subjects such as social wealth, PC issues, and acceptance. I appreciate what he was going for here. The delivery could've been a bit stronger but it still worked for me.
14. serpentwithfeet - blisters
It took me a bit to get used to Josiah Wise's voice as it wasn't instant but it certainly is melodic to listen to. The EP works as a theatrical piece, especially with tracks with Four Ethers. If you like strong harmonies + harp/drum instrumentation, then this will probably be your thing.
13. Ghost - Popestar
Following up to Meliora, Popestar is Square Hammer + Covers that they had recorded. It's nothing much more than that, but they did the covers well imo. My faves particularly being I Believe + Bible.
12. Snoh Aalegra - Don't Explain
Ever since her contribution to Summertime 06 I was into her. I really love her singing. Her EP gives me some slight Amy vibes. Her collab with James Fauntleroy was also dope.
11. Cruel Youth - +30mg
I ignored the "Natalia Kills" side and just focused on Cruel Youth. When Mr. Watson first dropped really liked it and wondered where else they were going with it. +30mg took me for a surprise initially as I didn't have much high hopes for this but it worked. Alexis Texas being a clear highlight helped pick up the EP to a nice start. I can't really think of a track that I heavily dislike.