The Best EPs of 2023
The Best EPs of 2023
This year brought us tons of EPs, but here are the ones that stood out.
The landscape of music in 2023 has unfolded with its share of highs and lows, yet it remains a field where personal taste often transcends critical consensus. Acknowledging the interplay between the subjective enjoyment of music and its objective critique, the team is on a month-long showcase of staff-selected musical highlights and lowlights.
Day by day, we will reveal our individual preferences across an eclectic spectrum, ranging from the most compelling collaborations to the tunes that didn’t quite hit the mark. These selections are rooted not in the rigorous analysis typical of critics but in the unguarded enthusiasm of true music enthusiasts.
As we navigate through these 15 EPs, we’re celebrating the elements that resonate with us on a more intimate level. Each selection reflects a unique facet of the current musical landscape, offering insights into what captivates us beyond the scope of professional critique.
APPETITE FOR DISASTER — iyla
iyla presents her latest EP, a collection that solidifies her unique position in the contemporary pop and R&B circuit. This seven-song compilation continues to build on the unconventional style that fans have grown to admire. APPETITE FOR DISASTER joins iyla’s growing body of work, providing her fans with a glimpse into her evolving artistic vision. With this release marking her third extended play, anticipation builds around what the singer could achieve with a full-length album project.
Love Euphoria — Raheem DeVaughn, Vandell Andrew & The Colleagues
The new album, Love Euphoria, features Raheem DeVaughn on vocals, Vandell Andrew on saxophone, and the production duo The Colleagues. The eight-song collection transports its audience on a hazy, passionate ride with smooth vocals and jazzy accompaniment. With Love Euphoria, DeVaughn and The Colleagues have released their second joint effort. What a Place to Be in Love, DeVaughn’s 2020 album, was also produced by The Colleagues. Another Love Story (2019), Love Dates and Heartbreaks (2020), and Love Lust Vulnerability (2022) are the preceding R&B albums by The Colleagues, with Love Euphoria being their third R&B album.
Noir or Never — Che Noir & Big Ghost Ltd
Buffalo’s own Che Noir has once again affirmed her position as a formidable force in the hip-hop circuit with the release of Noir or Never. Her ability to stand her ground in an industry predominantly ruled by male artists is not just commendable but also indicative of her skill and determination. However, it’s clear that with each new record, Che Noir hones her craft, delivering sharper lyrics and a more refined delivery. Noir or Never shines a spotlight on her evolving talent, particularly her lyrical acuity, and potent delivery, underscoring her continuous growth as an artist who commands respect beyond gendered confines. Despite the drawbacks of the length, Che Noir’s upward trajectory remains evident, showcasing her unwavering dedication to perfecting her artistry with every project she undertakes.
We Go Again - EP — ENNY
We Go Again, the latest EP by South London rapper/singer ENNY, is available now on Jorja Smith's FAMM label. This brand-new six-track compilation, often referred to as a “care package,” was developed by the artist over the previous six months. It features production from Emil, Yogic, Baker Aaron, Beat Butcha, Linden Jay, long-time collaborator Paya, and a unique guest appearance from Loyle Carner.
Enigmatic Society — Dinner Party
A constellation of jazz luminaries has coalesced, presenting an unexpected release with Enigmatic Society. Dinner Party—comprising saxophonists Terrace Martin and Kamasi Washington, pianist Robert Glasper, and producer 9th Wonder—eschews grandstanding in favor of a more collaborative approach. The album’s tracks display a range of influences; for instance, “Insane” is imbued with catchy hooks, while “Can’t Go” subtly tips its hat to the smooth grooves of yacht rock, borrowing from Hall & Oates. Despite these contemporary flourishes, the quartet’s foundational talents shine through.
Southern Delicacy — Jai’Len Josey
Jai’Len Josey has been working hard for several years to make her mark in the music industry as a songwriter and singer. Her debut project with Def Jam Records, Southern Delicacy, is evidence of her dedication and talent. The EP features a range of melodic and creative compositions and solid songwriting, including “Good Soup.”
lost a friend - EP — Saint Harison
Southampton’s own Saint Harison has been a beacon of vocal talent since the tender age of eight, captivating local audiences with his elegant and warm voice that seems to reach celestial heights. The singer’s hometown performances have garnered him not just acclaim but what many would describe as divine favor. Now, with the release of his debut EP, the evolved singer showcases an array of talents that extend beyond his still-sublime vocal range. His songwriting is prescient and reflective, tackling themes of unreciprocated affection in “TMF,” the complexities of fading relationships with Tiana Major9 in “homies,” and introspective struggles within “ego talkin’.” Through these tracks, Harison weaves his mastery of soul and R&B, crafting a narrative that delves deep into emotional landscapes.
ACT I - EP — Annie Tracy
A new voice emerges from Wilmington, capturing hearts with a blend of pop and R&B that speaks to the resilience required in turbulent romantic dynamics. Annie Tracy, since the release of her debut single “Times It by Two” last March, has been consistently showcasing her impressive vocal range through a series of tracks. June saw the culmination of Tracy’s efforts in ACT 1, her debut EP, which strings together half a dozen songs into a compelling narrative on love's complexities. Among these, “Clothes are So Obnoxious” resonates as an insistent call for honesty within intimate relationships, demanding forthrightness from a partner with the line “Can’t lie with who you lie to.” Notably, “Crying On the Subway” stands out as a tender ballad that invites listeners to embrace their emotions unabashedly. However, it is “Move” that firmly establishes Tracy’s artistry—a track that delivers an exhilarating sense of liberation, urging the recognition of when to decisively walk away from what no longer serves one’s heart.
OASIS - EP — AMAKA
AMAKA, formerly of the duo VanJess, has released a new EP titled OASIS. Produced solely by KAYTRANADA, the EP features six tracks that blend AMAKA’s sultry vocals with her afro-futurism style. The project includes “Cruisin’” and “Leave It Behind,” which showcase the upbeat and laid-back vibes of the EP. AMAKA describes OASIS as a place where people can escape and feel most confident and free. With KAYTRANADA’s production, the EP offers a genre-blending experience that sets AMAKA apart from her peers. The EP is a perfect soundtrack for winding down the summer.
Nova - EP — Terrace Martin & James Fauntleroy
Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy, two music icons, have teamed up for a new EP titled Nova. This six-track, 22-minute masterpiece is a serene journey into beautiful singing and soothing beats. The duo has worked together on numerous occasions in the past, including on songs such as “Drones,” “Reflection,” and “Too Late.” Fans are sure to embrace this new venture.
Bet That - EP — LAYA
LAYA’s new EP, titled Bet That, has just been released. This EP is the official follow-up to her previous project, Um, Hello, which was released in 2022. Despite being from Staten Island, LAYA has elevated her music further on this new EP. She accomplished this by not relying on other vocalists and working closely with a select group of producers.
Real Bad News — Real Bad Man & Blu
Real Bad Man has returned with their second album of 2023. Once again, they have teamed up with a skilled rapper to create a collaborative masterpiece. This time, the talented MC joining forces with them is Blu, hailing from Inglewood, California. Blu is renowned for his exceptional work on the critically acclaimed album Below the Heavens, widely regarded as one of the finest releases of the early 2000s. Bad News marks the fifth collaborative project by Real Bad Man.
Sorrow at Sunrise - EP — Natanya
London-based artist Natanya unveiled her debut EP, a six-track collection that showcases her rich vocal delivery and her skill in fusing genres. Alongside producers Jkarri and Kwaku Konadu, she blends alt R&B with touches of soul, afrobeat, hip-hop, funk, and jazz. Each track offers insight into the nuanced journey that accompanies the evolution from youth to adulthood.
Marking My Time - EP — Elmiene
Elmiene, a 21-year-old artist based in Oxford, has released his new EP, Marking My Time, via Polydor/Def Jam Recordings. This EP follows his well-received independent debut, El-Mean, which was released earlier this year. The new project features collaborations with notable artists like Jamie Woon, James Vincent McMorrow, Syd (The Internet), Lil Silva, and Sampha, signaling Elmiene’s rising influence in the music industry.
CONDUCTOR MACHINE — Conway the Machine & Conductor Williams
Conway the Machine, after his recent projects WON'T HE DO IT and Speshal Machinery with 38 Spesh, is back in the spotlight with a new EP that showcases the production talents of Griselda’s very own Conductor Williams. This latest offering, titled CONDUCTOR MACHINE, sees full production from Williams, further cementing his status as one of today’s most formidable producers. The EP features “Flame,” where Conway teams up with Drumwork Music Group’s early signee, 7xvethegenius. Together, they lay down potent verses over a soulful sample, demonstrating their hardcore lyrical abilities.
Following this collaboration is “Church Fan,” which brings Jae Skeese into the mix. As the first artist to record under the label, Skeese delivers back-and-forth verses infused with spiritual flare alongside his mentor. The album concludes with “Love the Lord,” where the rich vocal samples provide a fitting backdrop for Conway’s self-assured comparison of his rhyme book to a national treasure. With Conductor Williams coming off a notable credit on Drake’s For All the Dogs and Scary Hours 3, this EP solidifies both his and Conway’s reputations for delivering unwavering quality in their music.