2020 Year End LIsts Chapter 4: Top 10 EPs of 2020
is a curious little collection of songs more substantial than a single but not quite as definitive as an album. Despite how often it's overlooked there's plenty of great music every year delivered on various EPs ranging from the most mainstream to the most experimental artists. Whether they're a brief dive into an alternative sound, a tighter collection of thematically aligned songs or just a taster to guide fans over between more substantial releases each of these EPs proved that they can work excellently in the short form.
10.
Charm And Mirror - Kitty
Kitty's dive into psychedelic synth pop was certainly an unexpected career move but she continues to impress with one project after another. Charm And Mirror is simple and to the point even by pop music standards but the hooks are sticky and the instrumentals are reserved but effective throughout.
Listen To: Afterglow, Bath Salts
6pc Hot - 6lack
Whenever 6lack drops music it's an Atlanta event, and 6pc Hot was no different. He once again brings moody R&B flavors soaked in trap inspiration but the real highlight is definitely his vocals. His smooth singing sounds as intoxicating as ever and has me excited for his next full studio project.
Listen To: Elephant In The Room, Atl Freestyle
In A Dream - Troye Sivan
While Troye is by no means an experimental artist, he is experimenting with further sounds on each new project he releases and In A Dream is no different. From moody R&B songs that turn into house influenced bangers to youthful ballads that turn into pop anthems the record refuses to settle in a way that keeps it refreshing and exciting throughout it's runtime.
Listen To: Take Yourself Home, Stud
Wake Of A Nation - Zeal & Ardor
If you liked the blend of historically black music with experimental metal that Manuel Gagneux displayed on either of Zeal & Ardor's first two albums then you will surely enjoy this EP. From politically charged soul rock ragers to jagged black metal explosions the EP doesn't rest for a moment, continuing to be one of the most unique projects in modern rock or metal.
Listen To: Tuskegee, Trust No One
pop songs 2020 - BUMPER
During quarantine Michelle Zauner AKA Japanese Breakfast and Ryan Galloway of Crying fame teamed up for a short set of glitzy nocturnal pop songs. The tracks are some of the most instantaneous you'll hear in 2020 and all the charm you expect from Michelle and Crying in a glittery indie pop package. If any of this sounds like your kind of thing do yourself a favor and check it out.
Listen To: Black Light, You Can Get It
Drop 6 - Little Simz
After Little Simz wowed last year with her most acclaimed album yet she didn't take long to give fans some more material. Drop 6 is a collection of short, straight to the point rap songs with Simz fiery performance style and slick lyricism at their core. There's dark rumbling bangers mixed in with introspective cuts for a collection of songs that sound very complete despite their short runtime.
Listen To: might bang might not, one life might live
Never - Jesu
Every Justin Broadrick project is different and even within the Jesu discography Never stands out. The EP isn't accessible by most standards yet it brings memorable hooks and comfortable vocals throughout. These tracks blend some of Justin's more experimental stylings in genres like drone and shoegaze with genuine pop sentimentality that makes parts of these songs effectively catchy. With great soundscapes and even better songwriting Never shines.
Listen To: Because Of You, Never There For You
The Flesh Of The World - Uboa
Last year Uboa wowed us all with The Origin Of My Depression fusing raw emotion with industrial metal. On Flesh Of The World she explores her same personal demons in even more detail across a set of tracks that pull off both striking intimacy and crushing noise. Despite being just 4 tracks the EP is a remarkably emotional experience that covers significant ground and ends as a definitive and fully realized statement from an incredibly exciting music project.
Listen To: The Flesh Of The World, Exsanguination
Flight Tower - Dirty Projectors
Dirty Projectors made a statement this year by releasing 5 EP's over the course of 2020. While they did vary in quality the high end was about as high as anyone. Picking between Ring Road, Windows Open and Flight Tower was difficult but ultimately Flight Tower is great from start to finish and great in a variety of ways. The EP combines the indie stylings of older DP work with the experimental R&B flavors the band explored as a David Longstreth solo project during the 2010's. The combination is infectious, relentlessly smooth and some of the best songs I've heard the band release in years.
Listen To: Inner World, Lose Your Love
