Spotify is a great outlet for discovering new music and jamming out to your favorite tunes. I confess that I spend a solid amount of my time finding new artists and browsing through albums. Although listening to the entirety of an album can be time-consuming, while, on the other hand, sometimes you can’t get enough out of just one single, so I found that a lot of great music exists on EPs (extended plays). An EP consists of five to eight songs, typically released by artists as a way to give the audience a taste of what their music is like, many of which include remixes or stripped songs not found on the full album.
Below I have compiled a few EPs and short albums ranging from all different genres (in no particular order), all of which contain quality tunes that’ll make you want to take a drive, dance around, and sing along.
1. "Don’t" -- Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran has been captivating millions of fans around the world with record-breaking albums like + and x. His EP Don’t is equally as amazing, as his brilliant way of words reflects off each of the songs that range from acoustic pop to folk. And although this 25-year-old is currently on a social media hiatus, that doesn’t mean you have to be. Give Ed’s stuff a listen, you won’t be disappointed.
2. "Room 93" -- Halsey
Taking up the stage name Halsey, this rising star is the definition of a Tumblr aesthetic, and there’s no doubt you’ve heard hits like “New Americana” and “Colors” on the radio, but the emotional ballad “Is There Somewhere” undeniably tugs on your heartstrings, and it can be found on her Room 93 EP.
3. "Change of Scenery" -- Quinn XCII
Hailing from Detroit, this gifted artist crafts an EP that fully embraces chill electronic and hip-hip influences. The tropical vibes that radiate from these songs will make you want to roll your windows down and turn the volume up.
4. "Imaginary Numbers" --The Maine
This 5-man alternative rock band released their first acoustic EP in 2013, while different from their usual rock ’n’ roll sound, they take on this EP with a deeply profound and honest approach. The soft lyrics accompanied by strong melodies invoke a melancholic feeling but also hope in overcoming fears.
5. "Murder for Hire 2" -- Kevin Gates
Kevin Gates hit us with a collection of catchy and thought-provoking songs on his album Islah earlier this year, and this EP is no different. It offers impressive rhythms along with invigorating subject matter. If he was out to prove himself, this mixtape definitely succeeded.
6. "Petit Biscuit" -- Petit Biscuit
At just 16, this artist shared with us a self-titled EP with blissful tracks that definitely shine through. With hints of soothing yet elevated tones, this slightly ODESZA and Flume-esque EP is perfect for when you’re chilling with friends, or even if you’re studying or doing homework.
7. "Woodland" -- The Paper Kites
This indie folk band from Australia can calm your soul with their unique sounds. Their Woodland EP exudes peace and definite coffee shop vibes, with harmonies that will give you a little boost to get out of bed in the morning.
8. "BANNERS" -- BANNERS
Mike Nelson’s distinctive voice intertwined with beautiful lyrics have an entrancing capability, offering a sound reminiscent of a mix between Coldplay and Kodaline. The songs on this EP are worth obsessing over, and this vocalist is certainly one to watch in the upcoming months.
9. "Everyone That Dragged You Here" -- Real Friends
If you’re into pop punk, I offer you these extremely talented and down to earth group of guys. Their music encompasses compassion and honesty, along with all their other songs, in addition to their newest album The Home Inside My Head, which I also recommended as a must-hear for anyone who enjoys raw lyrics mixed with a pop punk energy.
10. "Uncover" -- Zara Larsson
This Swedish pop sensation has been conquering US charts with hits like “Never Forget You” and “Lush Life.” Zara’s EP “Uncover” contains exceptionally crafted songs of varying styles, from relaxed to peppy, and she also delivers powerful vocals in the song that gave her EP its name.
Now these are just a few picks out of the countless number of music selections out there, and although all of us have different musical preferences, there’s always songs to fit our music tastes and so many great ones that have yet to be discovered.































