The brand new year, 2019, is here; and, in the spirit of the celebration, we’ve decided to take a look back on the many EPs that have been released in 2018. There has been a whole range of EPs containing different amount of tracks.
Each of our writers have chosen an EP from 2018 that they have adored. Usually, EPs either introduce a new artist or is a lead-up to a full album that will be released at a later date. This is what makes EPs so great because they are a taster of what is to come from this artist.
We believe, as the following years go by, more and more EPs will be released; both by major artists in the industry, rising stars, and newcomers. We literally can’t wait to see what 2019 brings, but before we do, take a look at the EPs we reckon you need to listen to.
Lewis Capaldi – Breach / Chosen by Katrina Rees (CelebMix Editor)
“I discovered Lewis Capaldi by chance, when his song ‘Grace’ was on the TV. I was instantly mesmerised by his phenomenal voice, in addition to the song’s captivating chorus. I’ve been hooked ever since and loved his Breach EP which he dropped a few months ago. He’s definitely an artist to look out for – not only is he insanely talented but he has a hilarious personality too.”
BLACKPINK – SQUARE UP / Chosen by Michele Mendez (CelebMix Editor)
“BLACKPINK’s Square Up EP was one of the most highly-anticipated K-pop albums of 2018 because it was the first new BLACKPINK music since 2017. With this comeback, BLINKS proved to be one of the biggest and most dedicated fanbases ever, having helped the EP’s lead single and music video for “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” achieve the record for the most-watched YouTube video in 24 hours. Although the EP only has four songs, each track helped solidify BLACKPINK into being one of the most recognizable K-pop acts of 2018.”
ASHLEE + EVAN – ASHLEE + EVAN / Chosen by Jonathan Currinn (CelebMix Editor)
“We’ve been waiting for Ashlee Simpson to make a return to music and she was apprehensive about going back into the music industry, but we weren’t quite prepared for this. Teaming up with her husband, Evan Ross (the son of Diana Ross), they dropped “I Do”, the first single, alongside a reality TV show titled ASHLEE+EVAN on E! which marked Ashlee Simpson’s first single release in 6 years, and 10 years since her last album. It’s a brilliant track which was followed up with these amazing songs on this EP; these two compliment each other perfectly and each song showcases a different side to them. It’s an incredible EP that deserves much more attention. I can’t wait to see what these two release next.”
Au/Ra – X Games / Chosen by Toby Bryant (CelebMix Writer)
“Every once in a while an artist comes along with the power to speak for a generation. Au/Ra is only 16-years-old and her latest EP, X Games, is the most exciting thing you’re going to hear this year. Her dark electronic pop sound carries poignant reflections on life as a teenager in 2018 with tracks such as ‘Emoji’ and ‘Outlaws’ marking Au/Ra out as a pop visionary.”
Sean And Conor Price – Dreamer / Chosen by Rachel Dempster (CelebMix Writer)
“After watching Sean & Conor grow throughout their time on The X Factor and go on to achieve immense success throughout 2018, they released their fantastic debut EP, which is a reflection of their talent, song-writing abilities, phenomenal vocals and exceptional rapping skills. The EP features six original songs, which all have a meaning behind each of them.”
Bronnie – Erase Me / Chosen by Kay Simpson (CelebMix Writer)
“Liverpool’s pop punk princess is back with her new EP. She brings her classic rocker voice to a range of brand new bops including ‘Strange Tattoo’ & ‘Total Outcasts’.”
Mahalia – Seasons / Chosen by Dominic Beck (CelebMix Writer)
“Mahalia is a name you will start to hear a lot of in 2019. She burst on the British music scene with her empowering anthem, ‘I Wish I Missed My Ex’ in the summer of 2018. What would follow is the Seasons EP later in the autumn, that year. Although, it doesn’t feature IWIMME, it features five songs which showcase Mahalia and how she is going to be a force to reckon with. She has been nominated for the BRITs Critic Choice Award 2019 and BBC’s Sound of 2019, the two most prestigious awards an upcoming artist could be nominated for in the British music scene.”
Fall Out Boy – Lake Effect Kid / Chosen by Charlotte Freeman-Coates (CelebMix Writer)
“It may have divided opinion but Lake Effect Kid is my favourite EP of 2018. A mix of newer pop sounds that could be heard in Mania aswell as a good old pop punk sound track with title track Lake Effect Kid made it a great listen.”
The Weeknd – My Dear Melancholy, / Chosen by Katherine Jiang (CelebMix Writer)
“When this EP dropped, I’m pretty sure I had it on repeat for the next few days. It reminded me a little bit of when I first started listening to him (Trilogy/House of Balloons era). Starboy was new and fresh, but My Dear Melancholy brought it back to what fans were used to, slowing it back down.”
Red Velvet – RBB / Chosen by Ellie Nicholas (CelebMix Writer)
“RBB was by far the best EP that Red Velvet have ever put out. Each song embodied exactly what makes Red Velvet stand out from other groups, switching from their r’n’b velvet side to their poppy summer vibes, the EP is the best of both worlds and the perfect introduction to who Red Velvet are as a unit. ‘So Good’ is my personal favourite off of this EP and one of my favourite Red Velvet songs in general, they seriously hit the nail on the head with this release.”
Wallows – Spring / Chosen By Ashley Gale (CelebMix Writer)
“There are honestly no bad songs on the EP of the band, Wallows. I suggest them to anyone who likes the indie pop genre.”
Nadine Coyle – Nadine / Chosen by Isla Williams (CelebMix Writer)
“Former Girls Aloud member Nadine Coyle released her debut EP in 2018, a self-titled effort which is also her first record release since her debut album ‘Insatiable’ was released in 2010. Nadine’s vocals truly shine on ‘Gossip’ and her rendition of JP Cooper’s ‘September Song’, which, despite its name, is a perfect summertime anthem. Meanwhile, ‘Girls On Fire’ is an 80’s-esque pop anthem which is reminiscent of the title track to ‘Insatiable’. The highlight of the EP, however, has to be ‘Something In Your Bones’, a catchy tune which would have made a great single release!”
The Faim – Summer Is A Curse / Chosen by Georgia Brown (CelebMix Writer)
“The Faim’s EP Summer Is A Curse is my favourite of 2018 because the songs are from the soul, and they’re ones that’ll be stuck in your head for weeks (for all the right reasons!) There are songs about love, songs about personal struggles, there’s something for whatever emotion you’re feeling on this one EP. I can’t not mention how phenomenal Joshua Raven’s vocals on the tracks are too.”
The XCERTS – Late One Night / Chosen by Nicola Craig (CelebMix Writer)
“Musically I love a little bit of every genre and The XCERTS are a band I’ve been lucky enough to see a handful of times in the last year. In 2018, they released their fourth album Hold On To Your Heart and also their Late One Night EP. The EP is acoustic versions of five of the tracks on HOTYH and I’m a sucker for some good smooth vocals mixed in with slick guitar and drumlines to match. Acoustic tracks are always a winner as they gain a whole new emotive dimension, which I love.”
Van Alden – Van Alden / Chosen by Brittany Sims (CelebMix Writer)
“My love for Paul Abrahamian grew when he was on Big Brother. When he came out with an EP, I couldn’t get enough. It’s powerful and upbeat.”
Aitana – Tráiler / Chosen by Lynn Macgillivray (CelebMix Writer)
“Aitana is one of 2018’s stars for me and this EP was SO good. It had a mix of up-tempo tracks and some ballads where she got to show off her incredible voice and how much she’s grown since she entered the OT academy. “
Luke Black – Neoslavic / Chosen by Azra (CelebMix Writer)
“Luke is an artist I’ve had the pleasure to interview three years ago, and ever since then I’ve been following him and his work. He’s such an amazing person and I love his music style. We’re both from a region where music has a particular old-fashioned style which I could never connect to, so seeing him trying to make something new and still sticking to his (or rather our) roots is admirable.”
Sasha Sloan – Loser / Chosen by Evelin Mercedes (CelebMix Writer)
“I was really excited about getting new music by Sasha Sloan after I saw her open for Oh Wonder in NYC. Her EP, titled Loser, felt so raw and it fit the SadGirlSloan label she created when she began in the industry. It’s the EP I looked forward to all year and got me through some sad moments.”
EBEN – Past Hundred Days / Chosen by Sofia Esposito (CelebMix Writer)
“Listening to this EP you get nothing but honesty and feelings! I truly relate to some of the lyrics and it shows how passionate Eben was when writing and releasing the songs.”
We don’t expect you to have listened to them all, but if you have we applaud you! There may have been many great EPs in 2018 but they weren’t the only favourites of ours. Check out our 2018 favourite Albums, Singles, Music Videos, Debut Artists, Films, TV Series‘, YouTube Videos, Events, Celebrity Moments, Memories, Success Stories, and CelebMix Articles; all chosen by our writers.