The Top 9 EPs and Songs that Shaped 2019

For your consideration…

The closing year of the decade had a lot to offer musically. I found new artists I know I’ll sit with going through the next decade. Some of my favorites gave us new jams and for that, I’m very grateful. That being said who would I be if I didn’t share the music I loved most this year? I’ve split these lists into two, and this is the first, my top 9 extended plays and songs that shaped 2019 and the next will be my top 10 albums that shaped 2019 (that gem is coming out on Monday). These EPs and songs reminded me to live, that I was loved, and that we are all just trying to make it, so let’s get into this year’s picks.

9. Rehearsal @ NINE - Tiana Major9

This choice is at this ranking mostly because I just get into Tiana Major9 in late October, but this girl is talented and will definitely be one to watch next year and into the next decade. With her soundtrack feature in Queen & Slim collaborating with EARTHGANG and this EP with themes of the world we wish we saw to picking yourself up after heartache she is proving her voice here to stay in this new wave of R&B.

8. “Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys” - Ego Ella May

This song is just facts. Ego Ella May is a recent find for me and her jazzy track really hit home when I heard it. Sometimes I get tired of the trope that all girls can sing about is a boy. The lyrics of this song tackle global warming, mental health, racial injustice, and much more. This is a song that is honest but is so smooth sonically that it’s an easy blend into the rotation.

7. “Slow Fade” - Ruth B.

The opposing theme of pick number seven, “Slow Fade” kind of haunted me from the minute I heard it. It’s a song about falling out of love with someone slowly, even missing someone when they are right next to you. This is something I often feel, and this song perfectly summed up that feeling.

6. “Loyalty” - Sasha Keable

“Loyalty” is a song that the minute I heard it, I was transferred back to that time with that one guy that we all know I shouldn’t have been talking to. This year brought up a lot of those old feelings and this song in some ways helped me process those feelings.

5. yaRn - rum.gold

Fun fact, in March of this year a friend shared “Where There’s Smoke,” from this EP and I loved it, but then in the fury of the year forgot about it. Fast forward to September, I heard “Where There’s Smoke,” again on a random daily mix on Spotify and it was like the first time. I went hunting to see if rum.gold had more music yarn came up and I was hooked by the first track. This EP is honestly just beautiful from start to finish. If you want something mellow and feely, be sure to check out this EP and artist in general. It’s worth the listen.

4. DETOUR - JVCK JAMES

Listen, JVCK JAMES is everything I asked from the new school of R&B and that really I can say. This EP is so brilliant, the minute it was done I was sad. I had a music hangover. I feel like JVCK JAMES will be an artist to watch in 2020.

3. CLEAR - Summer Walker

Now I’ve loved Summer Walker for time. I really enjoyed the newest album she gave us, but I have to say CLEAR is a standout project. The live instrumentation, the writing, the raw emotion, just everything made me love this project. I love Summer Walker with her guitar just telling us how it is CLEAR is just that.

2. “Mountains” - Charlotte Day Wilson

This song is haunting. This song is beautiful. This song is raw. This song is perfectly executed.

1. Cashmere Tears - Kojey Radical

Cashmere Tears is an album-length EP that is a literal work of art. I found Kojey Radical this year upon the release of this EP and I’ve been essentially obsessed ever since. I’ve listened to every track he’s put out, seen him at his first US show, and already bought tickets for next year’s tour. The poet turned rapper, who can also hold a note if he needs to, should be in your rotation. His writing is some of the best I’ve heard but its also relatable, honest, and you feel the weight. This EP tackles depression, anxiety, love, death, and surviving. This EP also features all live instrumentation and influences from OutKast to Curtis Mayfield. Cashmere Tears a must-listen from start to finish. I’ll even entice you with my favorite visuals from this album (not from ever because that would be too hard) so if you haven’t gotten into Kojey Radical, what are you waiting for?