We count down the top 10 country EPs of 2018, including some incredibly strong contributions from the UK scene and some first-timers.
10. Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, Forget About Georgia
It’s a wonder that Lukas Nelson managed to find any time in between his live sessions and work on ‘A Star is Born.’ However, amidst the chaos, he managed to find some time to produce this gem of an EP, building out from his popular track ‘Forget About Georgia’ from the first LP, with a few new tracks and a tribute to Bowie with an original, powerful cover of ‘Life On Mars?” The album is just a teaser for the promised next LP, that Nelson promises is on its’ way soon.
9. Tenille Townes, Living Room Worktapes
Canadian-born Tenille Townes burst onto the scene this year off the heels of her first single, ‘Somebody’s Daughter,’ and into the UK hearts, supporting Drake White at Koko and playing at the CMA Songwriters Series at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. This Living Room Worktapes EP is a masterpiece, and its a small wonder that this is her first, authentic in its tone and message, Townes allows her beautiful songwriting to shine through in tracks including ‘Jersey on the Wall.’ The stripped back approach to this EP, is a shrewd choice for an opening EP, giving Townes the ability to let her voice shine through and show its range and power – particularly powerful in ‘Somebody’s Daughter.’ With no false note here, this EP is an exciting signpost of where her first album will lead, and we have high hopes for it and for Townes.
Read our interview with Tenille here.
8. Lisa Wright, Mind of Mine
Essex-born Lisa Wright is making her mark firmly known in the UK country world. This her third EP is her best work yet, containing the gorgeous single, ‘Tennessee’ that was one of our favourite singles of the year. The EP is endearing and powerful in equal measure, testament both to the original tone of Wright’s voice and her songwriting.
Listen to our podcast with Lisa Wright on Spotify here.
7. Jake Morrell, Englishman
Norfolk-born Jake Morrell made a huge mark in the UK, after the release of his single ‘Wire and Thorns’ in 2015 that earned him Radio 2 play and a slot playing Glastonbury. Since then, Morrell has worked hard at this EP with producer Chris Webb (Arctic Monkeys, Half Moon Run), and the work has paid off with these catchy yet sensitive tunes – our personal favourite ‘Heading for Heartache’ is one of the most relatable tracks we’ve heard.
Listen to our podcast with Jake Morrell on Spotify here.
6. Abby Anderson, I’m Good
We’re incredibly excited to catch Abby Anderson live in the UK in March at C2C, where she is due to play the Spotlight stage. If you haven’t yet heard this bright, sassy EP, what have you been doing? The EP showcases the gorgeous, deep tonality of Anderson’s vocals in ‘Make Him Wait’, yet also her fun, charismatic personality to boot in tracks such as ‘I’m Good.’ Let’s just hope that a full-length LP is soon to come, as I think the neighbours will soon get sick of us singing, ‘Wham bam Instagram’ at the top of our lungs…
5. Lainey Wilson, self-titled
Lainey Wilson’s set at the Borderline and at Bush Hall were one of the highlights of Country Music Week, earning her – quite rightly – a new legion of UK fans. This, her first release, shows the long journey Lainey has taken to get to where she is, working with a host of songwriters in Nashville. The EP is perfectly crafted and balanced, showing the rock-edge to her voice and rebellious nature, yet proving sweet and vulnerable throughout, for instance in the beautiful track ‘Dreamcatcher.’ If you haven’t heard of Lainey yet, this is one hell of a hello to her and her music.
Listen to our interview with Lainey as part of CMW here.
4. Drake White and the Big Fire, Drake White and the Big Fire (Live)
After his powerhouse set at CMW, Drake White returns to our ear drums with new tracks that he played during his Koko set, this EP is White at his best, accompanied by The Big Fire. Our personal favourite is ‘All Would Be Right with the World,’ however the EP reads as a showcase of the best of White’s talent – high energy, raw vocals and blisteringly good songwriting.
Read our review of his Koko set here.
3. Runaway June, self-titled
It’s hard to believe that a year ago we weren’t aware of Runaway June. Now they are one of the most exciting acts to have emerged from Nashville in recent years, and their set on the Spotlight stage is bound to be hotly anticipated (good work C2C). It’s nigh impossible to choose a favourite track off the album – in fact our only criticism of the EP in general would be, ‘more, please.’ However, the standout tracks are surely ‘I Am Too’ and ‘Wild West’ that all convey the tight harmonies, by which the trio have earned their name and popularity. They are surely what country music needs at the moment, given the controversies over lack of female radio play, three powerful, talented women singing about their own independence and ability to call the shots in ‘Buy My Own Drinks.’
2. O&O, Truth Comes Out
O&O are doubtless one of the most exciting acts to have emerged from within the UK Country scene in recent years, with pure, tight vocal harmonies, an easy chemistry between them, and clever and catchy songwriting. This EP ‘Truth Comes Out,’ is a showcase of these talents, and makes us yet more excited for a full-length album and to see them again live at every opportunity – they are not one to be missed.
1. Jillian Jacqueline, Side B
Since the release of Side A, we’ve been anticipating the next offering from Jillian Jacqueline. Slipping as a pleasant surprise this year, after her incredible sets at C2C (including an unforgettable songwriters’ round hosted by DMP), this EP reads as a lesson in poignant, unique storytelling. Jacqueline manages to make every song relatable, such as in ‘Sad Girls,’ when she tells of bad choices after a break-up, including not being able to pay off a credit card, and in ‘Tragic’ ‘Listen to Chris Martin sing “Magic” for the 99th time.’ The EP is perfectly balanced with more stripped-back melancholic tracks such as ‘Sad Girls’ pairing with the more up-beat ‘Priorities’ that allows Jacqueline to both change up production and show the range of her vocals that should not be underestimated. This is one of those EPs where we don’t want to look at the iTunes play count… but we reckon it’s more than 100 plays in a week.