When artists have more to offer than a single but not enough for a full album, the EP format provides a perfect solution. This versatile format benefits both emerging talents and established stars exploring new directions or collaborations.
SPIN’s top EPs of 2025 present a diverse collection, featuring everything from outtakes and posthumous recordings to live performances and fresh tracks, all in compact, digestible pieces.
25. The World’s Fair, Swervedriver
Swervedriver, a key player in the ’90s U.K. indie scene, returns with their first release in six years. The band embraces the 4-song EP format, reminiscent of their early shoegaze days, enhanced by violin and cello on “Volume Control.”
24. We Live in a Society, Flume & JPEGMafia
Flume and JPEGMafia, known for their solo collaborations, team up on their first joint project. The EP kicks off with “Track 1,” humorously highlighting their differing styles, and includes “Is It Real” with Ravyn Lenae.
23. Opus: The Moretti EP, Moretti
Despite mixed reviews for the film Opus, John Malkovich shines as Moretti, a Bowie-inspired pop star. Malkovich recorded three in-character tracks, collaborating with Terius “The-Dream” Nash and Nile Rodgers.
22. Happy to Be Here, Dexter and the Moonrocks
Texas band Dexter and the Moonrocks continue to rise with their third EP, featuring “Ritalin,” a Top Five alternative radio hit. Their “Western space grunge” sound evolves with tracks like “Cry” and “Breakin’.”
21. But What the Hell Do I Know, Alemeda
Top Dawg Entertainment introduces Alemeda, an Arizona artist known for her bold, catchy punk pop. Tracks like “Beat a Bitch Up” and “I’m Over It” showcase her unique style within the label.
20. Warning Shot, BabyChiefDoIt
Chicago rapper BabyChiefDoIt, featured on XXL’s Freshmen issue, releases Warning Shot during a landmark year. The EP includes four tracks showcasing his clever twist on Chicago drill, including “Attitude Problems.”
19. Amortage, Jisoo
Blackpink’s Jisoo tops South Korea’s charts with an EP of dance pop. Unlike her bandmates’ full-length albums, Jisoo’s project features two English and two Korean tracks, focusing on traditional dance pop.
17. If I Were An R&B Singer, Marvin Sapp
Gospel legend Marvin Sapp explores secular soul on If I Were An R&B Singer. Tracks like “Moment or Lifetime” blend gospel hymns with love song themes, highlighting Sapp’s vocal versatility.
16. Dangerous Summer, Yeat
Yeat’s Dangerous Summer EP serves as a prelude to his upcoming album. Known for AutoTune-heavy rage rap, the EP also features “Fly Nite” with FKA Twigs, showcasing a new avant-pop direction.
15. Leap Through Poisoned Air, W. Cullen Hart & Andrew Rieger
Following Will Cullen Hart’s passing, Andrew Reiger releases Leap Through Poisoned Air, featuring four lo-fi psych rock tracks recorded together in the late ’90s, capturing the spirit of the Elephant 6 era.
14. Land of Hope and Dreams, Bruce Springsteen
During an international tour, Bruce Springsteen criticizes the U.S. administration, leading to a live EP release featuring his speeches and songs from a Manchester show, including a Dylan cover.
13. The Provocateur, Adela
Slovakian singer Adela Jergova, a fan favorite from Pop Star Academy, releases her debut EP. Tracks like “Sex on the Beat” highlight her unique style, distinct from the girl group Katseye.
12. C0FFEE!, Saba
Chicago rapper Saba offers an invigorating mix with C0FFEE!, featuring nine tracks created in his Ford Bronco. The EP ranges from lyrical exercises to melodic experiments like “Looking For Parking.”
11. WWP, Tyla
South African star Tyla continues her danceable hits with WWP, featuring singles like “Dynamite” with Wizkid and “Is It,” a Top Ten hit in South Africa.
10. A Written Testimony: Mars, The Inhabited Planet, Jay Electronica
Jay Electronica surprises fans with a wealth of new music, including A Written Testimony: Mars, The Inhabited Planet, featuring his signature style interwoven with film and speech samples.
9. Ethel Green, Field Hospitals
Minneapolis band Field Hospitals debut with Ethel Green, a collection of six songs with ’80s college radio vibes, released by the South African label Subjangle.
8. Goldust, Dapper Dan Midas
Baltimore rapper Dapper Dan Midas draws inspiration from pro wrestling for Goldust, offering punchlines and empathetic tracks like “Dark Divas” and “The Ballad of Luna & Sherri.”
7. Burning Moonlight, Marianne Faithfull
Marianne Faithfull’s final EP, Burning Moonlight, includes two new songs and a rendition of “She Moved Thru’ the Fair,” recorded before her passing in January 2025.
6. Backroads, Samara Cyn
Samara Cyn, praised by Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, gains momentum with her second EP. Tracks like “Brand New Teeth” showcase her dynamic style and lyrical prowess.
5. Lucky You, Isaiah Falls
Isaiah Falls excels in creating sensual R&B tracks on Lucky You. Collaborations with artists like Alex Isley and Joyce Wrice highlight his harmonious falsetto.
4. Sellout II, Jae Stephens
Jae Stephens, an R&B gem from Def Jam, releases Sellout II, featuring clever wordplay and memorable tracks like “10/10.” She also tours with British group FLO.
3. Hidden Out!, Makaya McCraven
Jazz drummer Makaya McCraven releases four distinct EPs, with Hidden Out! showcasing live collaborations and a standout drum solo, recorded at Chicago’s Hideout.
2. Madder!, Sparks
Sparks release their first EP, Madder!, following their 26th album. The EP features four tracks, including “Porcupine” and “Fantasize,” highlighting their signature synth hooks and humor.
1. Pholks, Leon Thomas
Leon Thomas III follows his successful album Mutt with Pholks, featuring seven funky tracks that highlight his guitar skills. The EP coincides with his Grammy nominations and chart success.
