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Makin Waves Song of the Year: "My God" by James Mastro

By Bob Makin

originally published: 12/18/2024

The Makin Waves Song of the Year is “My God,” the standout track on Hoboken legend James Mastro’s long-awaited solo debut LP, “Dawn of a New Error.” PHOTO BY MEAGHAN TAYLOR

The poignant, engaging “My God” not only sets the tone of Hoboken legend James Mastro’s long-awaited solo debut LP, “Dawn of a New Error,” it also is the Makin Waves Song of the Year.

The 26th Makin Waves Awards will be posted soon at New Jersey Stage along with additional year-end coverage of the New Jersey music scene.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Year, “My God” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 20 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.

“‘My God’ is a song of belief in oneself and in others,” James said. “I was a utility player with Patti Smith at the time I was writing this, and just wasn’t sure if it was working or not. I shared it with her, and she encouraged me to go with it.




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“I wish there wasn’t a reason that compelled me to write this, but unfortunately, it seems to be an issue ever since our species started walking on two legs,” he continued. “I think the song speaks for itself: choose your own god, let someone else choose theirs.”

Like the rest of “Dawn of New Error,” “My God” was produced by the album’s bassist-keyboardist Tony Shanahan, James’ longtime band mate in The Health & Happiness Show, as well as Patti Smith Band and his current backing band, The Gold Stars. Drummer Louie Appel also appears on the track, which was recorded by Emery Dobyns and James Frazee, who also mixed. “My God” was mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound.

For more about James, enjoy a Makin Waves interview with him here and visit his website at https://www.jamesmastro.net.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected]. 

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Street Survivors - Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience

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217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


The Bob Band - A Bob Dylan Tribute

Friday, October 09, 2026 @ 8:00pm
The Strand Center for the Arts
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Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band®

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
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Dueling Pianos

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
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The Wag's Halloween Spectacular

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
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