The Makin Waves Top 10 Jersey Independent Songs of 2022 are by from left to right and top to bottom: Alexander Simone & WHODAT? Live Crew, Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son, Sean Tobin (pictured with his band, the Boardwalk Fire), Eryn, Matt O’Ree Band, Anthony Krizan, JT Bowen, and The Vansaders.
Here’s a look at what I thought were the 10 best songs released in 2022 by independent New Jersey artists, plus an Apple Music playlist of the 25 songs that were considered for the list. The songs are 2022 singles and previously unreleased album tracks.
Alexander Simone & WHODAT? Live Crew, “Even Now” — The 2022 Makin Waves Song of the Year is an uplifting anthem that is soul-stirring and -soaring! Read more here!
Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son, “We Go On” — From the City by the Sea that spawned a few anthems comes one from this young man and his crackerjack band who graciously earned the right to stand in the rock ‘n’ roll shoes of the vintage Sounds of Asbury Park while jack hammering a Johnny Clash-like punk sound to make it their own. Read more here.
Sean Tobin, “Ghost of the Arcade” — Like Springsteen’s “Point Blank,” this powerful song looks at a haunting relationship through the lens of Asbury’s old haunts. Read more here!
Eryn, “Beautiful You” — Close your eyes, and you’d swear you’re listening to Gladys Knight, that’s how much soul is in this song sung and co-written (with producer-engineer Anthony Krizan and Cheryl DaVeiga) by a Jersey Girl of whom we all can be proud! Read more here!
Matt O’Ree Band, “He Loves Me Anyway” — Duet by Jersey Shore power couple Matt & Eryn O’Ree about unconditional love that’s as lively as it is lovely. Read more here!
Sean Tobin, “On the Corner of Sunset” — Heartbreak caused by addiction is chronicled here in a cautionary tale reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Social Distortion. Read more here!
Anthony Krizan, “Strawberry Wine” – If Prince jammed with The Impressions, it would sound like this soulful, funky R&B from the multi-hyphenated talent of a master singer-songwriter-guitarist-producer-engineer! Read more here!
JT Bowen, “Angels Among Us” — John Hiatt-like nugget penned by the great Arlen Feiles and treated here like a gospel gift from an Asbury Park soul legend! Read more here!
Alexander Simone & the WHODAT? Live Crew, “Long Way to Go” — Funky sequel to the gospel-inflected “Even Now” featuring a contagious positive vibe. Read more here!
The Vansaders, “My Old Friend” — The Vansaders’ latest great album, “Caught in the Light,” is chuck full of terrific songs released as singles during the past two years, but this was the best of many awesome new ones! Read more here!
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
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