By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/30/2022
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].
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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.
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