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
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
