By Bob Makin
originally published: 08/22/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Can’t Get the Better of Me” from Scott McDonald’s brand new Bongo Boy Records debut album, “See It Through.” IMAGE BY MONIQUE GRIMME
TUSK rocker Scott McDonald just dropped his debut LP for Jersey-based Bongo Boy Records.
The 12-song LP’s Michael McDonald-like smooth R&B second single, “Can’t Get the Better of Me,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Can’t Get the Better of Me” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Aug. 22 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
The anthemic “Can’t Get The Better Of Me” offers a sense of strength and empowerment, inspiring listeners to overcome obstacles once thought impossible. The song’s message is deeply relevant to today’s world and is sure to strike a chord.
Produced by Scott and Brian J. Anthony at Brian J Anthony Studio in Pennsylvania, the unforgettable track leaves a lasting impression. The melody surges with Scott’s powerful guitar riffs and bass rhythms stirring an undercurrent of energy with TUSK band mate Tom Nelson on drums and percussion. Meanwhile, Scott’s vocals are perfectly on point with his dynamic songwriting. The results make a bold statement that will uplift, encourage, and inspire listeners.
Scott approached Bongo Boy earlier this year with the album’s first single, “Wave,” to be considered for inclusion on the Kryp II Knight compilation. Label CEO Monique Grimme immediately sent the song to A&R Director Gar Francis.
The pulsing energy, evocative songwriting, and unmistakable craftsmanship piqued Gar’s curiosity. He said he was struck by Scott’s penmanship and the finesse of his arrangements.
Rather than just release a comp track, Bongo Boy committed to a full-length album. “Set It Through” dropped on Tuesday. Take a listen here.
While a tour in support of the LP has yet to be announced, Scott can be seen in his full-time role paying tribute to Fleetwood Mac with TUSK as its guitarist and co-vocalist. Those tour dates can be found at https://fleetwoodmactribute.com/tour/.
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
Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
Tropicana Showroom presents Gov't Mule on Friday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City presents Gov't Mule on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 9:00pm. For three decades, Gov't Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable.
bergenPAC presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. UB40's unmistakable blend of reggae rhythms and pop sensibility made them one of the most successful British bands of all time.
Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Hot Tuna, an iconic American blues rock band, has been delivering a profound musical experience to audiences pushing six decades.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a Tribute to the Elton John, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson Trio Tours of 1970 – 1972 featuring Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes), Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux) and John Conte (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes).
Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
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