New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Can’t Get the Better of Me" by Scott McDonald

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.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



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].




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



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

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Wednesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This year marked 33 years since the band arrived on the music scene.
NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The internationally celebrated Salsa icon, Tito Nieves - affectionately known as "El Pavarotti de la Salsa" - is set to electrify the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm with his tour, "50 Años La Historia... Continúa." The performance will take place at NJPAC's prestigious Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage.
New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2026 Includes a Concert Featuring Two Bands of Rutgers Students

New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2026 Includes a Concert Featuring Two Bands of Rutgers Students

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Hanging Coats and Lawns, part of New Brunswick's basement music scene, take the stage for an audio-visual performance on October 2 , 2026 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A Rutgers student is injecting some sonic youth from the New Brunswick music scene into this year's New Jersey Fall Film Festival.
CarteretPAC presents W.A.S.P. with "1984 to Headless" Tour

CarteretPAC presents W.A.S.P. with "1984 to Headless" Tour

(CARTERET, NJ) -- W.A.S.P. brings its "1984 To Headless" Fall North American Tour to the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band will pay tribute to their 1st Four Albums... Live! The lineup includes Special Guest KK's Priest.
Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

(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



UB40: The Unstoppable Tour 2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Decade - A Neil Young Tribute

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Maximum Queen

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


Maximum Queen

Saturday, September 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ