By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/21/2025
The top 10 songs of 2025 by New Jersey-based indie artists, according to Makin Waves:
“My Best,” The Well Wish — Parenting is the most joyous part of life, but it also can be very tough. It’s even tougher when you have to balance being a working musician. The Makin Waves Song of the Year, “My Best,” is an ode to parents from the Jersey Shore husband-and-wife (and mom-and-dad) team of vocalist Anya Angeloni and guitarist Patrick J. Angeloni.
“Golden Cage,” Cranston Dean — Imagine a world where the immigrant is the hero rather than the villain. Highlands singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Cranston Dean wrote this song while working on a construction job for a trustworthy immigrant contractor and friend. “Golden Cage” is in reaction to the prejudice his friend faced from a crew that did more yapping than working. The anti-MAGA sentiment is a subtle but powerful theme to a revolution.
“Wonderland,” Renee Maskin — All things must pass, the great George Harrison said, but, man, that really sucks when it’s one of your favorite childhood past times. Having come to prominence in Asbury Park, singer-songwriter Renee Maskin is no stranger to gentrification, but when she shares the nostalgia of Ocean City’s Wonderland Pier amusements as it falls to the wrecking ball of a luxury hotel, eloquence and charm balance on a fence of bitterness in a way that continues to showcase as her as one of Jersey’s best and brightest talents.
“Tethered,” Brielle Brown — The gospel-tinged quasi-title track of Jersey Shore singer-songwriter’s brilliant LP “In Art & Soil the Same” chillingly examines how time is running out for humanity due to a lack of forgiveness for each other and a lack of love for the Earth Mother.
“Diaspora,” Arlan Feiles — The title track to heartbreaking journey through the horrors that the Jewish Diaspora has faced during and after the Holocaust is a plea for peace and cry for justice that the splintering world desperately needs.
“Psychic,” Surfing for Daisy — I do not know if the psychic in this song is the Asbury Park Boardwalk’s legendary Madame Marie, but I do know that the artist protagonist of this absorbing, atmospheric tale is cut from the same cloth as the young gypsy minstrel who made her a legend.
“Mother,” Nefesh Mountain — Motherhood seems to be the underlying theme of this list. The three kids of Nefesh Mountain’s Doni Zasloff inspired this ringing endorsement of a life choice that is not for wimps.
“Thomas Duncan, Pt. 3,” Dogs in a Pile — A tasty jam ‘n’ groove that oozes Steely Dan and Pink Floyd into the Rock ‘n’ Blender, this third installment of the epic trilogy “Thomas Duncan” is as great a listen as it is a mystery as to why — having included “Pt. 2” on their 2021 debut studio LP, “Not Your Average Beagle” — Dogs in a Pile never released “Pt. 1.”
“Down,” Flycatcher — Nirvana-like ear candy meets soul dropkick from an impressive third full-length that paves the way for more great things ahead for this veteran Asbury indie band.
“Case Road,” Dan Haase — Nostalgic Steve Earle-like anthem for broke musicians whose deep, deep passion for music keeps them from being broken, courtesy of the singer-songwriter solo endeavors of one of the Jersey Shore’s best sidemen.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and Instagram 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
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
