By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/26/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Year is “My Best,” a loving look at parenthood and childhood by The Well Wish. PHOTO BY LAYLA ANGELONI
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 and their children by the Jersey Shore husband-and-wife (and mom-and-dad) team of vocalist Anya Angeloni and guitarist Patrick J. Angeloni of The Well Wish.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Year, “My Best” can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin, Mixcloud and RadioJersey.net.
“‘My Best’ is a reminder to all parents that we’re all simply doing our best,” said Anya, who wrote the lyrics to Patrick’s music. “The song actually started as a funny way to tell our daughter to stop bed-hopping and finally sleep in her own bed. But as it came together, it turned into something more meaningful: an honest reflection on parenting.
“No matter how much we may argue, we’ll always love each other in the morning,” she continued. “And when we butt heads, isn’t that because we taught them to be strong? Ten years from now, I’ll probably listen to this song and think of all the things I could’ve done differently, but that won’t change the truth: every day, when we wake up, we try our best for the ones we love. We hope you can relate and enjoy ‘My Best.’”
The single’s artwork was created by Layla Angeloni, the lass who inspired the song.
“My Best” also features the great Andy Kirkpatrick on drums, the lovely Elena Worton on keyboards and vocals, and 2024 Makin Waves Awards-winning bassist Prash Singh. Anya also has won a Makin Waves Award as the 2023 Vocalist of the Year. The Song of the Year Award for “My Best” marks the third MWA for The Well Wish.
The insightful single was followed by the release of “Here All Along,” the band’s third EP since 2016, following their debut, “Of Heart and Mind” and the 2023 follow-up “Promises.” The five-song “Here All Along” was recorded and mixed at Retromedia Sound Studios in Red Bank by owner Adam Vaccarelli and mastered by Elaine Rasnake at Daughterboard Audio.
The Well Wish are writing and demoing new songs to be released soon as singles, as well as a new collection of tunes down the line. A new show in late January or early February will be announced soon.
In the meantime, enjoy The Well Wish on Apple Music and YouTube.
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.
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