James Deely is an artist from New Jersey who has spent the last few decades on the west coast. The Valiants were a popular Jersey Shore band in the 1980s and it was great to see him start releasing music on a regular basis again in the 2010s.

This album has some of the best songs of his career. Tracks like "Beneath These Dreams", "A Harder Road", "Nashville's Finest" and "The Last Ride" evoke memories of the 80s while seeming modern as well. It's a combination that is found on all of his recent releases. Thankfully, he remembered to include some sax. He may have left Jersey, but Jersey never left him :)

This would be his last album with Paul Ford of the Valiants who passed away far too soon. It also includes performances by the late Kevin Kavanaugh of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes fame.

Here are two more tracks to check out

 

COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Open Up the Door" by Jackson Pines

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Open Up the Door," the latest single from Jackson Pines' new album, "Wheel." PHOTO BY MICHAEL KRAVETSKY

---

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 03/05/2026

---

This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from March 3-9, 2026

---

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "This Is the Year" by Sean Kiely

 

MORE NEWS

Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.

---

BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August

---

White Eagle Hall presents The Feelies 50th Anniversary Shows

---

The Levoy Theatre presents 90's Rockfest featuring Lounge Fly and Special Guests on Saturday

---

The Landis presents Crystal Ship - Tribute to The Doors

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.

---

Irish Music and Dance Returns to Albert Music Hall on March 7th

---

Grunin Center presents Socks in the Frying Pan on Saturday

---

SOPAC presents Glen Phillips & Augustana on Saturday