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: "Cassville Lights" by Jackson Pines

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Cassville Lights," the latest single from Jackson Pines' forthcoming album, "Wheel."

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...12/4/25

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 2-8, 2025

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Big Trucks Win" by Chris Vincent

 

MORE NEWS

bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald will play a one-night-only concert at bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7:00pm.

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Wicked Cool Records releases "It's A Wicked Cool Christmas" - All-star Holiday Compilation

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Sean Marshall Returns to his Roots with "Golden" - His Fourth Studio Album

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Blue Hawk Records to Release 26th Compilation

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WXPN Counts Down The 885 Greatest Cover Songs As Voted By Thousands of Listeners

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

Remembering Frank Sinatra: A Swellegant Celebration to Take Place in Avon

(AVON-BY-THE-SEA, NJ) -- Remembering Frank Sinatra: A Swellegant Celebration, presented by Karen Morris and The Rat Pack Music Alliance, will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from Noon to 1:45pm, indoors, at the Avon Municipal Building (2 Main Street) in Avon-by-the-Sea. The swingin' program will honor Frank Sinatra's 110th heavenly birthday, with a bit of holiday spirit added. Guest speakers, live music, and surprise giveaways will round out the afternoon festivities.

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Human Nature presents "CHRISTMAS. MOTOWN. And MORE" at Golden Nugget Atlantic City

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Split Level Concerts presents Tim Easton and Quincy Mumford at Jersey Shore Arts Center

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The Vogel presents LaBamba's Holiday Hurrah