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

Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 04/23/2026

April 26, 2009; 17 years to the day this Sunday that "Danny Coleman's Rock On Radio" took to the airwaves on WIFI 1460 AM radio. Can it be that long? The answer is yes it can be and yes it has. 

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from April 21-27, 2026

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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 4/20/26

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Once I Wake Up" by Sam Tunkel

 

MORE NEWS

Lenny Kaye Announces Debut Solo Album "Goin' Local"

Lenny Kaye has announced his debut solo record, Goin' Local out July 17, 2026 via Yep Roc Records. At 79, the bonafide punk pioneer and "godfather of garage rock" (NPR Music) steps forward with a deeply personal collection written over the course of many years - piecing together a lifetime of experiences and expansive musical language to find his truest voice.

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Union County Students Earn Top Honors at International Music Festival; Invited to Perform at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center

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Lost Romance Announces Intimate U.K. Solo Acoustic Tour

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Makin Waves with Jackson Pines: 'Music Revisited'

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Punch Brothers to Kick off 28-City Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center on May 14th

 

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.

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Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band's Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour Announced For Spring 2026

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Get the Led Out to Perform Three Nights at Scottish Rite Auditorium

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The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jonatha Brooke