Written by Erika Szumel
New Jersey singer-songwriter Brian Fallon released his fifth studio album, Not Bad For New Jersey, on September 10th, 2026. Fallon is known for staying true to his Jersey roots, being friends with Bruce Springsteen, and his musical talents that he’s showcased as both a solo artist and as the lead vocalist of the New Jersey rock band The Gaslight Anthem.
This album showcases the best of n Fallon with his emotional and raw lyricism, a mix of both the upbeat and slower parts of rock music, his love of New Jersey, and an impressive list of collaborations, including Donovan Woods, Brandon Flowers, Lori McKenna, Phil Collen, and Marc Ribot.
The title track, Not Bad For New Jersey, released May 13th, sets the tone for the album. This track is upbeat and happy about love, life, and New Jersey. Known for his emotional and honest lyrics set to catchy tunes, Fallonsings, “On the shore line, in the springtime / I come back to life / By the seaside, the little dream of me side / Where we never say die / I think we did alright / Not bad, not bad for Jersey." It’s a joyful New Jersey-esque anthem.
Better Before, another single, has the grit and tenacity that people think of when they think of New Jersey. It also has the drawn-out, atmospheric guitar riffs that were popular in the 80s. The energy and lyrics come together when the chorus plays, “I don’t want to say, but if I had to tell the truth / I was better before the night I met you”.
The Big Sleep is another standout track, featuring folk singer Donovan Woods. In this song, Fallon sings about how he’s not thinking about someone, but clearly, through this song, he is. The lyrics are honest and relatable: “I’m wide awake not thinking about you / I’m just driving in my car / I walk around the grocery store on Monday / I don’t wonder where you are”. It’s an interesting, soul-bearing track, as if Brian is telling himself this advice throughout the song, “Don’t get so lost about it / just learn to let it bleed.” The guitar shines throughout with impressive riffs, overlapping vocals, and an upbeat tempo, making the song very easy to listen to.
Fading On Me is another passionate but catchy tune about someone he was clearly close to and the impact that they’ve had on his life. The track starts with an infectious guitar riff that immediately makes you want to keep listening. The tension builds, and the song gets louder. The vocals grow stronger in the verse, “Like the spirits in the summertime, baby / All around me.” The song ends with this powerful energy and the passionate words, “Cure me, or kill me, but don’t leave me here to bleed, now” and “stop fadin’...stop fadin’ on me” repeats over and over again until the song comes to an abrupt end.
Not Bad or New Jersey is reminiscent of Fallon’s earlier solo albums, Painkillers and Sleepwalkers, but it has its own distinct sound. If you’re a New Jersey rock fan or a The Gaslight Anthem fan, this album is a must-listen. It’s energetic, classic, and authentic.
For fans of:
Dave Hause, Jared Hart, The Menzingers, Northcote
