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Sean MacLeod is making a definitive statement with his latest single, “Take Control (Don’t Let ‘Em).” For those familiar with the Dublin music scene, MacLeod is a name that carries significant weight. As a founding member of the band Cisco, he previously worked alongside U2’s production veteran Paul Barrett, earning critical acclaim before carving out a solo path. Now, on the cusp of releasing his fifth solo album, That’s When the Earth Becomes a Star, he returns with a track that serves as a brilliant bridge between his indie roots and his philosophical aspirations.
The song immediately stands out for its structural patience. It opens with a thirty three second instrumental passage that allows a soothing, rhythmic beat to establish the mood before a single word is uttered. This choice feels intentional and confident, inviting the listener to settle into MacLeod’s world of shimmering guitar tones and raw indie pop. While the influence of sixties icons like the Beatles and the Beach Boys is evident in the melodic hooks, there is a grit here that belongs entirely to the present.
Lyrically, MacLeod dives into the complexities of integrity and the high cost of compromise. He writes with a spiritual clarity that challenges the listener to look inward. The song warns that if you compromise, you might not realize things fall apart. He asks poignantly, where is your heart? This inquiry leads into a powerful refrain:
“Don’t let em take control of your mind your heart and your soul, don’t let em take control.”
MacLeod further explores the intersection of art and commerce, suggesting that if money becomes your art, it may not serve your heart. He pushes the listener to consider what they will eventually become and if what they feel is indeed the real deal.
Spanning in at just under three and a half minutes, the track is a masterclass in balance. It manages to be intellectually stimulating without losing its accessibility. It is a song about reclaiming agency and guarding one’s essence against external pressures. As the opening track for his upcoming album, it sets a high bar for what promises to be a deeply reflective and musically rich project. Sean MacLeod has once again proven that thoughtful songwriting is a timeless art form.
