There’s a sense of calm confidence running through Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em), a song that doesn’t try to reinvent Sean T MacLeod so much as realign him with his core instincts. As the opening track and fourth single from his upcoming album That’s When the Earth Becomes a Star, it sets the tone clearly and without fuss.
Sean T MacLeod comes to this moment with history behind him. As a founding member of the Dublin band Cisco, he experienced early acclaim at home and genuine interest abroad, including work with U2’s one-time producer Paul Barrett. Since the band’s split, his solo career has unfolded steadily, album by album, shaped by curiosity rather than momentum alone. This upcoming release will mark his fifth solo album, and it feels like the work of someone who knows exactly what he wants to say.
Following the more avant-garde leanings of I Know Not, Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em) pulls back toward something simpler and more direct. The song is rooted in classic indie pop, built on shimmering guitar tones, a clean structure, and one of MacLeod’s most reliable strengths: a hook that feels effortless rather than engineered. There’s a rawness here, but it’s controlled. Nothing feels undercooked. It just isn’t overworked.
What I hear most clearly is trust in melody. MacLeod has always drawn from a wide pool of influences, from sixties pop like the Beatles and the Beach Boys to folk, classical, and more experimental forms. But even when those influences shift, the anchor remains the same. Catchy melodies paired with thoughtful harmonic choices. Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em)leans into that balance, letting the chorus lift naturally while the guitars shimmer rather than dominate.
Lyrically, there’s a quiet philosophical undercurrent beneath the song’s accessible surface. That’s something MacLeod does well. He writes pop songs that don’t talk down to the listener, allowing space for reflection without spelling everything out. The title itself suggests resistance and self-determination, but the delivery is measured, not confrontational. It feels lived-in rather than declared.
What makes this track effective as an album opener is its clarity. It doesn’t overwhelm or distract. It welcomes you in and sets expectations. If That’s When the Earth Becomes a Star is about alignment, perspective, and purpose, then Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em) feels like the moment of stepping forward with intention.
At this stage in his career, Sean T MacLeod sounds less concerned with proving anything and more focused on refining what already works. This song is a reminder that returning to your roots doesn’t mean standing still. Sometimes it’s the most direct way forward.
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