Sean T MacLeod’s Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em) feels like a purposeful reset, an artist getting back to what he does best while still carrying the experience of everything he’s explored along the way. As a former founding member of Dublin band Cisco, MacLeod has already proven his songwriting credentials, but this single shows a renewed sense of direction. Opening his upcoming album That’s When the Earth Becomes a Star, the track immediately sets a grounded, no-frills tone that draws you in without trying too hard. The song delivers a clear and powerful message, captured in the line, “Don’t let them take control of your mind, your heart and your soul,” a moment that perfectly sums up the track’s spirit of self-belief and resistance.
After the more experimental edge of I Know Not, this song leans comfortably into indie pop territory. The arrangement is simple but effective—clean guitar lines, a steady rhythm, and a chorus that sticks after just one listen. There’s something honest about how unpolished it feels in places, and that works in its favour. You can hear traces of classic ‘60s influences in the melody, but it never feels like imitation. Instead, it comes across as someone who understands those roots and uses them naturally, rather than forcing nostalgia.
What stands out most is the message. Take Control (Don’t Let ’Em) doesn’t dress itself up in complicated language, but it still carries weight. It’s about holding your ground, thinking for yourself, and pushing back against outside noise, ideas that feel relevant without being overexplained. MacLeod has always had a reflective side in his writing, and that comes through here in a subtle way. Altogether, the track feels like a strong and honest introduction to the album ahead; straightforward, catchy, and quietly meaningful.
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