Sean MacLeod opens the door to his forthcoming album, "That’s When the Earth Becomes a Star," with a bold and bracing statement. "Take Control (Don't Let 'Em)" doesn't sneak up on you, it walks right up to you with clarity, confidence, and the unmistakable shine of a songwriter reconnecting with his roots.
As the fourth single to be lifted from the upcoming record, the track follows the more avant-garde detour of “I Know Not.” While that release looked at experimental textures and abstraction, "Take Control (Don't Let 'Em)" goes back to MacLeod's traditional indie roots. The result is a refreshingly indie-influenced pop song built on immediacy rather than embellishment.
From the start, guitar tones cut through the mix clearly, giving it a sense of urgency that feels both close and far away. The arrangement is simple, but not in a bad way. The production has room for the song's main parts to breathe, which adds to the emotional directness that has always been a part of MacLeod's sound.
His signature hook-driven chorus is at the center of it all. It's the kind that stays with you long after the last chord fades. It reminds me of how good he is at writing songs that are both personal and universal. There is no fluff or noise here, just great songwriting and an artist who is sure of what he does best.
If "Take Control (Don't Let 'Em)" sets the tone for "That's When the Earth Becomes a Star," listeners can expect an album that is real, has strong melodies, and is full of self-confidence. Sean MacLeod isn't just getting back to where he was, he's getting it back.