If there’s one thing Sean MacLeod knows how to do, it’s craft a song that feels timeless the moment you hit play — and his new single “Beautiful Star” shines exactly that kind of light.
A piano leads the way, instantly pulling you into a classic pop atmosphere that nods lovingly toward the golden age of 70s prog rock. But this isn’t nostalgia-for-nostalgia’s sake. Sean threads a beautifully crafted melody through a harmonic structure that’s complex enough to make musicians grin but smooth enough for casual listeners to float along effortlessly.
Then come the layers — gentle but purposeful guitars weaving in and out, and those mesmerising vocal harmonies that feel like they’re wrapping you in soft, warm light. It’s the kind of arrangement that sneaks up on you, getting richer the more you listen.
Lyrically, “Beautiful Star” continues Sean’s signature blend: philosophical depth delivered with a pop sensibility that makes big existential questions feel strangely comforting. It’s reflective, spiritual, and incredibly easy to digest — a rare balance he pulls off with real grace.
For longtime followers, this feels like another strong chapter in the journey of one of Ireland’s most gifted and prolific singer/songwriters. From his early days as a founding member of Dublin-based Cisco — recording with U2’s former producer Paul Barrett and earning critical acclaim — to his rich solo catalogue of singles and albums, Sean MacLeod has built a career on blending the familiar with the unexpected.
With influences ranging from The Beatles and The Beach Boys to Motown, folk, classical, and even the Avant Garde, he continues to shape music around catchy pop melodies while letting the lyrics wander into deeper, more spiritual territory. And with two upcoming albums on the way — New Start arriving in Spring 2025 and the experimental We Don’t See What that We Don’t See — it’s clear that Sean isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
‘Beautiful Star’ is melodically rich, philosophically thoughtful, and effortlessly timeless.
