Rock/Review Sean MacLeod - Beautiful Star
Sean T MacLeod is a former and founding member of the Dublin-based band Cisco. Having recorded with U2's one-time producer Paul Barrett, the band achieved critical acclaim in their home country as well as serious interest abroad with their album No. 1. Since the split of the band, Sean has been recording and releasing his own solo work, which includes numerous singles and three albums of entirely original music.
“Beautiful Star” by Sean MacLeod is a luminous example of classic songwriting elevated by depth, craft, and quiet ambition. Known as one of Ireland’s most gifted and prolific singer-songwriters, MacLeod delivers a piano-led pop piece that feels timeless while still emotionally immediate. From its opening notes, the song establishes a sense of calm confidence, inviting the listener into a richly layered musical world.
Musically, “Beautiful Star” draws clear inspiration from 1970s progressive rock, particularly in its harmonic sophistication and careful arrangement. The piano forms the emotional backbone, anchoring a melody that unfolds gracefully over a complex yet perfectly balanced chord structure. As the track develops, layers of guitar subtly emerge, adding texture and momentum without overwhelming the core theme. The vocal harmonies are especially striking, creating a sense of expansiveness that lifts the song into something almost celestial.
What truly sets “Beautiful Star” apart is its lyrical depth. MacLeod explores philosophical and spiritual questions with a rare clarity, presenting big ideas in a way that feels accessible and emotionally resonant. There is no sense of heaviness or pretension here; instead, the lyrics flow naturally alongside the melody, allowing listeners to engage on both an intellectual and emotional level. It’s a song that invites reflection without demanding interpretation, leaving space for personal meaning.
“Beautiful Star” showcases Sean MacLeod at his most refined, blending classic pop sensibility with progressive ambition and thoughtful songwriting. It’s the kind of track that reveals new details with each listen, lingering long after it ends — a testament to MacLeod’s enduring artistry and musical vision.