Rock/Review Sean MacLeod - Cool Charisma
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.
With “Cool Charisma,” Sean MacLeod delivers a vibrant, retro-infused pop gem that radiates confidence, warmth, and musical craftsmanship. From the opening guitar riff, the track glistens with the sunlit charm of 1960s pop while introducing a modern polish that keeps it fresh and relevant. Sean draws clear inspiration from classic icons like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and the golden era of Motown — yet he manages to merge those nostalgic influences into something distinctly his own.
The song’s structure feels timeless: infectious guitar lines weave through a mellifluous melody, while the call-and-response chorus practically begs for audience participation. It’s a testament to Sean’s skill as both a songwriter and arranger that “Cool Charisma” feels effortless, as though it’s been part of the pop canon all along. Beneath its upbeat surface lies a subtle sophistication — lush harmonies, tight rhythm work, and melodic hooks that stay with you long after the final note fades.
Lyrically, the song captures the easy magnetism of someone whose charm seems to come naturally, embodying the kind of playful swagger that defined many of the greats Sean draws from. Yet, it also feels personal and grounded, reflecting an artist comfortable in his own groove.
In “Cool Charisma,” Sean MacLeod bridges eras — paying homage to the classic pop traditions of the past while injecting his own spirited energy and contemporary sensibility. The result is a feel-good anthem that shines with both style and substance.