From Trina to Mandy Moore to Gloria Estefan to Ariana Grande, Florida has a habit of producing stunning female singer-songwriters; on the basis of ‘Replaced’, 16-year-old Megan Wheeler could be the latest in that long and prestigious list. Opening with a gentle, ‘Imagine’-like piano part before Wheeler’s delicate-yet-potent vocal kicks in, ‘Replaced’ is a subtle little piano-led ballad, poppy yet mature, a story of a girl betrayed and of love lost in an instant.
Wheeler’s voice is superb, a mix of Dolores O’Riordan, Avril Lavigne, and maybe a touch of Taylor Swift, her piano playing a perfect accompaniment to the vocal. She already has a classy understanding of technique and of the craft of songwriting, despite her tender years; on the basis of ‘Replaced’ she’s got a stunning future ahead of her, but that’s not to say that ‘Replaced’ isn’t a great track all by itself.
You can check out ‘Replaced’ on Wheeler’s HearNow page; check out the real Meg Wheeler on Twitter.
Review by Alex Holmes