Meaghan Blanchard

"Superb modern country with traditional edges from young Canadian
singer-songwriter"

I first came across Ms Blanchard a couple of years ago via CHASIN’ LONELY
AGAIN, her second album. It was an impressive album for a young lady barely out of her teens. But this third release is something else. The Canadian—from the musically fertile Prince Edward Island—traveled down to Athens, Georgia to work with producer John Keane (REM, Indigo
Girls, Cowboy Junkies, etc), and the result is a stunning, more rounded album of mainly country-rooted material.

There’s something decidedly fresh yet wistfully nostalgic in the production,
and Meaghan proves that she’s a vocalist adept at delivering any kind of material with style. She also happens to be a fine songwriter, as demonstrated by the ten out of 12 original songs here. She avoids
cliches and displays a sense of maturity and talent that seems beyond her years and her lyrics reflect a wry, unique and unusually refreshing viewpoint, a sense of irony that is present in great writing.

She opens with the up-tempo modern country rhythm of When You Used To Call My Name; the chorus is quietly insinuating, while the track’s springy and percussive acoustic instrumentation firmly grips the listeners’ attention. Brown Paper Bag is a classic heartbreaking story that should get right under your skin. Like Dolly Parton, Pam Tillis and Lee Ann Womack before her, Meaghan sings with a wounded grace that makes it hard to keep your tears in their ducts. Don’t bother trying to keep your
jaw off the floor. All I’ve Got is a passionate country song. Her singular voice is perfectly placed in the track and the steel guitar weaving throughout is a key component in the excellent production.
In contrast Runaway is a toe-tapper about escaping from the crazy rat-race which serves up feel-good, singalong lyrics inside a concise and instantly catchy melody. Ballads such as Cryin’ In Harmony can support violins as well as fiddles and still manage the difficult trick of sounding traditional without being retro. This is good ‘country’ stuff from start to finish
and is highly recommended.
Alan Cackett - Maverick Magazine UK

Meaghan Blanchard has recorded a gem of a debut album. “Changing Times” is a gentle, soulful and warm – a real joy to listen to. After hearing her voice, it was a shock to discover that she is only 19 years old. There’s a real quality and maturity beyond her years but on closer inspection there is also a delightful naivety to Blanchard’s lyrics. For instance when she croons about how “...Love wants nothin’ to do with me...” ("Mothers") it’s hard not to raise a smile. Not because of her predicament, but because – as beautifully delivered as it is – it could be a classic case of teenage anguish: Does my bum look big in this/Why does he not fancy me?/ Why have I not got a boyfriend is it cause I’ve got spots? Don't worry though, the entire album isn't a case of stroppy teenager-itis. Her influences are mature and sophisitcated - Van Morrison, Alison Kraus and Mary Black spring to mind - and she is backed by some very talented musicians. Saying that, if you’re looking for some rough 'n' ready Alt. Country then this album will drive you insane. It is obviously an album that your mum/wife/girlfriend will adore. But nonetheless it’s still delightfully easy on the ear.

Even though her career is still in its infancy, it’s clear to see that before long people will sit up and take notice.

Fabulous stuff.

- Americana UK

Wonderful young folk artist who draws you in with gorgeous vocals
paired with captivating songs.
Meaghan is a twenty-one year old singer-songwriter from Canada and
this is her second album, following her debut CHANGING THINGS which
was released in 2008. Having received two ECMA 2009 nominations for
CHANGING THINGS, and appearing as a showcased artist at the ECMA’s
three years in a row, her new album is a promising addition to her career
collection. Meaghan began writing songs at the fresh age of fourteen
and plays acoustic and electric guitar alongside piano. One of the most
captivating songs on this record is Waltzing With You—a wonderful
folk rendition of a waltz, in style and sound and truly captures the beauty
of her harmonic and subtle vocals.
Knockin’ On A Dead Man’s Door is another extraordinary creative piece,
stylistically drawing upon a country/ rock‘n’roll sound that really leaves
you buzzing at the end of the record.
Overall definitely an artist with a vision of how to use her wonderful voice and pair it up with some songs that truly move you as a listener
- Maverick Magazine UK

"The title tune to this singer-songwriter’s collection is a lilting swing thing. Her floating soprano is backed by some very nifty, old-school, Les Paul style guitar picking. This is a delightful listening experience."
Robert K. Oermann is a longtime contributor to MusicRow. He is a respected music critic, author and historian. - Music Row Magazine Nashville TN

Another promising new artist, Hunter River PEI’s Meaghan Blanchard, was next on deck. The young singer-songwriter is barely old enough to be in the bars herself yet she packed Nicky Zee’s twice over weekend with her towering voice and confident presence far beyond her years. An ensemble cast of uber-talented Charlottetown sessional artists supported Blanchard along with PEI songwriter and producer, the ever-entertaining John Connolly. The combination of a team of faultless musicians behind Blanchard’s catchy hooks and introspective lyrics had many heads turning. These two opening acts will be names to be reckoned with at future ECMAs no doubt.

Fraser MacCallum
Magazine -Features
- CJLO Radio Montreal PQ

HONG KONG – My mailbox often gives fantastic surprises. Recently, it held a bulky envelope from Sandbar Music, a small, but talent-laden, record label in Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. Inside, I found two treasues -- Changing Things, a six-song introductory EP (extended play) by Meaghan Blanchard, and Hours Before Dawn, a debut album by Colette Cheverie.
I’d never heard Meaghan before, and her youthful, delicate voice delighted me. A singer, songwriter and university student, she delivers an easy-on-the-ears sound unlikely to weary anyone. Even better, she pens thoughtful, mature lyrics. My favorite tracks are “You Know”, “Great Big City” and “Smiling”.
There’s a picture in my room.
It’s torn to pieces. It’s of me and you.
I’ve found a new way of breaking your heart.
I’ve found a better way of falling apart.
It’ll be alright if you go….
I will be alright, you know.
You know, you know, you know, you know, you know….
From “You Know”, Meaghan Blanchard, Changing Things, 2008
No doubt, Meaghan means business. On the disc, she relies on capable backup musicians like John Connolly, Ian Toms, Dave Wigmore, Serge Bernard and Jon Matthews.
Together, Meaghan’s voice, delivery and songwriting make a pleasing combination. Officially, she releases Changing Things on September 9. Anyone buying it may be dissatisfied, but only because they’ll crave a full-length album.
Jay Scott Kanes
- Cairns Media