It is over 20 years since Meat Loaf burst onto the scene with the album Bat out of Hell. This was an album which set new standards in rock production and in doing so defined a whole new rock music genre. Meat Loafs gothic grand rock style was built on the extraordinary song-writing and production talents of Jim Steinman.
Meat Loafs appeal was wide and fans closer to the heavy metal scene mingled with lovers of strong ballads in the queues at the music store and they bought the album in millions. In addition to the song Bat out of Hell songs like Heaven Can Wait’ ,Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ and the powerful You took the Words Right Out of my Mouth’ combined the totally original Steinman lyrical style with Meat Loafs epic vocals which added a weight to the whole structure.
Unfortunately it did not initially last too long and Meat Loaf and Steinman went their separate ways in the early 1980s. Steinman worked fleetingly with other artistes while Meat Loaf tried other writers without consistent success. Many of the writers seemingly trying to emulate Steinmans style as on Midnight at the Lost and Found. When Meat Loaf reunited with Steinman in 1993 for I would do anything for Love but I won’t do that’ and my personal favourite Objects In the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are’ then in my view we saw some of the best of Meat Loaf.
This is not music though to take too seriously, its singalong rock with sometimes enigmatically strange lyrics the likes of which you will rarely hear elsewhere. The very best of Meat Loaf is a must for all Meat fans and anyone who occasionally wants a singalong evening with friends.
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Advantages: Great songs and great longevity - I still listen to it regularly Disadvantages: A few not so great tracks, and suffers in comparison to Bat Out Of Hell
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