There are very few rock albums that can be considered legendary. One of these rarities would be Meat Loaf’s 1977 release, “Bat Out Of Hell.”
The album, which was written by infamous rock composer Jim Steinman and produced by Todd Rundgren, is known for it’s bombastic, operatic anthems “Paradise By The Dashboard Light,” “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)” and the title track, “Bat Out Of Hell.” Sixteen years later, Meat Loaf achieved one of the biggest come-backs in rock history with “Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell.”
This follow-up album, which featured the mega hit “I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” was once again entirely composed, as well as produced, by Jim Steinman.
Now in 2006, Meat Loaf has decided to continue this rock legacy with “Bat Out Of Hell III.” This time, however, only half of the album was written by Jim Steinman. The remaining tracks were written by hit songwriter Desmond Child (writer of “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Dude (Looks Like A Lady)” ‘ “Livin’ La Vida Loca”), who also served as the album’s producer.
Surprisingly, some of the tracks on “Bat III,” have a very hard, “nu-metal” sound (reminiscent of Linkin Park and Korn). Among these tracks are the title track, “The Monster is Loose,” and the Steinman composed “In The Land Of The Pig, The Butcher Is King,” which features guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. There are also more traditional sounding Meat Loaf songs, such as the rockers “Bad For Good” (featuring Brian May of Queen) and “Alive!” as well as the ballads “Blind As A Bat” and “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” (originally recorded by Celine Dion).
While many have been skeptical about the exclusion of Steinman from the making of this album, it has proven itself worthy to carry on the “Bat Out Of Hell” legacy. Steinman’s tracks are as epic as ever, and Child’s compositions skillfully mimic the well known Meat Loaf sound, while remaining new and intriguing. With the inclusion of a few modern sounding tracks, Meat Loaf and Child make the album appealing the to youngsters of today, as well as loyal fans.
On Thursday, Nov. 2 Meat Loaf performed in concert at the Palace Theater in New York City for a one night only Bat On Broadway show. It was immediately obvious that Meat Loaf and his band were on the top of their game that night.
The show, which opened with “Bat Out Of Hell’s” track “All Revved Up With No Place To Go” ran through album cuts of the biggest hits from all three “Bat” albums. Highlights of the night were the entire 12 minute version of “I Would Do Anything For Love,” the uncommon album version of “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth,” and the return of “Bat II’s” intense ballad “Objects In The Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are.” Needless to say, the night also included five songs off of the new album.
Overall, the entire Palace theater was on its feet from the very first song, to the final number, “Life Is A Lemon And I Want My Money Back.”
After listening to “Bat III” and seeing one of the first concerts from his current tour, it is obvious that Meat Loaf is back with a vengeance. While it is uncertain whether or not “Bat III” will be as successful as the previous “Bat” albums, it will likely go down in history as a must-have rock album.
Leave a Reply