Bat Out Of Hell

Git

I've never listened to this album, but I knew one or two songs (3). Some good parts (Dashboard Light) but overall really cheesy, even cheesier than I thought.

Uptempo songs: yay👍 - ballads: nay 👎 I don’t need to listen to this again but I can respect the musicianship that went into writing and performing these songs

I really feel like I'm being pranked that this is the highest selling album of all time in Australia. It is definitely my aversion to musical theater that's hurting this for me. This is another case of musically, I get how this is impressive and dare I say a maximalist feat but I just don't get it. I had to reframe my approach to listening to this and go again in a mindset of this is silly musical theater that I shouldn't be looking at through the same lens as like To Pimp a Butterfly. Made way more sense that way. I think I'm going to rock a 4 on this but I can appreciate a fully orchestrated rock opera that isn't the worst thing you've ever heard.

I love this over the top rock opera. So clearly a musical in rock album format, I love this thing. So silly but the playing and singing is just so good it adds to it. 5/5

Epic

This is a top teir album, Meatloaf is one of one.

I tried really hard. Every song felt like 10 minutes of torture. Bat out of hell was 8+ minutes of me waiting for it to be over. I love all music but I honestly cannot see the appeal of Meat Loaf. Clearly not my cup of tea.

I wish this album was mastered better. Fun electric guitar and the beat was fun. Bat Out of Hell, Paradise By the Dashboard Light, and Fpr Crying Out Loud were a bit longer than what I like though, after 4-5 minutes it was just too much. Also why the moaning in PBDL? Was that really necessary?

Deserves 10 stars!

Sounds like that one scene in Happy Gilmore where he tries to go to his happy place and his gran is necking on with Gene Simmons, or like a rock opera version of Thunder Road by Springsteen

Not my thing but a fun listen.

Lemmesleeponiiiiiit

I grew up listening to Meat Loaf. Maybe not the best decision on Mom's part, but I still love him. Even if you think he's over the top or too dramatic, you have to admit that this album has some phenomenal written lines!!!!

Guys, you're causing me to have a Meatloaf Flareup. That's when someone mentions Meatloaf then I've got to listen to Meatloaf non-stop for the next several days. I'm not mad, I just wanted you to know the power you have over me.

MEATLOAF!!!!!

I played this too much in my youth and find to be somewhat histrionic… but it is still a brilliant album.

I've never listened to Meatloaf before, I was definitely expecting more of a Metal album based off the cover art, not what sounded like a 1970s rock opera. It was a fun listen but definitely not what I was expecting. As I listened to the album more I got more into the groove of it, but it just wasn't what I was expecting.

Show tunes for dads. Horny and not in a cute way. Never need to hear this again.

I like him as a performer (his sweat drenched performances on OGWT are amazing) and I like some of these songs in isolation but as an album it is a bit much.

Saw a review that said this was a heterosexual’s Elton John which seems pretty on the nose. Seems to employ similar tropes in a lot of songs, lyrical or melodic hook, followed by quieter piano part, build up to uptempo rock part, changing tempo occasionally and repeat ad infinitum. It’s just a bit…much isn’t it? Very little finesse on a lot of it.

I hated this album. I hated it a lot more than I thought I would. Its theatrical in the most amateur way. His voice is bad; the songs are bad. It's just a weird novelty act. I want my 47 minutes back!

So many classic songs. Rock on an epic scale.

I really really want to give this 5 stars. I do but if 5 stars is perfect and “All Revved up” is not a good song, what do I do? Fuck it. I’ll buck my trend. It’s perfect enough. I mean, the storytelling, the anthemic songs. It’s a rollercoaster.

Heard of Meatloaf but had never really listened to him. Fun album with energy. He’s got a great voice and the music felt big. Got a rock-opera thing going on.

Middle school classic! This brought back so many golden memories, love it

It's a lot. Big drama. Really good production. I can't take it seriously, so I won't be returning to it.

Nope. Not my cup of tea. Interesting, though.

Classic album from a young Meatlosf. I have this album in my collection since 1977 snd always liked it. I think all of the songs are good. I also enjoyed watching the videos

Album Art Review - another iconic cover for an iconic album. Literally a demonic motorcycle launching out of a graveyard hellscape with a giant demonic bat cackling over the whole scene. Great cover that both teases the music on the album, without really preparing the listener for what they are about to experience.

Ok

Cool album. But I do find the songs too long.

What a fun ride, like a bat out of hell. Honestly, the album cover goes so hard it deserves an extra star for just bringing so much emotion to the album, and on top of the unique and sick guitar that exists plus the "musical" style that I think it does really, really well. A solid 4.5/5 album for me, leaning 4 because I can't put some of the 9 minute songs into any of my playlists.

3 1/2 stars I used to love this album when I was a kid. It was so dramatic. I thought I was going to dislike it this time around but it didn’t. It’s fun and a great rock opera. I as pleasantly surprised.

Too pompous.

2 out of 5 ain’t bad. Had some Italian restaurant vibes but not as good

pa okej je ovo ispalo, zbog omota sam mislio da će bit žešće sranje. podsjeća me na todda rundgrena, ali nije toliko dobar

Rock opera has never really been something I seek out, so this is an interesting first album to get! Part way in, this is very cheesy and over-the-top. It reminds me a lot of Christmas in a sense despite no direct connection. I don't dislike it so far, both "Bat Out of Hell" and "You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)" delivered about what I expected with the intense guitar riffs, general instrumental weight, and booming screams of a vocal delivery. "Heaven Can Wait" is a pretty minimalist ballad, a nice change of pace from the prior two tracks. "All Revved Up With No Place To Go" follows up with more of the prior funk, feeling very 50s in its soundscape. This one ends up being a bit too tacky for my tastes especially with the very sped-up ending. "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" didn't particularly stand out from prior tracks in any way to me. It's yet more decent rock opera. "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" definitely has the most variation, being a song in three acts, with increasing dramatics between the two characters portrayed in the lyrics. It builds to a satisfying climax, definitely standing out amidst its contemporaries. "For Crying Out Loud" goes for a more ballad-y approach to finish off the album, while still getting quite operatic. The piano work here is pleasant. Overall, a pretty cheesy product that is very of its time, even with all the 50s influence strewn throughout the construction of the music. Nice to explore, but not something I'd soon revisit.

J’ai surtout apprécié le 1er titre aussi non le reste se laisse écouter mais sans plus

Before hearing this, the only Meat Loaf song I knew was his track from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (one of the best in the film btw). I was aware of this album and its huge success, but I never understood why it was so big. After finally giving it a listen, I get it a little more now, though it still feels like a bit of an anomaly to me. Doesn't matter though. This album kicks ass. It really does feel like the soundtrack to a theater musical production (I mean it literally was adapted into a musical at one point). Its so over the top in all the right ways! A hell of a good time. Favorite track: Bat Out Of Hell 3.5/5

Better than I expected, just not my thing

What a magnificent album! Plenty of epic and melodic moments. Forget the cheesy name and give a bite to this monstruous piece of Meat!

Great vocal layering. Elite harmonizing and the use of spoken word samples is perfectly executed. Very very reminiscent of Queen??? Wasn’t expecting that. A beautiful mix of ballads and absolute guitar rippers. Listened to: walking through prospect park. Favorite tracks: Bat Out of Hell, Heaven Can Wait, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad

If 'The Room' were an album, this would be it. It's fucking terrible, but I don't hate it.

A classic, loved it since I was in highschool. Slower songs overall but Meatloaf always kicks it into gear

One of the best first songs of a album

This album is making me reconsider how I rate these. Part of me says that I should consider this a guilty pleasure, but I unreservedly love this album and I will rate it as such.

I was haunted by the popularity of this Album when I was a teenager and resisted it for a long time. This album seems to have everything dialed up to 11, including the concept, drama and album art. It's definitely a moment in time!

Pretty wild! I felt like I was in a rock musical! Not really my thing, but a nice little escape for the afternoon

picks: bat out of hell, paradise by the dashboard light

3 estrelas - só pelo Todd Rundgren

Macht Laune (gute)

Meat Loaf is Springsteen for theater kids. It's a damned good album.

Testosterone-driven opera about love and sex — the adolescent experience. Operatic, dramatic, and a little shallow, it was quite a ride in my youth. Best experienced now with limited attention to the lyrics, which feel like an uncomfortable reminder of the world before the prefrontal cortex develops. Fun, but also a bit embarrassing. *A punchy ChatGPT summary of my statement above: A bombastic adolescent opera about sex and longing — thrilling in youth, cringey in hindsight.”

Oh yea classic 70’s rock!

Epic

I always think Bat Out of Hell is poking fun at the inherent ridiculousness of rock & roll, but it's like Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein - a spoof made with such skill and care by people who genuinely love the thing they're parodying that it becomes a classic in its own right.

This album is over the top, over produced, cheesy and everything you’d expect from Meat Loaf. The opening to You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth is absolutely ridiculous. Bat Out of Hell saves it from 1 star treatment.

Okisg

This album is too much and ridiculous (complimentary)

strange - i usually like strange but…meh. Sad cuz i do like rocky horror

I would have thought this was glam rock, but the delivery is just a bit too earnest to have any level of self-awareness about the cheesiness. The titular track is alright but the rest is a big bag of meh.

Wayyy more theatrical than I expected which was interesting. But it wasnt bad!! I appreciated the artistry of it all. Opened strong and closed strong, which makes it a solid album imo.

title track was great and album felt like classic older ish but still harder rock! songs were really long lol. been meaning to dabble in meatloaf so this was good but wanna let this marinate and listen again sometime.

In high school, you could occasionally bring LPs to music class. Very often, this LP was brought by a classmate.

A gem of an album from the golden age of rock. Killer guitar solos, and that most glorious rarity, the rock piano. There's only seven songs but he draws everything out of them. I didn't begrudge giving 10+ minutes to a song to allow him space to explore different ideas. These songs were epic before it was overdone, and so passionate. I love the storytelling - it's theatrical without tipping over into cheese. Really top stuff. Absolutely no issue or dispute in giving this a 5.

Thought this would be a fun listen but I didn't care for it at all.

First time I have actually listened to this album all the way through. Outside of Bat Out of Hell, nothing too exciting from my perspective. It was fine and enjoyable at times, I probably wouldn't go through the whole album again.

What a belter of an album. Familiarity: 5 – Deep Familiarity Songs I would actively choose to listen to: 3 - Half What can I remember the next day?: 4 - Most Best song: Paradise by the Dashboard Light

Wedding season

Ok

This is such an easy 5. This is probably mum's favourite album so including bias points here. Bat Out of Hell speaks for itself, it really does carry this album. Don't get me wrong, the rest of the songs on here are good - but Bat Out of Hell is Meatloaf's magnum opus - a near perfect song. You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth is included as my other favourite song on here. It's perfect addition cooldown song to Bat Out Of Hell, and sets you up for the more sombre tone for the rest of the album. Honestly, everything else on here is rather forgettable. A good listen, but nobody listens to Bat Out Of Hell for anything except the first two songs, and maybe Paradise.

More like Fat and out of Health

They call him 007 0 songs written 0 sex appeal 7 double cheeseburgers

I did not expect ti enjoy this at all, I have a particular disdain for hair metal (to no-ones surprise). But this album is well produced, funny, camp and proportionally cool. Nah gammon, the above is partially true but it's mid 5/10

Theatre kid album. This was pretty good at first, very bombastic and full-throttle. As the album continued, I found myself getting tired of it. The first two songs are great, especially the second track. By the time it gets to Paradise by the Dashboard Light, I am ready to stop listening. The original song was supposed to be 27 minutes? Yeah I bet it was just an additional 20 minutes of baseball commentary. Jesus fucking Christ. 'kitchen sink rockabilly' is the best way to describe this song. I need to be in the right mood for this, I can't just throw this on at anytime. This would be great for a roadtrip with likeminded (drunk) people or in a an environment with enough stimuli to distract me from focusing on the finer details of the album (being drunk). One good half, one admittedly shit half. I'm feeling generous so it gets a 3. Furthermore, I am finding it difficult to not make a link between how indulgent this album is and the artist's physique. I'm choosing to be the bigger man. Highlights: You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)

I must preface these comments with the fact that I LOVE Meatloaf. I love the songs, I love the swagger, I love the earnest devotion to rock. I'm also amazed that something like this got made in the first place. It's outlandish and odd and epicly vague. Who would green light this project? It must have taken such a force of will to make it happen and I respect that so much. There's no shame or guilt in this music, it feels uninhibited and unleashed. They are playing to their tribe so there's no judgement and each song lets loose with honesty and rage and disappointment and hurt and lust. It's OK to feel these things about all the other things. This is rock and roll and only you can define what that actually means.

This is rock opera. I don't like rock opera. Earlier in this project I hypothesized that part of the reason for The Beatles' success was that their tracks are short and to the point--every track on Hard Day's Night is under 3 minutes. This is anything but that. 4:19 is the shortest track. Three tracks are 8 minutes or longer. Also clapping? Please don't. Heavy sax? Also a no for me. 2/5

Loved this album growing up but mostly because my mum sold it to me pretty hard. Incredible moments on it but it isn’t one I would listen to again out of the blue

Enjoyable but likely never again.

No. Just no.

Loved the rock opera sound.

Maximalist songs. Very long. Sounds like a show choir

REALLY fun!!! super upbeat and intense while being beautiful throughout its runtime

Quite a voice, but also sappy orchestration and lyrics that put me to sleep. Zzz

Judging by the cover, I think this album might be just too subtle to be any good! This has to be the most overblown, overproduced, over the top album than has ever been created. Operatic extravagance with motorbike engines and musical theatre earnestness. It’s all very safe, and very high camp drama. Meat Loaf seems permanently on the cusp of a breakdown, but never more so than on For Cryin’ Out Loud, which camp drama in the extreme. I never know whether to take Bat Out of Hell seriously or not because it works best as a great party album. I don’t think it stands up to intense critique of the artistry. I love it.

Another album that requires separation of the art and the artist. Album: ridiculous, over the top, bombastic silly fun. The artist? Well, let's just say I wasn't sad when he died. This is a review of the album, so... yes, excellent nonsense, five stars.

Meaty Horror Picture Show. If you ever want an alternate Grease universe with a theater nerd's version of rock and roll, and some cutesy (slash rather die than have a relationship) lover-boy ballads, Meatloaf's got you covered. Really catchy and fun tunes, and would really love to see Bat out of Hell: The Musical, baseball-sex scene and all.

Bloated, pretentious and overproduced. Everything punk rock saved us from

It's big, brash, bombastic, bold and I hated every second of it. Never liked Meat Loaf. This is so over the top that it hurts. Painful listen.

Ballad after ballad. Really great listen all the way through.

Bra variation och allt var typ bra

That was very theatrical. If nothing else Meat Loaf sure has a knack for theatrical, epic duets with powerful female singers. I was quite surprised to find out that Paradise and I Would do Anything for Love have different female lead vocalists. Also the one on I Would Do Anything for Love didn't get any royalties. That isn't cool. Anyway, I'll never listen to this again and won't mind. That said, I enjoyed this far more than I'll ever admit.

In terms of dramatic rock piano ballads - Meat Loaf is at the top of his game… perhaps even the creator of the genre. With lines like “you’ve been so cold Im crying icicles instead of tears” - what more could you want. Did he inspire the series Twilight - given some of the werewolf themes perhaps. I could have done without “paradise by the light of the dashboard”… awkward first time in a car but as a rock duet ballad… huh. For the record - I will forever associate Meatloaf with Noel forcing us to listen to the extended 12 minutes version of “I would do anything for love”. Perhaps the longest 12 minutes of my life. Also who knew it was a duet.

goofy

bat out of hell - pocinjemo s pjesmom po kojoj je album dobio ime, odlican intro, fora klavir, onaj tip rocka koji mi inace nije bas drag - onak parent rock, slatki stihovi, spoj brzog i sporog instrumentala, oooodlicni gitara riffovi, lajkam world building i metafore you took the words right out of my mouth - opet kuuul intro, svida mi se tematika, slaaatko, dosta ponavljanja istih stihova na kraju heaven can wait - laganija od prethodne dvije, kinda mid zapravo all reved up with no place to go - najs, djelomicno relatable, smijesan background voice, dobar ritam, prva koju sam sejvala u playlistu two out of three aint bad - zanimljiv naslov, dosta specificni stihovi (ali ipak sigurno relatable nekima), ne kuzim ovo 2/3 i OUCH sa ovim "im never gonna love you", personal story, projectionnn, dosta harsh al tak to nekad ide ig paradise by the dashboard light - tone change od prosle pjesme lol, uuu zenski vokal, UGH throwback na 17, omg dvije pjesme u jednoj, haha baseball inuendo, ajme frajer ispada kao takav douche wow, svida mi se ovo kad ga tjera da odgovori, 100% sam na njenoj strani, AJME WOW KAKAV KRETEEEEEEN, obozavam ovu pricu, jeeeeez for crying out loud - boring, ipak moze voljet hmmm, skoro sam zaspala neironicno, cijeli orkerstar u pozadini damn great boleros of fire - jao puno tog zvuci bolje uzivo, ovo se cini ko bas odlican vajb, pol pjesme je intro, jesu to orgulje u pozadini, aha okej ovo je instrumental, onda mi je ta za sad najdraza bat out of hell live - omggg 11:11, ovo je izvedeno u kratkom periodu gdje se moj tata vec bio rodio, a mama jos nije, duugacak intro, a mislim isto ko i og samo live lmao, gitara solo ODLICAN, ponio bi me vajb da sam bila tamo overall - ja cijelo vrijeme mislim da je meat loaf neki reper ali okej. fora rock album al nisam se bas povezala s njim, malo pjesama i dosta razlicite sta je fora al stihovi su dosta osobni i specificni pa nije bas za sve (sta je cesto pozitivna stvar ali ovdje mi je bila meh), fora cover art tho, da mogu dala bih 2.5, al 2 mi se cini premalo pa bude 3

Not my thing at all

Some catchy tunes but a bit too stage musical for my liking.

Some really good songs on an enjoyable album. -3.5/5

The rock opera that sets the stage for the rest.

4 Wow what a banger. So theatrical.

While there's a LOT to like about this - extremely well crafted songs, great song titles, and a very strong energy - it doesn't really connect with me. Glad I heard it, but not so sure it'll find its way back into my ears.

Surprised I knew probably most songs would

Iconic operatic glimpse of love, lust, coming of age.

For the longest time in my life I imagined Meatloaf’s music was something completely different

Drôle, on dirait la soundtrack d’un film de Ken Russell

Amusant mais un peu cheesy. Plusieurs Queen vibes!

Super fun. Super massive. Has a sense of humor and rips. Even one of the ballads caught my attention. Also...43 million copies sold world wide? holy shit

Albumcover ist ja schonmal sehr gelungen. Pop-Oper Version einer judas priest Platte? Bissi wierd, aber irgendwie feier ich das

Really nice sorta prog style stuff with the progressions throughout the songs, great sound to go along with it. 4 stars

One of the GOATs. It's such a ridiculously over the top album and they use a motorbike as an instrument.

not bad, quite a short album though

Rollicking. Not my thing but I like him and I like that this album was made and was so successful.

Did not expect meatloaf to produce so many droll love songs on one record

Fun and energetic but man I really wish this album had more to give than love songs. Nothing wrong with love songs but when you have some of the most metal album art of all time I kind if expect more... metal. It was good though I just wish it had more to offer

The album artwork doesn't match the music. This is my first experience with Meat Loaf; he kind of reminds me of Elton John. Overall, it wasn't a bad album, but it's not a sound I would normally listen to. It had a nice variety of instruments, and it had plenty of energy. But it won't be played again. 5/10

Fun. Feels like a cheesy movie musical from the 80s, which I guess makes sense given what I know about Meat Loaf.

Maximalism, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. For a fortyish minute album this should not feel this long. Songwriting by Steinman is basically gibberish, but is operatic enough to work (similar to The Killers). Total nonsense album, pure dad music but I think it’s a good enough execution of that.

I could see myself listening to this again Favorite tracks: You took the words right out of my mouth, All revved up with no place to go, Pardise by the dashboard light

Despite the album cover art, this was WAY more Broadway Cast Recording than it was heavy metal record. Some of the songs were pretty catchy. It wasn't bad.

listened on the way to the folkestone eurotunnel entry. it was more musical and less heavy than expected but i think i will enjoy it much more when i know the songs.

SO much fun

I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do Bat). 4.5.

This was decadent in all of the right ways. I'm still a firm believer that Meatloaf's best work was the acting he did in Spice World. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5

Meatloaf is a whole thing all himself.

It was good. Didn't realise how similar Meat Loaf and Bruce Springsteen music sounds. But Meat Loaf more operatic. The hits are there. Between a 3 or 4. Stand out song - 2 out of 3 ain't bad

Works great as straight up hard rock, or as hard rock parody. 7 songs, 4 bangers. A fun album for sure. 4/5 Heard before? Just the singles Owned: No. 1/1001, 1/5 (20%) Will I get? Maybe Recommend: Yes

Pomp rock, well produced strong songs overblown for my tastes.

Much better than I thought it was going to be. Bat Out Of Hell is a banger and All Revved Up is a find. Some absolute overblown claptrap in there as well.

8/10 Rock opera at its best - the title track is awesome. The rest has its moments too, obviously, although it often feels like the sum of its parts. My wife hates Meatloaf, so let's keep my admiration for this between ourselves, shall we?

Es grandilocuente, recargado, dramático. Pero suena bien, hay música aquí.

Listened to this while playing Through Ice and Snow. I lost...again. This album was so much more enjoyable than I was expecting it to be. It felt like I was listening to a more enjoyable act 2 of Rocky Horror Picture Show. I loved the grandiosity of the arrangements...it felt appropriately epic. Almost a 5...but just shy.

At first glance, 𝘉𝘢𝘵 𝘖𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭 looks like a heavy metal album — the cover screams fire, fury, and motorcycles bursting from graves. What you get instead is a theatrical rock opera full of melodrama, heartbreak, and teenage dreams. Without Meat Loaf’s over-the-top vocals and Jim Steinman’s operatic lyrics, much of the album could easily pass for a Todd Rundgren project — which makes sense, since he produced it, and the instrumentation carries his fingerprints (especially if you’ve heard 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨/𝘈𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨?). Still, the album lives and dies on Meat Loaf’s performance. His voice turns camp into conviction and absurdity into art. Whether it’s genius or glorious excess depends on your tolerance for theatrical rock — but there’s no denying it’s one of a kind.

Springsteen for theatre kids, it's brilliant

Suena a demasiadas bandas buenas mezcladas, es teatral y exagerado y aún así no logra evocar nada en mi. Las letras son demasiado fomes. Musicalmente no tengo quejas supongo pero simplemente no es para mí.

Muy teatral y disperso. No soy una persona que se banque eso. Canciones que guardé: 2, 4 y 5 Nota: 5.5/10

7/10, teatral, rockero pero los lentos son lentos de verdad y cansan un poco

I absolutely love this album. I'm a big fan of huge production and this album has it in spades. An absolute allstar cast helped record and produce this album and it shows. While the mix is perhaps not the cleanest in the world, the instrumentation and songwriting is top notch. Reminds me a lot of Elton in places, if Elton john had a little bit more of a rock edge. Solid 4 for me

Fun album that continues beating throughout.

Liked how the album begins with a heavy song and then switches to more delicate tracks. Generally a high-quality one.

Surprisingly epic! You really don't know what to expect when you see an album with a cover this metal and an artist named Meatloaf. "Bat Out of Hell" is a certified banger, "Two Out of Three Ain't bad" walks the line gracefully between drama and humor, and "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" has the greatest switch-up I have heard in a song recently. I'm probably not going to revisit it soon, but you can't deny how great and unique this album is. 4/5 ain't bad

Ended up enjoying this so much more than expected.

A classic Meat Loaf album. Almost a five, but I cannot call it flawless

Eh this one was alright. Not awesome, not horrible. Great band name tho. Best song: Bat Out Of Hell Notable(s): You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth, Paradise By The Dashboard Light

Broadway musical with distortion no thanks

I don’t remember what song by Meat Loaf I knew already that made me dread this one but I was not excited going into this one. But that opening roaring and wholly epic opener changed that immediately holy ravioli was it good. It immediately throws us into another excellent track in “You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth”. I disliked “Heaven Can Wait” but again it shot back up with the good “All Revved Up With No Place To Go”. I also liked “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad”. However the most popular song on the record is “Paradise By The Dashboard Light” which started great but was ultimately ok I guess by the time it ended. Then the closer “For Crying Out Loud” which was boring for the first couple minutes but exploded into coolness before immediately dying down to meh again. This album was a mixed bag, some truly excellent stuff and some really lame stuff too.

Some great moments carry this album, but it feels like the kind of cultural moment where you just had to be there.

I genuinely dislike Bat Out of Hell. The heart loathes what it loathes.

takie pecie kwak

Good guitar riffs, but I’m not a fan. Made for a musical.

Kind of sucked--

A couple of tracks are complete dross

Objectivity is not possible here. I've listened to this literally hundreds of times in my life. And it looks like I'll be adding another time (or two) to that total today.

Speaking objectively, removing all personal biases. Meatloaf can be long winded, and a little cheesy at times. But i don’t really care. I’ve listened to this album since I was a child, and it still slaps to this day. A personal favorite of mine.

I always thought my contempt for this was just some residual teenaged snobbery but now that I've listened to the whole album, no, this just absolutely sucks. Musical/opera sounding bullshit with strings and nonsense. Get it to fuck.

Anyone who listens to classic rock hears some of these songs on the radio regularly. And some of you are undoubtedly like me: while I don’t go seeking them out, I find myself singing right along when they come on. What was interesting is listening this album front to back, as it’s actually quite good. Paradise By The Dashboard Lights is always so much fun. That they including the Phil Rizzuto part always kills me (even if he didn’t know what it was for, which actually might make it better). But the way this track moves through different parts and phases is the true genius that drives this song. Truly great. There’s so much to like on this beyond that tune though. Right from the jump, the title track is an epic tune that’s just in your face, over the top, and really lets you know what you are in store for across the rest of the album. A great way to open. Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad is another fun song, as is You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth (even if the opening is super strange). The low point for me was For Crying Out Loud, which I thought was a bit boring at times. Even then, Meat Loaf’s voice is great and the orchestral backing soars at numerous points. The roll up is that this was way better than I anticipated. Meat Loaf’s voice is great and there are a lot of intricacies to these songs which make them interesting. Is it bombastic and exaggerated? No doubt, but that shouldn’t diminish how well constructed this album is.

Three great songs and some filler. The vocals are superb

Well it hasn't got any less overdone or bombastic over the years, has it? This was never one's thing, even if one can vaguely admire the over-the-top-ness of it (an admiration tempered by something like embarrassment for this cat). "Two Out of Three" is a bit better than one remembers, but could never (and still can't) abide "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," however close it hit home, this Spectrian opera for teens, however accurately it represented one's lived experience (speaking of embarrassment).So bonus points for verisimilitude, one would say, plus ML had a voice rather well suited to his physique. The Rizzuto sample is a multimedia innovation but also strains the metaphor far past the breaking point. One’s not saying the song is unoriginal or lacks authentic drama (or even truth). But, for context, compare it to two other songs of roughly the same vintage covering the same volatile material (i.e., teenage sex) in similarly direct but more thoughtful and less obvious (and thus more powerful) ways: Carole King’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” and Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young.” But generally one's feeling is that this sort of extravagance (maybe exhibitionism) should not be encouraged, and especially not in rock and roll.

It didn't really get me. I think it would have been different, had i seen the musical

Over-the-top in the best way, such a fun album

Great album, easily his masterpiece

Este álbum es como escuchar una película de terror comercial de los 80s (así bien se publicó a finales de los 70s, creo que representa muy bien las estética que predominó en los 80s). En lo personal no me gustan ni los musicales ni la ópera, así que no es un álbum que me haya gustado. Me pareció grasa, excesivo y graciosamente estúpido. Sin embargo entiendo que un poco de ello es adrede, y la ejecución y grabación suenan bien. Podría apreciarlo como contenido irónico, pero ni siquiera me resulta memorable, como por ejemplo Vitas. Me llama la atención no reconocer ninguno de los temas. Se ve que el álbum como obra y acto integral fue el gran evento en sí durante la época, pero no los temas en particular. No termino de entender cómo es que este es uno de los álbumes más vendidos de la historia.

До этого я не знал ни про Мита Лофа, ни про Джима Стайнмана, ни уж тем более про альбом Beat Out Of Hell. Обложка меня заинтересовала. Очень красивая! Ну а сам альбом хорош, ни больше, ни меньше. Вокал Мита Лоуфа хороооош! Мелодии Джима Стайнмана тоже хороши! Мне понравились песни: All Revved Up with No Place to Go Paradise by the Dashboard Light Это на любителя, я поставлю оценку 4, но если можно было, то я поставил бы 3,5

smece

This crew understood the importance of extremes in rock and roll. For this album, they cranked everything- song lengths, instrumentation, emotion, and lyrics up to 11. And never let up for a second.

I can only respect this album for the vision and theatrics, but I also think it is extremely cheesy in many parts and doesn't resonate in 2025 even in the way it did closer to release or in the 90's when I heard a couple songs repeatedly. I think there are better ways to do a rock opera, but I approach this album like the soundtrack of a musical, and I can understand why it has fans. I'd give it a 3.5, but I'm rounding up to 4 for this scale.

Felt like a rock opera, I loved it

OK, this album is pretty much porn for the drama club kids. It's a soundtrack to a musical, which makes sense since Jim Steinman did everything for it. Meatloaf was great in Rocky Horror and his singing style will always be that dramatic rock opera sounding voice. Not a bad thing. Is this an album everyone should hear before they die? I think so. Will I listen to it often? No. I'm sure Paradise by the Dashboard Light will pop up on my shuffle every now and then, but it's just... I dunno, meh. Maybe I'd prefer something more hard rock. This one isn't there. 2.64/5 stars = 3 stars. Paradise by the Dashboard Light is the star of this album, listen to that. The rest is just OK.

mostly painful

very entertaining. made me feel like a conservative 50 year old dad who is lowkey an alcoholic. not totally sure if that’s a good or bad thing but i did thoroughly enjoy myself.

great sound, especially love the use of strings and brass instrumentals! cohesive and not repetitive, but the songs are really long making them difficult for casual listening. highlights: All Revved Up with No Place to Go, Bat Out of Hell

interesting album, idk why there was a whole conversation before one of the songs. very odd and quirky but fun.

I remember liking this as a teenager and being fascinated with the videos, but I rediscovered it again as a young sailor in the 90s, a year or so before Bat Out of Hell II came out. It's nice re-rediscovering it again and falling into the uber-dramatic lyrics.

I have a hard time separating Meat Loaf from his role in Rocky Horror. Like this just sounded like him doing bonus tracks for the movie. Which would be great. I like his expressiveness. It's like a soundtrack to a musical rather than just pop or rock music. Solid

I feel like I remember liking this album? Honestly, it was a little much. Dashboard Lights is a fun track, but everything is over the top.

Strong 3.5

In a nutshell: full throttle rock. Theatrical. Excessive. Iconic in the eyes of many. Always played loud. Props to the backing band. I still feel icky after listening to I Can See Paradise By The Dashboard Light for some reason. Overall: 6/10

It would get 5 stars if it weren't so subtle.

On paper I shouldn’t like this: It’s theatrical, proggy, overly fussy at times, odd and completely over the top. But it’s actually pretty great. Jim Steinman’s songs and compositions are strong, and Meat Loaf seals the deal, singing like a man trying to break free of possession by his own impulses. A couple slow clunkers, but “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” is maybe the best song ever written about teenage lust. It sounds like something that could have only come out of 1970s America.

What a strange record. Bombastic Broadway style songs with a fake Frank Frazzetta style cover that doesn't belong on a record full of power ballads. Apparently this is the best selling lp ever in...Australia?!?! But you definitely should listen to this because it is unlike anything else that has ever been a multiplatinum record.

Not sure where to go with this one. Is it good? Yes? Is it corny/kitsch? Very much yes. Does it hold up? I don't think so. But not sure it ever was meant to. It does feel very much of its time on purpose. And for that, maybe it deserves some credit. This album DGAF and just went all-in on being a rock opera. And rock operas being one of the goofiest things humans have invented as entertainment. Then again, regular operas are pretty goofy too. I also feel this album is so popular due to late 70s DJs needed an 8-minute track to toss on for a smoke break.

This album is like Bruce Springsteen and Queen called up Elton John and were like “we are going to channel the most excessive and indulgent qualities that we have as songwriters and composers and ignore all the subtleties that make our most ridiculous songs still work.” Elton asks what the concept will be for this album and they respond, in unison, “it’s like Peter Pan, but the dude drives a motorcycle and there are werewolves.” In other words, it’s an absurd album that is a lot of fun

Yeah this kinda sucks. Albumcover blijft leip, maar de bijkomstige muziek klinkt alsof ik naar een Grease companion album luister.

Was heel anders dan de verwachting, had een meer metal sound verwacht. Wel een prettige verrassing tho, en zal er op een later tijdstip nog beter naar luisteren

Wel leuk als musical, maar daarvoor mis ik de dans en het verhaal. Het stoort me ook dat 90% van het album wordt gepresenteerd als het belangrijkste moment in het album

Niet mijn muziek.

Hier en daar wat toffe muzikale momenten, maar over het algemeen voelt het toch alsof ik naar een musical soundtrack aan het luisteren ben en ik ben absoluut geen fan van musicals over het algemeen.

Vermakelijk om door te luisteren. Niet echt fan

This album was a lot but truthfully such a fun listen. I enjoyed the more upbeat bluesy stuff compared to the ballads but it was mostly enjoyable

First of all... His name was Robert Paulson. Alright, now that we have a Fight Club reference behind us, I would like to actually talk about the album. So, wow, just wow. This is not what I expected. I haven't heard Meat Loaf's music before and mainly knew the guy from, well, Fight Club movie, but I did stumble upon his albums many times in record stores. The covers were really fun, including Bar Out Of Hell's cover, but I was expecting something that would sound more like ZZ Top or maybe Motorhead, but I was pleasantly surprised it was something more. The whole album sounded like combination of Elvis Presley, Queen, Frank Zappa, Kiss, 70's and 80's progressive rock, symphonic sound and also american vibes. The first track made me feel like this album might be perfect, this opening was so spectacular I couldn't let myself not smile, just pure happiness. Next songs weren't as perfect but Meat Loaf showed that he can make great music and I enjoyed the rest of the album almost on the same level. So, considering all the circumstances, I think that there is only one possible rating for this album. Pleasant surprise you were, Robert Paulson, pleasant surprise.

© Gloriously OTT Anthemic El Classico Productions 💪

Generally rip-roaring. Favourite New Song: All Revved Up with No Place to Go.

Cinema for the ears. Great

Some albums are just so huge and over the top that it's impossible to dislike them. The elements that make this one probably shouldn't have worked together but they absolutely did. Meat Loaf certainly doesn't look anything like a charismatic lead singer, and even decades later, it's shocking to see him channeling Freddie Mercury. Combine this with Steinman's music, originally intended to be a modern retelling of Peter Pan, it's seeped in sex and Americana (added by members of the E Street Band). If record sales were initially slow, it may have been that people had no idea what to make of it. But the ongoing sales decades later confirm that eventually people caught on. It's a ridiculous but feel good album. If it's not working for you, consider taking music less seriously.

70s rock pomposity at it's finest. Jim Steinman can suck a dick. Not a fan of this album.

Liked it, enjoyed more than expected. Great 80-ish sound.

Classic album, always a good listen to find again

Rolling raucous but not really up my alley. Good but not great.

Why is this one of the best selling albums of all time?

probably the funniest album so far

Loved the title track, Im not one to vibe with style of rock. But I loved the piano, and the album certainly grew on me. Solid 3 stars

Okay but for why was this actually good though. Shocked to enjoy an album this much of the genre it is, from the period it’s from, with the album art it has.

Over the top.

It's kitsch, it's over the top, it's cliché, it's cheap-operatic... but if not taken seriously it's a fun album. Very good at what it does and definitely influential so must be on the list. I will never listen to this by choice (any more) but have to give it at least a 3. Oh go on, a 4 then, after all, if you like kitsch etc. this is about perfect.

Operatic teenage angst songs sung with absolute passion. This shouldn’t work at all. But Bat Out of Hell is so full of life and urgency it’s impossible to not get swept up in its craziness. “Paradise” is one of the most ridiculous songs I’ve ever heard. It’s campy, and funny, and exciting, and has the best lyrical left turn in all of rock music. It’s amazing. Good times, great oldies, it’s got a beat and you can dance to it. FIVE STARS.

Solid 5 stars all the way. This album was a birthday present when I was 18, it was released in October the previous year. I was into motorbikes and I copied part of the lyrics from the title track and had that above my bed. Some of the lyrics wouldn't stand the test of time, but this was the 70s, a time unique in history. My era. As for the album cover, just awesome. Legend.

I don't appreciate Meat Loaf having an orgasm in my ear

I enjoyed the listening of this album, quite a nice transition from a song to another 2/5

Meatloaf rocks, no question about it.

I'd give this a 2 but I can respect the level of craft on display.

Pretty decent kind of butt rock

It’s been said but I have to say it again: the cover and title of this album vs the actual content is insane. This is a cross between a bad Queen album and a broadway musical. It’s so over the top and so dramatic, and not in a really good way. The songwriting is good in the sense that it’s complex and has some bizarre ass theme running through it, both musically and thematically. Meat Loaf himself has a good voice and a wide range, but it’s kind of lost in this total cheese fest that’s going on. This is a theater kids idea of a concept album I guess, and while technically it’s sound, the rest is too much for me. This is music for a person nearly diametrically opposed to me musically.

Sick album cover. It's fun and a little weird but doesn't live up to it. What 43 million people bought this?

liked Bat Out of hell track

Bloody brilliant. So good to hear this again after a very long time. And still remember most of the words. A rite of passage for any rock fan now between 60 and 70. Awesome record. Easy 5 from the moment it appeared on the screen (though of course I listened to confirm).

thank you to the meat loaf episode of glee i had no idea how much of this album i actually knew. actually thought this was quite good, big fan of meat loaf's work in rocky horror. don't know if this is one i'd listen to in my free time but it's objectively very brilliant for what it is.

Fav: bat out of hell The anthem of drunk driving down the interstate in the western US and fucking the cheapest hooker at the cheapest motel that money can buy

It's fun, but definitely not something I would go back and listen to.

Yeah this was very solid. Had a couple of songs I was familiar with but it did feel like it dragged a little. Beautifully put together though!

Another classic. 5 stars not enough

The energy Meatloaf brings to this music is incredible. A lovely album I used to listen to a lot when I was younger.

I don't understand why this was ever popular.

Im not going to listen to this again. Not very memorable or intersting. Maybe I jsut didnt get it. It's some epic longer songs with classic rock souns. not very bluesy. It's theatrical and glammy. 2/5

i liked it, my favourite song was paradise by the dashboard light.

Really interesting mix of rock, blues, piano jazz, and more emotional, longer, power sounds.

A powerful addition to what I call, "Hyperdramatic songs" or music that overstates the significnce of the events described. Jim Steadman is the king of this music, and he has many songs to be included. Meatloaf has a perfect voice, and sometimes this album shows exactly what overdramatic means. 4/5

Paradise By the Dashboard Light

Good stuff, didn't hear about this band before, but I really enjoyed the album

Brilliant album and even better than I remember.

Rock opera galore! Not a big fan but can appreciate! Can't believe 'I Will Do Anything For Love' is not here!

Parece otro tipo de disco por su portada pero es muy chill y mola mucho

Didn't enjoy

What is a Best Of album doing on here? How is that fair? What do you mean it isn't ??! Mr Loaf, can I call you Meat? You made the single best driving album of all time. Thank you for that. You were still a bit of a cunt.

Brilliant record, like it more each time I listen to it

Not a chance in hell I am voluntarily listening to this. Meatloaf is right behind Darius Rucker in my list of least favorite vocalist. Yuck. This list really has some of my least favorite music on it. Which is funny because I really like an ENORMOUS variety. But really? More fking Phil Spektor production influence, on top of Meat Loaf's cringe-inducing voice, on top of the fact that it's impossible to take a musician named 'Meat Loaf' seriously... 🤢 I can tolerate "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" from 1993, but only as a fking joke, because that long-ass music video used to come on VH1 constantly when I was young and my brothers and I would sing it as a complete parody when we could not find anything else to watch on TV. I can't say enough how much I dislike Michael Aday. Not as much as Darius Rucker, but close. I'd rather listen to fking Nickelback than either of them.

Great vibe the whole way through.

Not my thing.

Twas good. Real good. Really liked the lyrics and the stories they told.

Not listening to the loaf

Ugghhhhh.... meatloaf.. never been a fan. After a listen, im still not a fan. American Elton John

Loud. Over the top. Bombastic. Operatic. Cheesy. Melodramatic. Grandiose. Epic. You could probably guess what the album would be just by those clues. 'Paradise By The Dashboard Light' is the best track that I'd not heard before, easily. A really good rocking duet with a funky middle section. 'Bat Out Of Hell' is a classic over the top rock track and a great opener. The spoken opening to 'You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth' I find pretty cringe, but the actual song makes up for it. A catchy banger. 'All Revved Up With No Place To Go' has a huge ear worm of a sax 'riff' which wouldn't sound out of place on an 80's sitcom or gameshow theme tune. Meatloaf has a great voice that I really enjoy and it's suited perfect to this rock opera sounding album. It's not perfect. I think the slower ballads let it down a bit but it's a fun and accessible album.

Possibly the best rock opera album ever made. This is a must listen for EVERYBODY and I am proud to say I own this on vinyl.

Cover is super cool lookin; idk why it appears more muted on Spotify, the colours make it really striking. It's interesting seeing how the two most played songs from the record are also within the three longest (not counting the live tracks), especially since most popular music in modern times don't even cross the 4 minute mark. Overall, I enjoyed the listen, in a vacuum I liked most of the songs, but while there's a good pacing and variation to the tracklist, the overall vibe still feels a little too samey? I'm a fan of cohesion in the sound of an album but here it's almost a little too obvious? I don't think I'm using the right words to express what I'm trying to say here but I feel like now that I've heard the album in full, I'd be better off simply listening to songs on their own rather than back to back again. Also, I expected a lot more of a Hell theme, given the cover and some names of the tracks, and I do wish they explored it more. By the cover, I was expecting a bit of a darker, more evil tone to the album, and the titular track Bat Out of Hell doesn't really provide that, but it's a great representation of what's to come, and I wasn't disappointed. Despite being very nearly 10 minutes long, it doesn't overstay its welcome, and I think it uses the time well to really deliver the introductory vibe it's looking for. The album's musical roots are very apparent here especially. The introductory skit (probably not the correct word for it?) of You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth was funny and intriguing but was a bit too drawn out for my taste (no pun intended), it'd be annoying to sit through for each returning visit if I wasn't able to skip for whatever reason. The song itself wasn't bad, but I wish it developed itself more as it went on like the track before it, not really worth the minute-long intro. The pace pleasantly slows down a bit with Heaven Can Wait, and the melodies are nice. It does sort of fit the album, at least judging by what's come before it, though I'm surprised to hear such a peaceful sounding song considering the last track was literally talking about a wolf chomping on a girl's throat, whether it's literal or not lol. The saxophone was a easily highlight on All Revved Up with No Place to Go. The change in tempo for the final 30 seconds or so got me like Wowza! How Nifty!, really enjoyable and it kinda sucks that it wraps up so soon after it begins, I kinda preferred that to the rest of the song honestly. Two Out of Three Ain't Bad is another song on the slower side, but the instrumental feels a bit more full and feels more in-line with the rest of the album. Definitely a highlight of the record, for me. Something about the sounds at the beginning of Paradise By the Dashboard Light almost primed me to not really like the track but it's clearly the most streamed currently for a reason, it's fine. Similar to the titular track of the album, the length isn't an issue through the changes in rhythm and tempo, although it isn't quite as 'cinematic'(??) as said track. Was a bit disappointed that the middle of the track wasn't more fleshed out, I thought it was going somewhere that wasn't just an intermission sandwiched in between the two major sections of the song. I did enjoy the rest of the song enough, however. For Crying Out Loud had a really strong and powerful second half, and while the first half was cool for what it was I think I'd need to hear it again in isolation to appreciate how it long it takes before it reaches the song's full potential. FAVOURITES - Bat Out of Hell; Two Out of Three Ain't Bad LEAST FAVOURITES - You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth

I think this just isn't my kind of music to be honest. There are a few good songs but in general neither the vocals nor lyrics are really impressive, the instruments do a lot better but overall I just don't really care for this. Starts not so bad, Bat Out of Hell sounds good at times but often falls into becoming what I'd imagine a stereotypical rock song to sound like. It has quite a few nice moments, weirdly enough I think its near 10 minute length is somewhat warranted, it doesn't really become stale but for me personally that is still too long to listen to this kind of song, I can't imagine wanting to come back to it. I liked the opening to the second song, kinda funny. The song is decent, pretty catchy. Heaven can wait stands out I guess, not in a good way. All Revved up is pretty good, I quite like his singing here especially at the end and the saxophone is cool. Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad became something better than I expected but went on for too long. Again the same issues are present. Paradise By the Dashboard - has some pretty stand out moments, I like the piano a lot when the woman is singing, and her vocals are good, I liked when the presenter guy came in but then he just stayed for way too long. I enjoyed when they both sang though, and the general idea behind the track is kinda fun. Good stuff though I'd prefer it to be shorter, although I can maybe see myself coming back to this. For Crying Out Loud is okay, the later middle section is actually really good as all these instruments come in, probably the highlight of the album for me. Unfortunately the rest of the song doesn't hold up. Best tracks - You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, All Revved Up with No Place to Go, Paradise By the Dashboard Light Worst tracks - Heaven Can Wait, Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad

A really solid album overall

My father isn't a person who likes to talk about music a lot, which may be a product of our dismissive avoidant personalities, but hearing him say something nice about an artist (or person in general) boosts my thoughts on that person or album. Bat Out Of Hell is not anything special or out of the ordinary, but it does the simple things well. It's theatrical and fun, and really accessible.

Great album!

The songs are theatrical, dramatic, romantic, bombastic, full of melody, fun. The last two songs are a little overlong, especially the last track. Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman never quite matched the consistency of this album again. 5* Would I listen again? I do, often. Would I buy this album? I did. 1 "Bat Out of Hell" 09:48 - Wonderful. Superb guitar and great melody. And that's all for the dramatic opening. Builds to a great finale. What an opening track. - 5* 2 "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)" 05:04 - Camp, silly and brilliant. The drum crack after the spoken work introduction is brilliant and then into a quite fantastic song. Phil Spector inspired production. - 5* 3 "Heaven Can Wait" 04:38 - Beautifully sung. Lovely piano. - 5* 4 "All Revved Up with No Place to Go" 04:19 - Great saxophone. A straight ahead rock tune but then that finale. - 5* 5 "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" 05:23 - Lovely song. - 5* 6 "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" 08:28 - A fun song. Straight rock n roll. Funny interlude. When I first heard this I loved it but over time I find myself favouring other tracks on the album. - 4* 7 "For Crying Out Loud" 08:45 - Beautifully sung. It eventually springs into life, full of bombast. A tad overlong. - 4* Total - 33/35 Average - 4.71

When Bruce took the off-ramp from bombast to a leaner sound after Born to Tun, this team jumped on that highway and drove it to Broadway. Then they beat it to death. But this thing is special, unique, snd of sinking humor.

По обложке ожидала, что будет hard metal и мне не зайдёт, а тут даже качает. Классно, первая песня идёт в подборку. Честно? Первый треки классные, но слишком долгие. Я честно не могу десять минут слушать про bat out of the hell

Not for me

had no idea what would greet my ears when I put this on, but it absolutely cooked

Surprisingly enjoyed it

This is the first time I've heard the entire album in a single play through. It's a force of nature and so I'm going for 4 stars. The music falls somewhere between Grease and the Rocky Horror Picture Show, bombastic and with everything turned up to eleven. It's a shame that Meatloaf never really surpassed his debut album.

Too old

If you’re allergic to fun, then you wouldn’t like this album. Seriously - everything about this wild romp of a rock opera is so ridiculously cheesy and over the top, it’s borderline impossible not to enjoy it. All I really ask when listening to a song/album, is for the artist to grab and command my attention with their music. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be in the style of Mr Loaf (cocaine-fueled, grab-you-by-the-balls rock opera) but boy is that approach effective here. And I sure can’t say that every artist/album on this list has been effective in doing that, so credit where credit is fuckin’ due \m/

3.5 - fun rock opera

♫ Listening to “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” by Meat Loaf & Ellen Foley (Bat Out of Hell, 1977) ♫

It’s bad but not that bad but actually that bad

Not my vibe at all.

Album that was played to death when I was a young'un. Revising it after probably 35 years it immediately took me back to why it was such an attraction. Cinematic storytelling, great production, songs that grab you. This is probably going to go back on rotation.

Tyjo meh

Thought i would like it more

на любителя.

5/5 Easy. Classic. Every song is amazing. Standouts: Two out of Three Ain't Bad, Paradise by the Dashboard Lights, You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Bat Out of Hell, For Crying Out Loud

4/5

i’ve heard this a lot from childhood thanks to my dad, it’s a cool rock opera but it’s not very unique in my opinion, good songs but it’s nothing i haven’t heard before

Haha, I forgot how silly this album is.

This comes out so strong and then loses its way for me. The first couple of tracks perfectly set up the show-style melodrama and I think it’s an amazing piece in the genre. But it does then get a bit lost in the latter few tracks. I think it does enough for a 3 but that’s on the strength of the first few tracks.

It's a bit like a Christmas album. It is just a festive puke fest. We lower our standards because we are giddy with nostalgia and occasion. We throw all musical sense and typical taste in the bin. Then we watch DIY SOS cry a little then we arrive at this weak position of our typical selves. Now I welcome you to this album. Since when do you like love power ballards. I was ready to destroy this album. I will give it it's due as whatever I think it's premier league but I just don't massively like it. I won't revisit but they can be thankful I am in a wet state and it can scrape a 3.

Meat Loaf... I can't help but quite like the more upbeat tracks, 'Bat Out Of Hell' being the classic, of course. The slower tracks like 'Heaven Can Wait' don't work for me, I just can't take him seriously enough. Apart from the frustratingly long tracks, it was an enjoyable listen just for the sake of it but once is enough for me.

Classic

Not played in a while. It was overplayed in the day and very thin recording by today’s standards. Still, good to play it again.

The drama of this!

Classic. 3.5

this is the only meatloaf album I own and my god..the amount of times I replayed this album..it's quite fun and a roller coaster of should I cry or should I dance?

What a great record. From the cover art to the songs.

Title song rocks so fucking hard it’s ridiculous, like completely unnecessarily over the top. Absolutely stunning. Couple of other radio friendly hits. Wouldn’t listen again except the title track which is a 5 star song.

Bat out of hell is such a good song and rest of the album holds up

Pompös

Overblown!

J - 3/5 Best Track - "Bat Out Of Hell" F - 3/5

Really bipolar album but really good as well. 👍

This is honestly one of my favorite albums. Every song just has so much power. I mean its not perfect, but its what I vibe with, which is really all that matters I think.

Absolutely awesome album. From start to finish a gem.

no thank u

Maybe not my usual style of music, but operatic and OTT in the best way.

Different than expected but in a more positive way

Someone described this as an album for theatre kids and I couldn’t agree more. This was our pre-show singalong choice in 1989.

it's nice to hear some music that doesn't take itself so seriously, but the musical influences are strong here

i love you mr loaf

This was a wild ride to listen through. Felt like I was watching a musical and turns out it was.

Opera rock con mucha influencia del teatro musical. RE over the top y tipo ridiculous pero rrreee divertido y aunque sean canciones largas son muy entretenidas. Y sorprendentemente muy buena letra. Re variado aparte. Por ejemplo hay dos temas mas lentos tipo balada que son Heaven Can Wait y Two Out of Three Ain't Bad y me rre gustaron tmb. Paradise by the dashboard light se siente literalmente como una canción de un musical a un extent todavía mayor que el resto de temas, y tiene una parte toda funky q me gustó btw.

Il est des albums que l'histoire de la musique a érigés en monuments intouchables, des œuvres dont la simple évocation du nom impose le respect et l'admiration. Et "Bat Out of Hell", l'opéra-rock titanesque de Meat Loaf et de son acolyte Jim Steinman, fait incontestablement partie de cette catégorie. Vendu à des dizaines de millions d'exemplaires, célébré pour son ambition démesurée et son souffle épique, il est souvent présenté comme un chef-d'œuvre incontournable de la fin des années 70. Pourtant, une écoute en 2025, révèle une tout autre réalité, bien plus amère et décevante, "Bat Out of Hell" n'est rien de plus qu'une relique qui a bien mal vieilli. J'avoue, je ne connaissais pas cet album, et le premier contact que j'ai eu avec lui a été une véritable épreuve. On m'avait promis une déferlante d'énergie, un "mur du son" wagnérien appliqué au rock'n'roll. Et ce que j'ai reçu au final, n'est qu'une bouillie sonore pompeuse. La production, signée Todd Rundgren, est emblématique des excès de l'époque. Chaque espace est comblé, chaque instrument semble crier plus fort que le précédent, créant une saturation permanente qui confond puissance et vacarme. Les pianos, omniprésents et martelés avec une grandiloquence de concert de fin d'année, les guitares saturées qui manquent de tranchant, les chœurs à la théâtralité forcée... tout concourt à un sentiment d'étouffement. L'ambition est là, certes, mais elle est mal canalisée, se perdant dans une production boursouflée qui a aujourd'hui le charme désuet d'un vieux péplum hollywoodien. Le problème fondamental de "Bat Out of Hell" réside dans sa longueur et son absence totale de concision. C'est un album qui s'écoute la montre à la main, un marathon musical dont on ne voit jamais le bout. Les morceaux ne sont pas des chansons, ce sont des suites interminables, des pièces montées indigestes qui étirent à l'infini des idées souvent bien minces. Le morceau-titre, avec ses presque dix minutes, est un cas d'école. Il multiplie les ruptures de rythme, les solos interminables et les envolées lyriques sans jamais parvenir à justifier sa durée. On attend une explosion, un climax, mais on ne récolte qu'une succession de faux départs et de sections qui s'enchaînent sans réelle cohérence. Le paroxysme du supplice est atteint avec "Paradise by the Dashboard Light". Cette bluette adolescente, étirée sur plus de huit minutes, est d'un ennui mortel. La structure narrative, avec son commentaire de match de baseball en guise de métaphore sexuelle, est une gimmick qui, si elle pouvait paraître amusante en 1977, est aujourd'hui d'une lourdeur et d'une niaiserie confondantes. C'est long, c'est répétitif, et l'intermède parlé casse le peu de dynamique que la chanson avait réussi à installer. On subit le morceau plus qu'on ne l'écoute, attendant avec impatience que le calvaire se termine enfin. Au-delà de la structure, c'est le fond qui pose problème. Les thèmes abordés – les amours adolescentes, la rébellion en blouson de cuir, les rêves de liberté sur une moto – étaient déjà des clichés à l'époque. Traités avec la subtilité d'un rouleau compresseur par la plume de Steinman, ils sombrent dans le ridicule. Les paroles, dégoulinantes de pathos et de romantisme de pacotille, peinent à émouvoir ou à susciter le moindre intérêt. On a l'impression d'assister à une comédie musicale de lycée avec un budget illimité, où chaque émotion est surjouée, chaque sentiment hurlé à pleins poumons par un Meat Loaf en roue libre. La performance vocale de ce dernier est d'ailleurs à double tranchant. Si personne ne peut nier la puissance de sa voix, son utilisation constante du registre de la puissance maximale devient rapidement lassante. Il n'y a aucune nuance, aucune retenue. Tout est crié, tout est déclamé avec une ferveur qui frise l'hystérie. C'est une performance épuisante pour l'auditeur, une démonstration de force vocale qui oublie l'essentiel : l'émotion ne naît pas du volume, mais de la finesse et de la variation. Finalement, "Bat Out of Hell" est un album profondément sans intérêt pour une oreille contemporaine. Il représente le chant du cygne d'une certaine idée du rock, celle de l'excès et du gigantisme, juste avant que le punk et la new wave ne viennent balayer tout cela avec une énergie brute, une urgence et une pertinence qui, elles, n'ont pas pris une ride. Écouter cet album aujourd'hui, c'est mesurer le fossé qui le sépare d'œuvres véritablement intemporelles. Il n'a ni la rage viscérale d'un "Never Mind the Bollocks", ni l'intelligence froide d'un "Marquee Moon", sortis la même année. Il est simplement un vestige, le témoin assourdissant d'une époque révolue. Un album long, chiant, et dont la réputation est l'une des plus grandes énigmes de l'histoire de la musique populaire. Une chauve-souris sortie de l'enfer, certes, mais qui aurait mieux fait d'y rester. Une note justifiée et méritée, un petit 1 sur 5.

J'ai toujours beaucoup aimé ce disque. Pas le droit de l'écouter en mp3 au lieu d'en vinyle

I see the appeal of Mr. Loaf. Meat’s performance is laid out for the world to see. Like the dish that he takes his name from, I could enjoy Meat Loaf every so often, but it’s not something I could consume every day.

Pretty much a love it or hate it record. So over the top, intentionally overblown, melodramatic and just downright silly. Springsteens Born to run if it went to theatre school and ended up off Broadway. And I have always loved it. Has always just made me feel good when I listen to it. 5 Star

Hokey. Not very good.

They didnt write this

Song 1: great opening riff, sets a good mood and makes you want to listen, I like the voice, cool chorus, it does get a little less exciting throughout.. that guitar sound is amazing though 2: weird fucking intro ok, I get the vision but don't love the execution; the song itself is quite cool though, cool rhythm & vibe 3: piano ballad of course, but it's actually quite nice i mean he's the master of ballads I guess 4. More upbeat again, it is nice but I feel like it's missing something, it could do with more of a punch kinda, sax solo.. hm ok but it kinda works but it's also getting annoying over the singing now, it's picking up towards the end I like this 5. Slower song again, it's nice, kinda soppy, it's a bit boring towards the end but it has me bopping my head tbh 6. Yess guitar is back, more upbeat rocknroll vibe, but tbh I feel like it suits his voice less, ok it has a crazy cut in the middle I actually really liked that part but it lasted like 5 seconds, now were at sprechgesang again ugh 7. Last song is.. a ballad. I feel like ballads are fine but now necessarily as a closing song? Ok I thought it was over but there was a kinda transition, now there's violins which is ..fine, ok great it's picking up now I love that, great drums. Kinda disappointing ending though, it's just too slow Final thoughts: it's very meat-loafey. He has got a certain sound & style that become apparent. The songs flow together nicely but the album doesn't feel very well-rounded to me. The songs all seem quite similar to me and there aren't a lot of highpoints or variations that stand out. The first track, which is the title track, seems the most promising, it offers a nice start to the album, with a great guitar sound and interesting melodies but it just isn't followed up by the rest of the album, which is disappointing. Even his piano ballads, which he is known for, don't really pick me up. Some of the songs might be alright/ better as stand-alones but just get swallowed up in the ensemble. Some songs might be added to my playlist but the album as a whole wouldn't get an s (spotify stream) or b (buy album) from me.