Reviews (page 9 of 15)
A gloriously fun rock and roll musical. “Bat Out of Hell” is one of my all-time fav songs and I even saw the show on Broadway a few years ago. It was good, the album is better.
First time listening to the full album. Meatloaf has never really been my thing but I did enjoy it.
Couldn’t wait for it to end
I hated this album.
I'm really surprised the album did this well: "sold over 43 million copies worldwide...It is the best-selling album in Australia" etc. It's not bad, but it's just not that good. It's just a theater-sounding rock album. It's like Rocky Horror but the songs aren't quite as catchy.
Drama teacher: (To himself) "This year, I will use the school play to show the kids that Broadway show tunes can be as cool as rock music!" Drama students: (To each other) "This year, let's use the school play to show the teacher that rock music is as important as his Broadway show tunes!" And thus was born an album that combines the most unsufferable traits of both. Such much drama and emoting... so little emotional response from me. Low 2 star.
Just...a lot.
Mike, Meat Loaf. Loaf, meet Mike. What a pleasant surprise it was getting my eardrums blown to shreds by this album. A solid 4 out of 5 for me.
Flawless in so many ways. To give any particular song a shout out and say i enjoy it would be a disservice to the others… it was that good. Although then title track steals the show… I say again, flawless
I was full of cynicism going into this one, thinking The Meat was little more than a giant cornball, but I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It’s a rip roaring, leather clad symphony. Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad is the highlight for me. Wonderfully constructed ballad. The funk change up in Paradise By the Dashboard Light is so audacious. Great fun time song, the call and receive technique is executed to perfection on this one. Loads of piano, big guitars and hefty vocals. It’s lavish, heartfelt, theatrical and forged in the pits of hell, like the Phantom Of The Opera slow dancing with a hooker at a biker bar.
Super corny. Super grandiose. I love it. You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) would be a perfect song if it didn't have that intro. My other favorite tracks were Heaven Can Wait and Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
3.5/5
Vissa partier är riktigt bra men också en del låtar som inte övertygar. De musikal-aktiga delarna känns lite inklämda på något sätt.
Väldigt roligt album, men lite för kitchigt för att få högre än en 3a.
It's over the top and cheesy in the best way. Like Jack Black's fictional rock persona is somehow less cheesy than Meat Loaf in real life. That being said, it's a bit dated and I'm left wanting a little more rock and a little less opera, but I still love it for what it is.
So I think this is just temporary excitement and this album probably deserves a 4/5 but fuck it it's great
the bats are released and it did hurt. come on, there are one hundred of them fluttering in my brain at the same time when i'm listening to the album. what a great rock opera. but come on, you are telling me that the songwriter who works on this album also wrote "total eclipse of the heart"? that's some wild news. 4/5
So campy. But exquisitely composed and produced.
Not sure whether to credit it to my parents or my friend and bandmate Sam, but I’ve heard lots about this record. Heard a few songs off it and even listened through once before. Shocking that I hadn’t given it a real chance until today. Phenomenal.
Hell yeah
Wasn't looking forward to this but it was decent, fun upbeat classic rock
I've listened to this before so I enjoy it. 4.
1.5
This is corny glory. Todd is king. His name was Robert Paulson.
1001 Album of the Day (03Feb2025): Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell [1977] I am an utter fanboy of Jim Steinman, and this was my introduction into his wild theatrical world. Though he'd use many other artist display his psychotic genius, none ever did it quite the way of the madcap duo of Steinman and Meat Loaf. Rest in peace the both of you 9.35 ★★★★½
Cheesy, but also cool theatrical. 3.5 stars
I've always thought Jim Steinman was sort of an interesting songwriter with a pretty distinct and recognizable style My biggest problem with this album is in it's execution. If you just took the songs on their own, it kind of comes off as a poor man's Born to Run, which is perfectly fine. I might even get to 4 stars on such an album. But, I think Todd, Jim, and Meat threw in equal parts Grease soundtrack, and it comes out sounding more like Born to Run: The Musical. There's like an element of cheese spead over the whole affair. But, I do enjoy the title track and "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad", and I think there's a good song in "Paradise By the Dashboad Light" somewhere. 3 stars.
3.5
Doesn’t get more classicer than this. Perfect union of rock and broadway, of larger-than-life talents of singer Meat Loaf and songwriter/composer Jim Steinman plus producer Todd Rundgren and the two coolest most skilled members of E Street Band. 7 expertly crafted songs that clearly stand the test of time riddled with purest melodicism, melodrama, entertainment, romance and extravaganza. High octane rock n roll thrills plus overwhelmingly brilliant balladry. For crying out loud I know this is a 5.5 out of 5.
Bat out of hell was an album I didn't think I'd like overly. I'm not a massive fan of rock - especially hard rock. But Bat out of hell had some good if not great tracks on it. Although, quite short for an album.
I love this album. Jim Steinman just knew how to write fantastic songs with great melodies, and Meat Loaf is the perfect vehicle to bring these songs to live. It's just seven of them, but every single one is a gem. The lyrics - somewhat typical for Steinman - are B-Movie teenage poetry, but that is exactly their point. Coupled with the music, they work incredibly well. And the music in itself is full-on, over-the-top laden with pathos, almost operatic. The 10-minute title track in itself is worth the price of admission, but, really, none of the songs sound alike, and each one is a heavy hitter. The arrangements are expertly done and the band are more than competent; Roy Bittan's piano is especially memorable. This, for one, is an album that really deserves to be on this list - it's a truly iconic masterpiece. 5/5
Loved this back then, respect
Fucking masterpiece. 6/5 at least. Also, separate the artist from the art.
Me
Kinda like Elton John, which is mostly good, I really hate the stupid bit at the start of the second song, because the music really doesn't reflect the theme of it. The rest of that song is really good though. I do think the more rock songs are better than the slow balladish ones. The piano in the rockier songs does kind of work. Favourite songs: second one. Overall around 6/10
Powerful voice, still worth listening to. Even if the bombastic sound seems to have fallen out of time
I just didn’t enjoy this one at all :(
power ballad after power ballad
Why is it so theatrical? Like I’m listening to a musical. So cheesy. Maybe it sounds cheesy bc it was the first of its kind. Sounds like the chorus is doing jazz hands in the back. 73/100 on album of the year seems about 13 points too high. 46 mins, 6 songs —. Zoned out of most of “Took the words right out of my mouth”. Oh god a clapping section. Genuinely want to meet the person that meatloaf wrote some of these about, I would be terrified if I were the subject of these songs. Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, growl-y saxophone comes in during “all revved up but no place to go”. Honestly if these songs were cut by about 50%, this album would be listen-able. It’s a toe tapper bc of all the blues scales, which were invented by black people. Glad I never have to listen to this album again.
Remember this album. Yes, it’s a great one.
Mixed bag van wat topnummers, aardige ballads en wat mindere nummers.
enjoyed listening to it. very cinematic, but some songs just weren’t right for me (this is my first album in the challenge my reviews will get better)
Too pompous.
I absolutely adore this one. It deserves more concentration so I certainly wouldn't describe it as easy listening, but this entire album is great. I don't think a single song brings the quality down, they all hit. It's excellent. Highly recommend.
If you find me frozen in Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s freezer change this rating to 5 stars!
Okay
It’s so nice for motorcycle-riding theater kids to finally be represented in media. I see you and I love you.
Great
It’s a teenage boy’s wet dream (and cautionary tale) played out in a rock opera and I love it; it’s five stars for me. You got a little of everything here: 50’s style rock & roll, Springsteen-like horns, Rocky Horror Picture Show flourishes and all pulled together by Meat’s lusty drama club vocals. I like every track but “Bat Out of Hell” and the closer “For Crying Out Lous”. There’s little out there before or since that’s like it, all to the good.
Loved the album cover as a little kid and remember the hit songs being all over the radio, even in Europe where my folks were stationed at the time. The intro is a guitar infused eruption to kick things off, and it's so 70's, but brilliant. Meatloaf's voice is something you either like or don't, not a lot of middle ground. Jim Steinman definitely writes in a theatrical way (just listen to the first minute of "You Took The Words..." or half of "Paradise"), perfect for a stage performance, with catchy choruses and driving instrumentation. The title song, in it's edited format under 10 mins, was a hit, "You Took The Words Right Out..." and "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" were radio friendly and still get airplay today. Look at the listen counts for this album, the song with the least # of listens is over 11M listens, that's impressive. "Paradise" has almost 200M listens, "Bat" has over 100M and "Words" has almost 65M, "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" has nearly 90M. No denying the popularity of this album, more than I ever would have assumed! I enjoyed it. I understand it's popularity. The production, songwriting, staying power and the hits make it T1001 worthy but it likely wouldn't have made my list.
I have never enjoyed Meat Loaf’s music. I really can’t tolerate anymore. This is too loud and obnoxious. Stopping in the first song.
Already heard it, banger
Meh. Not my cup of tea I guess
Not usually my style but didnt mind the album. Some good hits and vibes in the songs.
The title track and Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad are both classics, always nice to listen to. You Took The Words.... was also nice. Only criticism I'll give is that some of the songs are just too long and wear out their welcome before they're done. Best song: Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
Ah yes fight club
For my moneys worth, Hall of Fame rock opera!
Extremely fun album
Always fun, what a classic
HIS NAME WAS ROBERT PAULSON. And holy shit could he rock. Shout out to Jim Steinman though for the writing.
So very fun to sing along to while making French onion soup, also the first time I heard all of this in the album context which was also fun
My personal favorite album. I grew up on Meatloaf and Jim Steinman so this is perfection to me. The over the top nature of the music is fun
My enjoyment pales in comparison to Carly's, as this seems to be her most anticipated album of the list. Still, a fun, cheesy, bombastic rock opera. We had just listened to this in the past month when we were doing "DIY Album Generator" on the weekends using the "Best Selling Albums" book. A good rundown of the entire Jim Steinman sound on the Hit Parade podcast: https://slate.com/podcasts/hit-parade/2020/10/jim-steinman-made-plethora-of-pompous-pop
I hadn't listened to the entire album, but I knew some of the songs. Pretty good in it's entirety, even though it's supposed to be a musical.
It’s funny and catchy and had some good moments
Cinematic. Operatic. Captures America’s late 70s middle class youth. Ambitious.
ỉ ꪉꫀᡶ ꪗꪮꪊ కꪖꪗ ᡶꫝꪖᡶ ᡶꪮ ꪖꪶꪶ ᡶꫝꫀ ꪉꪮꪗక -- As garfield the cat, in one sentence or two, explain why Meat Loaf called himself meat loaf: > Oh, he probably got that nickname from his family because he was as big and beefy as an actual meat loaf—makes my stomach rumble just thinking about it. But if you ask me, he should have called himself “Lasagna” instead. -- I love a musical soundtrack by people who want to write pop/rock songs and then try to stuff them into a musical. With this album I see that the opposite is also true.
Shrill vocals and show tune sensibility, not quite there with refined appeal
I sent the first track of this album to my friends who told me it's actually a musical! After finishing the album that makes so much sense.
Aside from "I'd Do Anything for Love" I really am not familiar with Meat Loaf. Just the word Meat Loaf has always struck a nauseating connotation in my brain. Even before ever seeing or even trying a meat loaf, it sounded wrong. Anyways, those negative connotations have always come to mind when hearing the musician Meat Loaf mentioned. So I was actually pleasantly surprised by this album. Without having listened to much of Meat Loaf, it's hard to tell how much of this album is really coming him vs composer Jim Steinman. But either way, this album has some solid piano ballads, with some bluesy Rock n Roll mixed in (All Revved Up With No Place to Go) Some stand out more than others but there aren't any bad songs. So it's not perfect but it was still nice to an enjoy an album I wouldn't have otherwise listened to.
Очень хотелось, чтобы альбом понравился мне больше, чем случилось на самом деле. Мне нравится его чрезмерность и драма, театральность. Удивительно, что хиты - это длинные песни чуть ли не по десять минут. Но что-то не так. Лучшая песня - Bat Out of Hell.
Not my favorite
That was definitely very 70s. Cheese.
Clasdi
Super over the top 70s glam rock is a guilty pleasure, what can I say.
great weird 70's rock
One of my favourite albums. I just wish there was more. Only 7 tracks 1. Bat out of Hell - Perfect opening to the album. LETS GO!!!! 2. You took the words right out of my mouth - so satisfying to sing along to. It does something to my brain 3. Heaven can wait - not my favourite on this album but still a banger and so beautiful 4. All revved up with no place to go - love it, but it has to grow on me through the song. By the end I'm screaming the lyrics 5. Two out of three ain't bad - LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS ONE. When I went to see the show, the woman that sang this was UNBELIEVABLE. A beautifully heartbreaking song 6. Paradise by the dashboard light - such a fun song that would be perfect for a karaoke duet... I play both roles though 7. For crying out loud - PERFECTION! 🥲
I feel like I’m listening to a rock opera while listening to this album. 😄 This album is a journey!
Rock opera, Wagner, puberty, okay to listen, but not for me. Great voice of course.
The quientisential Meatloaf album. Everyone onows the songs and sings along.
Geweldige plaat maar je moet er wel echt even voor gaan zitten. Heb eigenlijk niet goed genoeg de tekst geluisterd om de diepte van de plaat echt te kunnen waarderen
Opzich wel een prima plaat, maar dat musical-achtige, vooral in zijn stem, kan ik niet zo lang hebben.
One of the all-time greats...no fillers either if you give every song a chance.
I just don’t want to be listening to shit anymore
One of my all time favorite albums.
Don’t really know how to describe this other than theatre piano-rock. like a cross between Queen and Elton John…it’s a pretty unique style and sound. It’s over the top and sometimes ridiculous, but also knows and embraces it. And indeed, it has its harder ripping, longer, proggier tunes that are pretty sick (bat, paradise); and a couple softer, slower, ballady type songs that have good playing but didn’t really interest me. Strong, and often unique arrangements and solid musicianship, melodies, and singing throughout. Rad moments, but didn’t consistently hold my attention.
I've heard this album numerous times over the years, but it has been a while. It was nostalgic, but it has not aged particularly well. That being said, it's a good album.
If we were going to have to listen to a musical soundtrack I would have preferred “Annie”.
To many great memories of singing along with a few of the songs on this album to give it anything less than a 4. But a few weak songs keep it from getting a 5.
There's some fun here, but if I'm looking for an over-the-top rock opera, Tenacious D is where my loyalties are. I guess I'm just a younger generation.
Really did not enjoy. I mean at all.
An opera about teenage hormones.
Begrudgingly giving this a 4 even though I originally thought I would despise it. The kitschy vibe is irritating, and the ballads are melodramatic af, but these songs are also catchy as hell and there are a few moments where it really rocks.
I really wanted to love this operatic over-the-top Meat Loaf album but ultimately I do not. It’s fun though, especially Paradise By the Dashboard Light
I kinda like it, but not gonna lie, I'm not the biggest Meat Loaf fan lol it was a very mid album all-around, but it had a couple of good ones and my coworker said "ahh, meat loaf before he was an actor!" 😂
Juzgué antes de tiempo este álbum. Por su portada pensé que sería un álbum de trash metal con la distorsión al mil que hace sangrar al oído y con la voz de un hombre indistinguible del ladrido de un perro diabólico. Nah, hermoso de principio a fin. Re romántico. xd
A bit of Elton John meets Queen. There's something about Meat Loaf that keeps me hooked on his albums and this one was no different. "Bat Out Of Hell" is theatrical, campy but not over the top. All the songs here sound happy, despite being a rock album. It's well composed and well produced and the experience of listening to it is well worth it.
Rocky Horror Springsteen Show.
fuuu am full tetszett, korabban meg sose hallgattam, kellemes meglepetes
Kedvenc/Favourite: All Revved Up with No Place to Go Izgalmas volt, jó változatos és komplex. Tetszett, ahogy összeálltak a dallamok, a szöveg is nagyon ki volt találva. Egy-egy kép felvillant egy nagy történetből és szépen össze is álltak, de önmagában szerintem annyira azért egyik dal sem kiemelkedő. It was exciting, with good variety and complexity. I liked the way the melodies came together, the lyrics were very well thought out. Pictures from a big story flashed up and they came together nicely, but in themselves I don't think any of the songs are that outstanding.
a couple bangers, mostly meh. fun theatrical vibes
I didn’t like the overall musical movie style, though there are some cool songs like « All revved up… » 2 stars for me
My first taste of Meat Loaf (musically or culinarily) was from my dad's 'Heaven and Hell' compilation of Loaf and Bonnie Tyler songs. It was a great album and featured a 5-minute edit of Bat out of Hell, which I have to say is still my preferred version. Because while I'm all for epic, overblown tracks, I'm less bothered about epic, overblown track lengths. The exhilarating moments of gloriously silly, yell-along-with-clenched-fists melodrama definitely outweigh the more long-winded passages though.
was a fun listen but only one song really stood out
A classic full of classic ballads that take you on journey after journey. I LOVE that it starts with the title track, perfect way to launch into this album experience. Meat Loaf, man, listening to this whole thing in one sitting just reminds me of how incredible he really is and was. What a man. Loved this album… but I want to give it three stars and I don’t know why… so I will. Rip meat loaf
Reminds me of Elton John so far, a bit like a celebration
I could not wait for this to be over. In all honesty, I skipped the two biggest songs because I have already heard them countless times already, and always against my will. I have to admit that technically Meat does have a good voice. But my word this stuff gets old. What do we call this, rock opera? Does every song have to be the same. Ugh. I dislike this whole album so much I can’t even pinpoint what about it annoys me so much. Anyway, personal preference is 1/5, but there is some objectively good musicianship on here, so an extra star for that. I did enjoy the piano part on Heaven Can Wait.
I’ve never heard of Meat Loaf but the vibes are fun. The music is pretty great! Rating: 3/5
Not at all what I expected from the album art. Not my thing, but I applaud that it was a seemingly grand production. I gave it two stars as opposed to one because, while I didn't like any songs enough to save them, and I don't see myself ever seeking out more music by Meatloaf, I found myself tapping my feet a few times. So there's that. Fav Tracks: Paradise by the Dashboard Least Fav Tracks: Bat at Hell (the outro)
Enjoyed this, it was a fun time.
I'm back in my uncle's garage. God this is so 80s. A hyper masculine rock musical in which all the characters have the depth of a sheet of paper. though the orchestration has this "everything and the kitchen sink" sort of quality which is charming.
It was cool, not necessarily my type of music. Very loud and brash, didn’t really hear a song that stood out to me.
Meh.
I think I quite enjoyed
Har den på vinyl.
Meat Loaf is great. Not many artists dip so far into the theatrics and drama as he does, and he still slathers more on top of that. As I wanted the "I'd do anything for love" cassette and that was the extent of my exposure until I was painting my room in college and had AXS tv on and they were playing a live show. There is nothing better to listen to while doing housework. You feel like you're in a movie montage and get things done so fast. That single wasn't on this album but there were still plenty of good, epic songs like Bat out of Hell and Paradise. Man I just love everything about Meat Loaf. Silly name, epic and over the top rock extravaganzas of songs. They all tell a pretty linear story that takes you on the journey with him. The audio sample of the baseball announcer is kind of the one nitpicky thing I don't care for during Paradise, but it's still got 10 minutes of other stuff so it's forgettable. It's fortunate that I got this album when I did, because I had been putting off chores for a while and was able to get them all knocked out in under an hour with the power of Meat Loaf. Thanks buddy! RIP favorite track "Bat out of Hell" 5/5
Bat Out of Hell is a very fun song. Love the spoken word part. I can see where Creeper gets their influence…. Same tone of voice and everything. Heaven Can Wait is not that strong. Paradise is awesome. Overall, a fun listening experience and a cool rock opera.
Never intentionally listened to Meat Loaf before this. Base on the name I always assumed they were like insane clown posse. Wasn’t expecting a sort of Freddie Mercury meets Elton John meets Ozzy Osbourne meets Scott Stapp meets Jesse James Dupree. I admit, I really enjoyed this. Bat out of Hell was my favorite but everything was solid.
This album takes me back to Q104 in New York riding in the backseat of my dad's car. This album sold 43 million copies. America didn't legalize gay marriage until 2015 but in 1977 everyone happily bought an album that was essentially a musical...without an actual musical. Including an extended baseball analogy about sex that I definitely didn't understand as a kid. I also remember VH1 Behind The Music about how much Meat Loaf was abused. Basically I'm working through a lot of 10 year old memories about Meat Loaf. I'm proud of this delightful weirdo.
As a recently declared ‘concept album guy’ I am conflicted with Bat Out of Hell. I may not like operatic concept albums? Or maybe the concept is too dumb? This was a worthwhile listen and Meatloaf has a lot more to offer than I would have guessed. Cool story behind it as well. My immediate thought was this sounds A LOT like Thunder Road, which I’ve learned is a common thought, although one the Steinman was (somehow) confused by. Overall, happy to have listened but probably won’t be back.
Since seeing Wicked with my 4 year old daughter my musical theater horizons have unexpectedly expanded. How would my life had been different if I’d been a ‘Broadway’ kind of guy? This album is like a musical theater rendition of Born to Run, both thematically and tonally, but more baroque and way less serious. I enjoy whenever something is so over the top it cant help but become tongue in cheek (I guess that’s usually called ‘camp’) - and I think that’s why I kind of love this album.
I knew that this album was on our list and I was dreading it. Paradise By The Dashboard Light has been shoved down my throat a few too many times. Now that im through the entire album, I have a decent amount of respect for this. This is kind of a rock opera/musical album for the late 70s (1 year before Grease came out). The album features some familiar names as well (outside of Meat Loaf) - Todd Rundgren and Ellen Foley Bat Out Of Hell, Two Out Of Three, You Took The Words were all pretty enjoyable. I drew a lot of connections to what Boston sounded like (at least the guitar and drum work) and a little bit of Bruce. Ill make my way back to this album, but I will continue to skip Paradise By The Dashboard Light 😂
Friends of ours did a full karaoke duet of Paradise at their wedding after party and I’ll always think of them when I hear that song. Grew up loving songs like Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Rosalita, Thunder Road - long, unconventional song structures with a bit of narrative - a lot of moments on here that remind me of that. Or big through composed prog stuff. Obviously very theatrical - quite literally so. And the connections to Bruce through style, but also through Max and Stevie. Not sure yet how often I’ll come back to this one, but having a hard time saying anything bad about this - would like to hear more of it.
AMAZING. SO GOOD!!!
probably the most well composed block of cheese of all time
Welp. I've listened to this album approximately one billions times, might as well spin it again. Easy 5 stars, one of the greatest albums of all time without a doubt. Everything about it rules.
I love this album! I know, I know. It’s schmaltzy. It’s overwrought. It’s bombastic It’s sometimes silly. It’s over-the-top. I agree! And all that plus Meat Loaf’s incredible voice combine to make this one of the all-time greats. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-bat-out-of-hell-by-meat?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Paradise By the Dashboard Light is one of the greatest rock n roll songs ever recorded, and this is a great album. 5
RIP
fun nonsense
Really liked this album
Ooookaaay. I did not realize this was going to be basically musical theater music. I mean, it's well put together for what it is, and he has an impressive singing voice, but I can't take it seriously at all. Some of the spoken word parts were uncomfortable.
Ok, fine, I love this shit, sue me.
Who woulda thought that an operatic album inspired by Bruce Springsteen's style on 1974s Born To Run would feature two members of his band, sang by a 'theater kid' who appeared in musicals and Rocky Horror would turn out to be one of the biggest selling albums of all time? Throw in that New York Yankee great Phil Rizzuto would provide an inter-medley making him the only baseball player in the Hall of Fame to win a grammy? Yeah, this album is great. It's dorky and Meatloaf is a strange bird but man this album slays. 5/5
Five of the seven songs on this album were popular radio hits when it was released, although I never heard the album iin its entirety. Overall very good in my opinion, but not quite five stars.
Amazing album. Loved the energy and intensity. Felt great hearing "Bat Out of Hell" again. Even though it was hard not to snort laugh at some of the lyrics. Jim Steinman did all of writing of the songs of this album, then fortunately had them sung by the artist he selected. Powerful combo. Whole album was very different from what else was offered at the time in popular music.
I didn't know this was written to be a (Peter Pan??) musical, which is endearing. Also Max Weinberg played the drums on it! But even though they're fun, most of these songs sounded the same to me. Meat Loaf is a silly name and the songs are pleasant, but nothing especially struck me. (It's hard to be struck on a first listen, though, isn't it? I hope I end up giving something a 5 before this is all said and done!) Maybe it's just the word "bat" plus the idea of "musicals" but this kind of reminded me of "Bat Boy" the musical, which was similarly pleasant but ultimately I'd never buy that OCR, you know? Highlights: 'All Revved Up With No Place to Go' is the most of a bop. 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' is randomly a duet, and it's also boppish at points. And oh my gosh, it's where the Wand-Off intro is from (any RHAP fans out there???). The wiki for ‘Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad’ says that the title is “66% is good enough” in Japanese, which is the sort of translation fun fact people like. I am people. (That song is just OK. 66% maybe.)
You took the words right out of my mouth, so geil. Find die Stimme vom Sänger super! Er ist berühmt für seine Rock-Balladen, aber ich kann mir nur n paar anhören, bis ich wieder was anderes haben will - 4 Sterne
Ganz gut
Pomp and circumcised.
but I won't do that
Σαν ροκ θεατρικη παρασταση. Καποια καλα στοιχεια αλλα μου φανηκε βαρετο.
Not for me
I live Meatloaf. The drama of the rock opera story telling is great because I think he generates the impression of emotion really well. Powerful voice but a vein of vulnerability. I read about his life and noticed the contradictions in him - climate denial, COVID-19 views, vegetarianism, etc made me feel badly about him but not about his music. So I guess I like the music.
Enjoyable but nothing really stood out for me.
masterpiece
Yes!!! 🦇 This album was played a lot in our house growing up, my mum really liked Meat Loaf Very theatrical, sounds like a soundtrack to a musical. Big tunes, vocals, guitar and ballads, great stuff! Enjoyed listening to this one on my drive back home! 5 ⭐️
Good Rock Album - Don’t have much to say mind. The Bat Out of Hell single is solid and catchy, but the rest of the album isn’t experimental (not necessarily a bad thing). Meat Loaf have great vocals.
Another awesome Album! Blending rock and stage into one wild listening experience. Only Meatloaf could pull this off so well.
Amazing! Listened to the album the whole day, loved the dynamic range between songs as well as the dramatic deliveries and poetic lyrics.
It's good, I'd have given it a 4 but I'm not exactly a fan of how it goes from fast instruments and vocals to slow vocals with almost no background accompaniment.
Wheey it's Meat Loaf + Jim Steinman. THE rock opera. The album that no one wanted to release, and then it propelled to the top sellers, and made Jim Steinman a writer of a lot of stars, including Bonnie Tyler and Sisters of Mercy. It doesn't sound as refined to me as Bat out of Hell II, and it's not my favourite, but with the lengthy, emotional, over the top songs, the engine-like riffs and the feeling of being young again, it's a 5/5. It's like living the youth you never had. It gives me chills. It makes me so happy to listen to it again.
No one meats it better than the loaf.
Rock opera not my style
Great album enjoy all of it. Start of the second track is a bit odd but can look past it.
Way over the top, but an enjoyable listen 3/5
I had a fun time listening to this over-the-top record.
Was ok
Album cover: 4 out of 5. Album: Oof. An album screaming for a musical. One that stays off Broadway. It succeeds at what it wants to do which is to be an overly bombastic "rock n roll" album. I don't want that though.
Opening two tracks are definite 5's and amongst the greatest/ campest rock songs ever ... but then unfortunately the wheels fall off and it becomes a bit meh. Two out of Three not as good as I remembered it (I loved it when i was 13) and Paradise by Dashboard Light does not really do it for me.
Bangers
uhhh so this album is pretty dope. Consistent grand themes throughout and presented as such. It really is a presentation and a performance, I feel like you can visualize Meat Loaf singing this on a stage. Makes sense since it is derived from a rock opera. Really pleased that I got to listen to this full album and I am happy that my mom has this record.
Excellent 👌
Another classic.
Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.
Anyone who doesn't rate this 5 stars has issues.
Rock for theatre kids and twinks
Not really for me, but a fun listen
Legendary album
Very theatrical, a cool soundtrack for a musical, and a great, very dynamic voice. I am pretty sure this record was a big inspiration for Tenacious D, because it reminded me somehow of them. Amazing performance!
Very generic dad rock, epic long songs, I thought Bat Out Of Hell and Paradise By The Dashboard Light were fun (Although pretty corny), all the other songs were kind of a chore to listen to, but I can respect the energy and effort put into the songwriting, the whole Gen X dad music just isn’t for me
There's a lot going on but he just somehow makes it work.
Guitar tone is sensational Album cover art is also gorg, absolutely obsessed Meat Loaf always makes me feel so nostalgic, I know he's American but there's something really British about his sound.
So maximalist and so fun. Very theatrical. As a musical theatre fan it’s right up my alley. 4.5/5
Two great songs and a lot of filler but those two songs are super great
Bombastic, maximalist, and completely over the top. Bat Out Of Hell lives up to its title in a purely fun experience that demands your attention.
WOW! having never heard meatloaf really I was blown away. Rock opera, show tunes, what’s the difference. Paradise by the Dashboard Light is laugh out loud funny and now I gotta listen to the whole Bat Outta Hell trilogy.
Too long songs
Hot patootie, bless my soul! I get to listen to Meat Loaf fuck yeah :)
I was told that Meat Loaf sucks, but no, this album is really damn good! 150th album, 8/10
I’m sure this is the exact intention but this album sounds like it was written for a musical and I don’t like that.
Pretty fun, apart from all the sex noises..
This was fine. Rock opera isn't typically my sort of thing, but I'm glad I listened to it once through in its entirety. Highly unlikely I'll ever be compelled to put it on ever again.
I'm sure this was the bee's knees when it came out and it seemingly bridges 60's rock with 70's glam. This is a ridiculous and over the top album with songs that go on way too long for their own good. While Meat Loaf carries the weight of the songs well, I felt like he would collapse at any moment from the sheer energy he's belting out the lyrics with. This wasn't something I grew up on and only heard sparingly on the radio until now. I understand it's draw for people of a certain era, but listening to it fully for the first time has me convinced that it will also be my last.
Amazing
Qu’est ce que c’est que cet album de zinzin. On voit qu’il vient de broadway, qu’il est passé par le Rocky Horror. C’est grandiloquent, extravagant, les amplis sont sur 11, quelques ballades viennent ralentir le rythme alors que ce n’est pas forcément ce qu’on lui demande. Au dessus du lot, “Paradise by the dashboard light” est géniale. Le chant de Elle Folley qui l’accompagne est parfait de justesse rock’n roll. Excellent duo, pour une excellente chanson ou le texte, la musique, l’interprétation s’accordent parfaitement. L’album est déjà très bon, mais avec cette chanson c’est un 5.
Holy moly did I love this album. That was a ton of fun.
This has a Broadway naffness to it that’s hard to bypass, but its guts, heart and pyrotechnics guarantee its good faith, and it feels like the product of the bullied letting rip which knocks it into “probably should be here”.
A genuine *not-guilty* pleasure, as dear and foundational to me as any Led Zep album. Succeeds wildly at '50s rock'n'roll homage where many others fail embarrassingly ("Grease", "Rocky Horror", etc), while also packed with fully-fledged bangers. Their finest hour for pretty much everyone involved - ol' bitch tits himself (vocally at least, affectionate Fight Club reference notwithstanding), Todd Rundgren (fucking shredding here, not wanking around for once), The E Street Band (yes, sorry - c.f. my "Born To Run" review) and Jim Steinman (although I secretly hope "Faster Than The Speed Of Night" shows up here for Mark's entertainment). The title track is rock opera perfection (and an amusing soundtrack while watching my youngest somewhat gingerly ride his bike at the skate park); the final coda of "Paradise.." always makes me laugh - I can belt all of this out on demand (but please don't ask) PS I worry that the shoddy Andrew Lloyd Webber-level shitness of its sequel and other subsequent Meat Loaf travesties will blind the casual listener to the brilliance of this. Trust me, I hate all that later ordure just as much as you do
Always amazing
doesn't get any more classic than this
Ok
Good album
I’ve always liked concept albums. Not sure if this one is, but it sure felt like one. At least like a rock opera. I like big dramatic ballads. That album art is amazing haha.
Seeing this album art as a kid, I assumed this was the hardest rock ever. As I got older, I realized that wasn’t what Meat Loaf was about. However listening to it now in its entirety, I gotta say, it rocks pretty hard. Easy 4/5. Could probably grow on me onto 5/5
Have on vinyl. This is just good fun, could be a soundtrack for a film. Big and operatic, cheesy but no need to take it too seriously
Pretty enjoyable. Very big.
好欢乐，好喜欢
Not bad over the top theatrical rock n roll
Used to enjoy this in high school. Then some sorority played PbtDL 1000 times at social events in college and now it makes me want to jab pencils in my eardrums when it’s playing.
10/10
Sprawling and epic. Corny as all get out but that only makes it better. Absolutely love how every song is a completely different genre but it's still so seamless. Goes SO hard. Fav Songs: Bat Out of Hell, Heaven Can Wait, For Crying Out Loud
Okay.
Feels like many contradictions, first and foremost the dude's name is Meat Loaf and makes (silly?) heavy metal or hard rock. The music is okay and jumps around quite a bit but none of it is too exciting in my opinion. 5/10
Not what I was expecting from the cover. Pretty fun and high energy, felt like a musical or something like that.
I liked some parts more than others but the stuff I liked was super fun and the stuff I didn’t like wasn’t even bad just felt a bit bland. Overall v fun
8/10 - Very theatrical which was fun to listen to. I thought the music as a whole was very good.
it was fine
Great album that is both of its time and yet timeless.
Not a Meatloaf lover.
This was part of my childhood, even though I've never owned a copy, I've absorbed pretty much every track. It's utterly preposterous and totally overblown but in a knowing way. But of course, it's marvellous.
Love this album. Favourites- bat out of hell, took the words right out of my mouth, two out of three ain’t bad, paradise by the dashboard light
***An ok album. Not a great voice, but fun songs
Wow, I can see why this album was such a big deal when it came out. I’m not usually into theatrical or opera-style music, but they did a great job blending rock opera with hard rock and prog rock. The production is top-notch, with sophisticated arrangements that make it feel grand and dramatic. This is definitely the perfect album if you’re in the mood for something big and over the top.
I had this friend growing up in the early 90’s, who really loved Meat Loaf. …but, like, he was really into Bat Out of Hell II, specifically that song about how Meat Loaf would do any thing for love, but he wouldn’t do “that”. We were in the same Boy Scout troop, so many, if not all, of my memories associated with Meat Loaf take place in his parent’s 1980’s Volkswagen Fox while traveling to Boy Scout meetings and camping trips and the like. There’s nothing worse than being trapped in a car and having to listen to music you can’t stand. Shockingly, I am not a Meat Loaf fan and I can directly attribute it to that egregious and prolonged over exposure. I don’t like this record one bit. It’s like if Elton John decided to go “metal” and wrote a musical about it. It’s overwrought and campy in a very unappealing way. I don’t think there’s ever been a day in my life where I could connect with music like this. Although, I will say it’s hilarious that Phil Rizzuto did the pseudo-pornographic play by play in “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights” and claims that he was “tricked” by Meat Loaf and didn’t realize the song was about sex. So…two stars.
not necessarily what i expected but pleasantly surprised
Honestly this was really good. Don’t know how often I’ll go back to it but I loved the arrangements and Meat Loaf has a really good voice.
I've met Mr Loaf but have never been enamored with his records. I wasn't excited for this one but it wasn't bad. It's music of a time and place that can take you back to that place which is one of the important things I ask music to do. I was going to go 2.5 but I'll give it a three
Didn't like it at all, it has a good guitar, but it's just the happy ol' style from the 80's that doesn't sit right with me
decente infelizmente não consegui me conectar com nenhuma música por completo
Bat out of Hell é basicamente um "Os do rock eu sei quem são". Talvez na epoca ele era mais pesado, o que é uma coisa engracada, pois, hoje ele é uma mistura de Disco com rock( parecido com Kiss). A capa é voce jogando Doom ou teu tio te descrevendo as emocoes de usar um Viagra(Marca registrada pela Pfzier). Dito isso, as musicas sao meio parecidas, a primeira é um cerrtificado os do rock eu sei.... Mas isso vai se perdendo ate o fim. A segunda musica é Furry demais, isso pesa contra o album para ser honesto. Mas certamente foi melhor que o surfer rosa( Francamente... uma torção testicular seria melhor que aquele album). 6/10
esse álbum me deu vontade de ser boomer e de ter uma harley 🤟🤟🤟 hell yeah 🤟🤟🤟 eu sinto que se conhecesse mais rock dos anos 70 talvez eu tivesse gostado menos desse álbum
Ugh
-this record was not exactly what I expected it to be. Felt kind of like a weird crossroads between 70s prog stuff and more commercial 80s rock? some of it was corny and blended together but overall it was decent -I enjoyed the longer tracks speeding up and slowing down -Favorites are Bat Out Of Hell and Paradise By The Dashboard Light
Groupe connu de nom. Le premier morceau est vraiment original, dynamique et ... grandiloquent. Par contre le mixage a mal vieilli (son noyé dans une réverb de hall de gare). Les morceaux suivants sont moins intéressants, en particulier les morceaux plus calmes.
I think I groaned when I opened to see this album this day but I give everything a shot. I really only knew Meatloaf's hit I'd Do Anything for Love but I knew his general sound. Very piano based. Strangely semi-romantic but weird lyrics. And this album didn't disappoint there. But I have to say I enjoyed this album overall and some of the songs got stuck in my head. Pleasantly surprised by this one! I'm sure the other album with the hit is also on this list right?!
This is probably great if you like cliché-ridden melodramatic melodies, harmonies and lyrics. I don’t.
Straight bangers front to back. Perhaps not the most groundbreaking or deep record on this list; it is basically a teenage love and sex album, but the album has zero skips 5/5
questi so bravi bravi!
Wow this was bad. Springsteen if he had never seen a boob.
N/A. Receiving this album nearly tipped me over the edge for this challenge. Call me ignorant but I just wasn’t interested and I know it wouldn’t fit my mood. I’d love to say ‘it’s not you Meatloaf, it’s me’ - but in this case, it’s very much Meatloaf’s fault.
Sweet Jeebus - why does everyone revere this album?
So good. Teenage angst!
#395. This shits silly as hell, but I suppose that's the point, so you can't really fault it for that. 4/5: I don't know why, that just feels right. *this is the thirty seventh album I purchased from this playlist Song added to playlist: Bat Out of Hell I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
I understand why people love Meat Loaf and Bat Out Of Hell, but it's not exactly for me. It feels like an album version of Rocky Horror Picture show. It's not for everyone, but the people who like it REALLY like it. Best Songs: You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth, Paradise By the Dashboard Light Worst Songs: All Revved Up with No Place to Go
I've binged listened to this album so many times, and Meat Loaf has been on my ultimate fantasy bowling team along with Jesus & the Dalai Lama since the early 90s.
Not what I expected!
Fun rock opera
I always hear about this being highly rated but never fully listened to it, This is a great album can’t complain. All revved up and no place to go is relatable
You can rate this album, assuming you can get your fat, swollen, sweaty stumps of imbred fingers onto the vote button.
The Aussie pissed dad special. Gotta love it.
Lame bogan anthems. I cant believe this is the 6th best selling album ever. It’s not bad but it’s not great
Beginning monologue for track 2 had me feelin a little freaky at work, nearly crashed out RIP THE HOMIE MEATOAF!!! 😤😤😤
The best broadway.
Really enjoyed this one
I didn't really like it to be honest, but it's alright
Good album if you were a 15 year old boy in 1978
This was a great album! Could very much tell it was based on a musical, but Meat Loaf's clean vocal stylings are perfect for it. I can definitely feel the influence of Elton John, and other Glam musicians of the time all over this album. I'd 100% listen to it again (I think this was actually the first time I've listened to it as a whole)
I never listened to Meat Loaf before and I didn't realize how cinematic his music would be. Reminds me a lot of Elton John, however, I didn't like it as much as Elton John. Although cinematic, I think there was too much repetition in terms of his voice and the vibe of the record. I loved the opening track, but was kind of disappointed that the rest of the songs sounded very similar. Regardless, I enjoyed my time with it. 3/5
Love it
Lowkey 1 good song
This is such a fun album, and I have a soft spot for Meat Loaf. This was also a nice reminder to rewatch Rocky Horror Picture Show since it's just a few days before Halloween. Rock opera and over the top vocals and production is a cheesy good time.
If I was ever trapped somewhere like a deserted island and was able to only listen to a handful of albums for the rest of my life, this would be one. I first heard it on my parent's 8-track. Then on LP. Then when the formats changed to cassettes, and later CD's, this album was re-bought by my parents. Epic record. Will always love it.
Good
An absolutely bonkers and iconic late 70s rock opera. This album is sweet but is absolutely insane. It's too much, but it's a good time.
This one sent me back to when my mom made me listen to this album in her car and I was forever changed lol. Favorite track: Paradise By the Dashboard Light
I feel like Meat Loaf is really good at what he does, but I just don't think I understand what that is
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. To be honest the name "Meatloaf" makes me picture an unhygenic obese guy with a breathy screamo voice, which I realize is not *at ALL* accurate.
There is a reason this album which is one of the best selling albums of all time is not talked about in today's modern music landscape. It has aged terribly and does not hold the same longevity as its contemporaries have
That’s entertainment!
It's meatloaf. Kinda like when mom said we were having meatloaf for dinner. I would groan, but then when I started to eat it, I realized it's not that bad.
....
Theatrical and over the top in the best way.
The title track and Paradise by the Dashboard Light are bangers. Some of the lyrics are a bit interesting. Will probably listen again though because it's a fun album.
Didn't hate it, but wouldn't play it again. One or two good songs. Some funny lyrics.
This is quite a funny rock opera. But is it good? I'm not entirely convinced.
What a treat. Great energy, with a unique sound and a great voice. Te right blend of great songs and nostalia for me. Would recommend to a friend.
The title track is an all time classic. But I don't think the rest of the album is though. "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" is also a nice single. There's a good live intro that's not on the album. Shame it didn't make it on there. 3 stars for "Bat Out of Hell".
I give this album 10 motorcycle crashes out of 10
You know, I thought I liked meatloaf. I realized that although I think these songs on this album are okay. It wasn't quite what I remembered. Glad I'm listened but none of them are going into the rotation
This is so over the top and stupid. I love it.
6/10 Highlights: Title track Paradise by the Dashboard Lights
Huh. So the six minute radio play version of Bat Out Of Hell is an edit. Who knew? (Not me, evidently…). Making eternity last just that bit longer. Cruel.
Ehrlicher und einfacher Hardrock mit viel Fleischeslust und Power. Welcome to the”Paradise by the Dashboard Light” 🤘🏽.
Quando un album ha tutto sto hype sono molto scettico ma questo era molto bello
molto molto teatrale, ho letto che l'autore principale dell'album è un compositore, e si sente molto, e mi piace anche che ci sia tanto pianoforte. molto bello, sarebbero 3.5 ma ho deciso di essere generosa.
Me: this album's 5 stars You: you took the words👏 right👏 out of my👏 mouth 👏👏👏
Like a musical about metal made by people that never heard metal music
3.7 - I hate to say I actually enjoyed this quite a lot
This was as predictably cheesy as I expected. I really did not like it at all. It probably doesn't deserve 1 star but I'm feeling wronged. 1.3/5
Jesus wept that was awful. Don't care how intentional this album's camp indulgences are, the result is utter dog shit. Complete earwash that manages to miss every one of its comedic notes, and just leave you cringing from the opening track to its last. Absolute wank.
Pathos, instrumentation, vocal delivery... Everything is turned up to 11 on this album. Which sometimes makes it seem a bit pretentious, but even that was obviously part of the equation when it was conceived. This is obviously too much of everything, but it's great this stuff exists precisely because of it - even though I definitely won't start listening to this album on a more frequent basis now.
I thought I wasn't going to like this, but all of the songs sound incredible. The production is amazing and the songs have hooks for days. My biggest problem is the repetition/length, but even then I've not really minded so far. Surprised by the amount of hits on here. Extremely extra and dramatic but I really respect the ambition. Meatloaf is such a dickhead in this - but he's definitely consistent! Highlights are the title track, you took the words right out of my mouth, and Two out of three ain't bad. I can imagine this hitting very wrong when you're not in the mood but I think it's a pretty good achievement. 4.5
Big music that I can really enjoy listening to.
I found myself getting bored halfway through. Meat Loaf has a powerful voice, but the whole album feels stuck in one gear. I can appreciate the effort, but it’s definitely not for me.
I can't help myself. I fucking love this album. An all-timer, over the top, insane, piano rocker. Meatloaf lived in my hometown for awhile. He coached the girls softball team. They called him "Coach Loaf." 5/5 stars.
It was a pretty chill listen, hella diverse. 65/100
If I could use one word to describe this album, it would be corny. Some more words would be incredibly dated. Maybe this had a bigger impact when it was released, but 45 mins of pop-rock ballads with varying degrees of innuendo got old for me very fast. Some definite fun moments that are limited to the opening tracks on both sides of the record. Top tracks: Bat Out of Hell, Two Out of Three Ain't Bad
paradise by the dashboard light is great
This is so over the top - it's quite good fun but I probably wouldn't listen to any of these songs again
Not for me!
3.5
Love this album. Quintessential 70's rock album and Paradise is a top 5 karaoke song for sure.
I've never really listened to Meat Loaf before and had no idea he was so huge (6th best selling [physical] album of all time?!). Anyway, enjoyed this one waaaay more than I thought I would. Would be happy to listen to this one again - many times.
Very over the top and cheesy, in a good way. I got a little tired of it by the end, but overall I enjoyed it.
Boomer muziek
4☆/5 10.04.2024
A rock opera/concept album about getting laid on prom night that clearly influenced Jack Black, “Superbad,” and countless others. Cheesy, over the top, and inexplicably likable.
Brilliant wit and irony abound throughout this musical style rock album. Beloved by preteen me, and I still find myself singing along.
I think there are a couple key things, above and beyond the musicianship, singing and songwriting that make this work so well. Meat's just so damn sincere and committed to the material. He's giving it his all, passionately. To that I say, well done, Meat Loaf.