Bat Out of Hell
Bat Out of Hellis probably remembered most for its rock operetta about every teenage boy's plight, "Paradise by the Dashboard Light." Certainly the most dramatic piece on the album, it engaged Meat Loaf's testosterone-crazed tenor in an incremental game of sexual bargaining with the resistant, but willing, Ellen Foley. By employing exaggerated power chords, screaming vocals, over-the-top arrangements, and a sense of rock & roll as Broadway theater,Batmade Meat Loaf a star.Jim Steinman's contribution to the record is invaluable. His classically tinged piano give a certain lush quality to his collaborations with Meat Loaf, making songs such as the hit "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" all the more emotional. Larger than life in every sense of the word,Bat Out of Hellsometimes sounds a bit dated, but has retained most of its appeal. This expanded, remastered version of the '78 smash includes an extended live version of the title track.--Steve Gdula