The 10 Blockbuster Songs By Meat Loaf

The 10 Blockbuster Songs By Meat Loaf | I Love Classic Rock Videos

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More was always better when it came to Meat Loaf. We’d love to see a documentary or a movie made out of his songs because of his dramatic delivery, wide vocal range, and explosive arrangements. Epic arias about unending love, unspeakable heartbreak, and bats out of hell were often the topic of discussion in the masterful compositions of his music partner, Jim Steinman. To prove his enduring legacy, we’ll take a look at these 10 epic songs from the legend himself, Meat Loaf.

 

“You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth” – Bat Out of Hell (1977)

Jim Steinman and Marcia McClain deliver a spoken introduction to the power ballad. According to Meat Loaf’s autobiography, the song was written in 1975 after he requested that Jim Steinman write a song that wasn’t 15 or 20 minutes long and was, in Meat Loaf’s words, a “pop song.” This song is credited with being a major factor in Meat Loaf and Steinman’s decision to work together on an album.

“Hot Patootie” – Hot Patootie, Bless My Soul (1975)

Meat Loaf played the minor but vital role of Eddie, a sleazy car mechanic, in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In an interview, the singer explained how he was approached for this music number: “The first two weeks when we were doing the play all we did was the music, they had not given us a script. They come to me on the part of ‘Hot Patootie,’ and Richard O’Brien is here at these rehearsals… he said ‘on this song you’ll never be able to get all the words in. … I wrote it and I can’t sing all the words.”

“I’d Lie for You (And That’s the Truth)” – Welcome To The Neighbourhood (1995)

Meat Loaf’s “I’d Lie for You (And That’s the Truth)” music video is meant to serve as a sequel to his 1993 smash hit “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),” picking up where that song left off.

“Not a Dry Eye in the House” – Welcome To The Neighbourhood (1995)

The song builds up with a dramatic piano, a smashing guitar, and strong voices, like a fast-approaching hurricane. While singing “Not a Dry Eye in the House,” Meat Loaf’s voice shakes from the intensity of his performance.

“I’m Gonna Love Her For Both of Us” – Dead Ringer (1981)

An explosive conclusion is built on a foundation of rumbling piano and guttural bass, tight guitar, sparse drums, and the resulting tremors of the space. With words that set your gut on fire, Meat Loaf transforms into a full-fledged rock star midway through his songs.

“Paradise By the Dashboard Light”Bat Out Of Hell (1977)

“Paradise By the Dashboard Light” is an exaggerated, crazy blend of funk-rock interspersed with teenage love, ultimatums, and unspeakable acts outside parked cars.

“Dead Ringer For Love”Dead Ringer (1981)

Singing “I don’t know who you are, but you’re a real dead ringer for love” in a sexually charged bar showdown, Meat Loaf gives his most dramatic performance yet as he stares at his partner Cher with a crazy expression.

“Bat Out Of Hell” – Bat Out Of Hell (1977)

“There is something so thrilling to me about that operatic narrative that involves a cataclysmic event,” songwriter Jim Steinman explained in an interview. “Especially one so perfectly in tune with a teenager’s world, and rock and roll, as a car or motorcycle crash.” It was described as “a rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi rendition of Peter Pan” when the song was written.

“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad”Bat Out Of Hell (1977)

In “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” Meat Loaf displays a more reserved side, one that is capable of carrying an emotionally powerful melody, with its message that one must settle because happy endings only exist in fairy tales.

“I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)”Bat Out Of Hell (1977)

What would Meat Loaf be, without this legendary song? Meat Loaf’s most well-known song, “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” is a raucous power ballad that truly sums up the singer’s ability to make a hit. In it, the singer declares his willingness to love unconditionally, but with one important caveat: he won’t do that.