Top 5 underrated songs by Mr. Loaf
Everyone knows the hits from Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, but are those the only tasty morsels from Meat Loaf?
Those are just the appetizers, insists uber-fan Sherrie Williams of Largo. "If you go to Meat Loaf's show at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall this Friday," she says, "you may hear one or two of these gems if you hit a lucky night on the set list."
TOP 5 MOST UNDERRATED MEAT LOAF SONGS:
(Commentary by the Sher-meister herself)
5. COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF (2003): The title track from the most recent non-Bat out of Hell studio album features frequent Meat Loaf partner Patti Russo in a bombastic duet. "I will take your body language and hold it against you tonight." [Listen]
4. TESTIFY (2003): This gospel- and blues-tinged tale of a strung-out trucker who finds redemption at a roadside revival features audio clips from the 1986 Ralph Macchio film Crossroads. That's a sure sign of quality for '80s Nation, but this song will get you on your feet even without the benefit of the Karate Kid's blessing. "Could you be the salvation 'cause I never felt like this before. And, could you lend me your hand because I'm falling back on the floor." [Listen]
3. I'D LIE FOR YOU (AND THAT'S THE TRUTH) (1995): I've always thought of this song as a lesser-known companion to the monster hit I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That). It also features Patti Russo and is unfailingly lush, romantic and drama soaked -- everything a great Meat Loaf song should be. "I'd lie for you and that's the truth. Move mountains if you want me to. I'd walk across the fire for you. I'd walk on the wild for you. If you'd just believe in me." [Listen]
2. BAD FOR GOOD (2006): This is a Jim Steinman penned song that didn't appear on a Meat Loaf album until 2006's Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose, but it has been performed by Meat Loaf across three decades. Classic Steinman lyrics, soaring guitars -- this song is quintessential Meat Loaf. (Plus, it's my ringtone on my cell phone so that should count for something, right?) "And you think that I'll be bad for just a little while. But I know that I'll be bad for good." [Listen]
1. OUT OF THE FRYING PAN (AND INTO THE FIRE) (1993): This song is big and brash, just like Meat Loaf himself. It begins with a stuttering guitar solo, then simmers to a sensual, scorching climax. When preformed live, this song often includes pyro effects and is a highlight of the concert. It was released in 1993, but has been a staple of Meat Loaf's lives shows since the early '80s. "It's never been this hot and I've never been so bored, and breathing is just no fun anymore. And then I saw you like a summer dream and you're the answer to every prayer that I ever said." [Listen]
[Check out excerpts from my interview with Meat Loaf here. Or listen to the entire interview, along with music clips, here.]
[Photo by Getty Images]
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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Posted by: elen | July 13, 2009 at 09:34 AM
I'll always think of him as Eddie
Posted by: Vegasgirlfriend | October 19, 2008 at 10:17 AM
For Crying Outloud, Read'em and Weep and I'll Kill You If You Don't Come Back are three of Meat's best songs (I own every album ever made by Meat and love his music)
Posted by: Leonardo Morantes | October 17, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Bat Out of Hell is my all-time favorite song. But my top five underrated Meat songs would have to be:
5)Sailor to a Siren
4)I'll Kill you if you don't come back
3)A Kiss is a Terrible thing to Waste
2)Everything Louder than Everything else
1)Surf's Up
Posted by: Danny Boy | October 17, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Well done SHERRIE!
Posted by: Marissa | October 16, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I guarantee a Spears/Daley karaoke version of "I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That Spearsy)" would bring the house down.
Posted by: Bates | October 16, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Great list!
One of the things I love most about his music is that he always seems to be able to invoke strong emotions.
His rendition of "Forever Young" is beautiful and never fails to make me cry (in a good way!).
Posted by: LeeLeeD | October 16, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Great choices Sherrie!!!!! My favourite most underrated Meat Loaf song is More Than You Deserve. I also like I'd Lie for you and That's the truth.
Annie
Posted by: | October 16, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Good choice of songs, I agree with I'd Lie For You and Couldn't Have Said It Better, they are some of my favourite songs as well, and are definitely underrated.
Carole
Posted by: Carole Morrissey | October 16, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Very cool, love the interview, its one of the better ones for sure.
And this list of lesser known songs is right on, though if you ask any fan its sure to be different, he just has so many excellent songs out there!
Posted by: Mel | October 16, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Great interview Steve. Meat Loaf seems like a pretty cool guy. I loved his joke about Tivo-ing his bad movies.
Posted by: Bassnote | October 16, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I whole heartedly agree. I've always loved Meat Loaf. I'd Lie For You (And That's The Truth) is an awesome song. Definately one of my favs. Unfortunately, I've never gotten to see him in concert though. Hopefully, he will make it to Dallas one of these days. :o)
Posted by: sarcasmisonemoreserviceioffer | October 16, 2008 at 10:25 AM