I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself

Firstly, there is Did I Say That? which is quite frankly the best song Meat Loaf has ever done since Bat Out Of Hell. For those of you who thought that Welcome To The Neighbourhood was an excellent album (and it was) you are going to be stunned by this non-Steinman song, as it would not have looked out of place on the original Bat. Seriously.

Secondly, there is "(I) Couldn't Have Said It Better (Myself)" itself - the title is a nice mickey take of all those bracketed song titles from previous albums. The song itself is fantastic, all the band join in, and Patti Russo sounds great. In fact, she slightly overpowers Meat himself at the end, which is odd, but overall this is a great song, and again, is well up to the quality of Bat.

Thirdly, there is "Tear Me Down", which I have only heard live in Hyde Park, but is also a great little rock song, and has a very funny spoken part.

On the strength of those three songs alone, I would seriously recommend any Meat Loaf-er, whether fan, or just occasional listener, to buy this album. It is also great value, because not only do you get a live version of Bat, but also some videos!

In the words of Meat Loaf, "this is going to be the best album since Bat".

I couldn't have said it better myself. ;)

There is no filler on this album. The epic title track features Todd Rundgren on background vocals (he produced, played guitar and sang background vocals on Meat's famous Bat Out Of Hell album). "Man Of Steel" is an epic, tear jerking duet between Meat and his daughter Pearl. Bob Dylan fans may be interested in hearing his cover of "Forever Young", and fans of the show "Hedwig and The Angry Inch" may be interested in hearing his version of "Tear Me Down". James Michael and Nikki Sixx wrote some of the songs, so James Michael and Motley Crue fans may be interested in hearing them also. "Testify" is a gospel song (written by Better Than Ezra's Kevin Griffin) with a kind of funness and rhythm that I'd compare to "Paradise By The Dashboard Light". Kasim Sulton plays bass and arranges fabulous background vocals on most songs, and there are beautiful orchestral arrangements as well.

There are little bits and pieces that are different about this album than previous albums, which makes for a refreshing change. This is most obvious on "Do It", in which Meat tries and succeeds in making a song that borders on rap-rock. He'll leave you thinking that he's the PRO at that sort of thing.

These ain't just a bunch of songs. Meat writes the story, and with the help of great songwriters, tells it in lyrical form. As an actor, Meat doesn't just sing the songs, but performs with unmistakable passion, force and performs them in a way that gets across the meaning of the songs. Everyone is likely to find something of interest here. This album definitely deserves to be one of the stand out albums of the year.

Reviewing from a German version of the CD which is almost identical with a few apparent bonus track differences and a cover colour difference.

7-8 years since the last Meat Loaf album with a track listing full of completely new songs, and the first since the 80's to not include the song writing talents of Jim Steinman. Couldn't Have Said It Better kicks the album off being possibly the best song not just on the album, but of Meat Loaf's since Anything for Love, possibly some suggest, even better than that! Piano, Guitars, Vocal Harmonys and other trademark Meat Loaf attributes. However, this is strangely rockier and more lively than previous albums and Meat quotes as saying its the best album since Bat 1! This song shows why! Did I Say That and follows the great CHSIB with considerate ease pounding from a relaxed intro to a beaty chorus. Why Isn't That Enough follows with Love You Out Loud shortly after, Rock Ballad is an underestimate! Man Of Steel, greatly manages to play a simple tune into a full rock chorus, rounding off Chapter one very nicely indeed! Testify a fast, drum based guitar based song unlike anything done by Meat Loaf in the past, new territory well and truly stamped with the Marvin Lee Aday flag. Tear Me Down, a truely upbeat cheerful, danceable almost song that is guarenteed to get you nodding you little head without being over-rocky. You're Right I was Wrong a typical Diane Warren song, neither fantastic beyond belief or worthy of skipping. Because of you, slightly bouncier and bubblier than the previous leads to a disappointing "Do It". Fast, Drums, and doesn't appear to be the strongest song by far on the album, though this could be a taste thing, as its as close to Rap as Meat Loaf gets I think :)
Forever Young the Bob Dylan cover tops of the album off wonderfully... or does it!? There is a track hidden after two minutes of silence named Mercury Blues which is absolutely wonderful, bouncy, cheering, rock from a country song! Absolultely Groovy!!

Summary? Wonderful album! The best album by far with no Steinman involvement, and quite afew of the songs would be listed in my top 10 Meat songs at the very least! If you like any Meat Loaf song, this album is worth a listen! Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself, Testify and Tear Me Down are my personal highlights,... what are yours? hehe!