An Influential Album Turns 23

Meat Loaf's "Bat out Of Hell 2: Back into Hell" recently celebrated its 23rd anniversary. This was a very formative album to me in its release in 1994, during my high school years and beyond.

I flipped out in a very big way when I heard "I'd do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)". Clocking in at around 12 minutes for the album version, I also remember thinking it could have been a DJ's dream at the time, long enough to throw on anytime they needed a bathroom break. You don't get a lot of those during your airshift. Unfortunately the song often got shortened for radio play and even the video was under 8 minutes.

After several years working on separate projects, Meat Loaf and songwriter Jim Steinman set out to recapture the magic of the original "Bat Out Of Hell" from 1977, which I also decided I needed to have, and they succeeded.

Eventually, I uncovered the mystery of the "that" which he wouldn't do for love. It has always been meant to be open to one's own interpretation but there's at least one specific item mentioned that seals the deal. Hint: it is slightly unsuitable for work and you need to listen ALL the way through the song.  If you're pressed for time, start the video from here.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the song/album and its meaning to you in the comments.

[Via Ultimate Classic Rock]