Couldn't Have Said It Better - album review

[Kathy]

I'm posting this both here and the OIFC site; to anybody reading both places, my apologies.

I've had this CD for almost two weeks but haven't felt able to put my thoughts about it into words. I'm going to give it a shot anyway. I had listened to audio clips of all the songs on the internet and knew I would like the new album - I was looking forward to its release and thought I knew what to expect. But I was totally unprepared for the gut-level impact of listening to it all the way through.

What do you say about an album that turns you on, then makes you cry, turns you on again, makes you cry again, then yet a third round, and that's just the first side! The first time I listened all the way through I was exhausted! I'm laughing here, but I'm also serious. How often does an album grab hold of you with the first phrase and simply refuse to let go?

Meat's astonishing ability to express the full depth of human emotion is the foundation of this album's impact, and the music drives it home. Kasim Sulton was quoted as saying "This is some very slammin' rock 'n' roll," and he wasn't just a-kiddin'. It rocks. At this point, because the radiant heat of this record's fire is still new to me, I have to stop what I'm doing, close my eyes and just listen. But eventually I'll be playing it in the car, etc., and enjoying it as the really good rock that it is.

Bat Out Of Hell is kiss-your-fingertips perfect rock: the best there ever was and possibly the best there ever will be, but I'd like to point out that CHSIB does one thing better - it tells a complete story. Meat Loaf and his writers have perfected the story album here with this mature narrative, in which the beginning tension is sustained all through the first side, and the songs form an integrated whole.

As a result, I don't have a favorite song. Chapter One is so cohesive that I have to take it as a unit, and I can't begin to single out a favorite song. I might pick 3 out of 5, but I don't even want to do that - it doesn't make sense to me to do that.

I love the Intermezzo -- it sounds almost like something O'Carolan would have written (a favorite of mine).

The tortured conflict in the first part has been resolved by Chapter two, which lets us down gently while maintaining the same honesty of feeling. The guy in the story is getting his sense of humor and his self-reliance back; misses his old love but has found someone new and is happy. "Do It" made me laugh (I love the dude in the Everlast gloves) and on another level, "You can sip it through a straw; you can throw it back neat ... just do it" are words to live by, aren't they? And of course "Forever Young" is just beautiful: a sweet, tranquil ending to an extraordinary album.

[Lady B]

I love how you've put this Kathy. It's so perfectly said. Sometimes words just can't properly explain what we want to say.

(And I can talk around how to say it all I want but as much as it kills me to use a song title to say this . . . you did take all the words out of my mouth because I COULDN'T have said it better. There's no way to!)

Lady B ~ thinking the man has a talent and just might make it somewhere someday . . . LOL

[mariella]

Lady B, :lol: that was your grandmother who said that, right? :lol:

Kathy, to me it is also a 'story'. Thank you for this wonderful review.
Love this album!

xxx

Mariella

[shadow1000001]

Kathy,
That is a perfect review. I feel the same way :D


Maria

[Vickip]

Kathy,
That is a perfect review. I feel the same way :D


Maria


I feel exactly the same way too Maria.
Thank you Kathy for such a perfect review :)
Have you considered posting it on Amazon.com?

Just a thought ....
Vicki

[Lady B]

Lady B, :lol: that was your grandmother who said that, right? :lol:
Mariella

Ummmmm . . . yea . . . grandma said that . . . yep. Or maybe it was Terry's grandma that said it . . . yea . . . THAT's who it was . . . Terry's 97 year old rural IL grandma who watched the Mexico concert on Direct TV with him. And SHE liked it too. He said so.

"Grandma's short review (from a
97 yo farmwife in rural IL)...he looks very serious...it must be fun to see
all that...he really puts a lot of energy into it."

Lady B

And if you think country music and Alabama there was actually one more song title in that paragraph too. :lol:

Now back to album reviews.

[Kathy]

Thanks for your kind words!
I looked at Amazon.com and they've already got a dozen reviews.

[Vickip]

Thanks for your kind words!
I looked at Amazon.com and they've already got a dozen reviews.

You're welcome :)
The more the merrier ... I hope the reviews help!
Vicki

[Kathy]

OK, I went ahead and pasted my review on Amazon.com. I didn't like that it says submissions become the property of Amazon, but then what else would I do with it?? :) Anyway, there were two really boneheaded reviews in a row, so now mine will be in front. Definite 5 stars.

[Vickip]

OK, I went ahead and pasted my review on Amazon.com. I didn't like that it says submissions become the property of Amazon, but then what else would I do with it?? :) Anyway, there were two really boneheaded reviews in a row, so now mine will be in front. Definite 5 stars.

Excellent !!!
Thank you very much :))
Vicki

[meatmymainman]

good review. thanks

i love CHSIB.

[BostonCPA]

I went to the Boston show in Sept. I left there and Meat had taken my soul. The one thing (there are many) that I love about Meat is how he sings what everyone has either thought or has done. He is right with what people want to hear.
* He goes from reading a womans mind (CHSIB) and knowing exactly what we are thinking (well me) and then has me thinking of who I would like to Love Out Load. Then while driving he hits you with Testify and Tear Me Down which just through you into a load singing banging on the stearing wheel mood.
He must have so many feelings inside of him. Although sometimes when I listen to him I wonder if he is missing something in his heart or if he is ever sad. Then I tell myslef the is just a great man that knows what people are feeling and how to love and to say the words that he feels.
Why can't there be a man like that out there for everyone. I am still waiting for mine. :wink:

[Vickip]

I went to the Boston show in Sept. I left there and Meat had taken my soul. The one thing (there are many) that I love about Meat is how he sings what everyone has either thought or has done. He is right with what people want to hear.
* He goes from reading a womans mind (CHSIB) and knowing exactly what we are thinking (well me) and then has me thinking of who I would like to Love Out Load. Then while driving he hits you with Testify and Tear Me Down which just through you into a load singing banging on the stearing wheel mood.
He must have so many feelings inside of him. Although sometimes when I listen to him I wonder if he is missing something in his heart or if he is ever sad. Then I tell myslef the is just a great man that knows what people are feeling and how to love and to say the words that he feels.
Why can't there be a man like that out there for everyone. I am still waiting for mine. :wink:

And I'm still waiting for mine too :wink:
Beautiful review .... thanks for sharing it with us :)
Vicki

[kaz]

It is an unbelievable album! i just wasn't expecting what i got when i played the album the first time round and after probably 100 times now it still effects me. Meat Loafs ability to sing straight to your soul still astounds me and when my mates (who are shockingly not Meat Loaf fans) complain that i have't brought it to school, you know that this album is something extreamly special.

[Woman of Steel]

I love this album!!!! :D :D I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was, honestly, but I was totally blown away!!! I don't really have a favorite song, they're all so wonderful!! I listen to it all the time...I really hope I don't wear out the CD :cry: Even though I waited 8 years for it, all I can say is, it's worth the wait :D :D :D !!!

[kaz]

well worth the wait! :D

[BillyPhatu]

I'm glad CHSIB is the first track.

That bit a little way into the song where the chorus kicks in with the bass and bass drum is just awesome, I always have to stand up and jump when I hear it! :lol:

[Cpl Mickey]

:D CHSIB is such an awesome album the mixture of ballads and rock etc are mind blowing.

[Vickip]

:D CHSIB is such an awesome album the mixture of ballads and rock etc are mind blowing.

I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself :))
Every song is perfect in it's own special way !!

Vicki

[Skeleton]

When I saw CHSIB in the store I hesitate to buy it not to buy. Then I bought it even I may have not to afford to do that but I couldn´t help myself. :roll: Then I rushed into my apartment and I listened it.. It was sooo nice.... wonderful. And after listening I didn´t regret it at all. :D

[MasterEngineer]

Right! Definitely the proof that it's MEAT LOAF who makes this very special kind of Rock and not Jim Steinman!!
Everyone says "Bat out of hell"?? Yeah, thats the jim steinman style. NO!! It's Meats style. And CHSIB as well as all the other albums!!
He was, is and hopefully will be THE No.1.

Love,
ME

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: I don't think it is necersary to compare Meat and Jimmy :? .
They've both done great things away from each other, and together they made the best damn record in history.

This album ROCKS 8) .
That's all that matters :wink:

[lmurphy]

It is an excellent album, but regardless of whether it is Jims music he is performing he is still fantastic!!!!! They work well together (who could deny that??) but meat has proved again that he can perfom other peoles music just as well .

What ever he performs would be excellent any way I'm sure.

[Chaos]

I bought the album the day after the Glasgow gig on Saturday and I think it's brilliant. The title track just blew me away. Superb. Also, Testify at the gig got me and my mates all bouncing around and it's just a good on the album. :D

[MichaelHarrison]

This is just my personal review of the album, song by song.

Couldn't Have Said it Better- Classic Meat song, written to perfection. Everthing about this song is perfect. My favorite Meat Loaf Patti Russo duet.

Did I Say That- One of the most emotional songs I have ever heard, again perfect lyrics. i love the guitars in this song. Meats vocals and his phrasing in this song is perfect. I alos love the video.

Why Isn't That Enough- A nice, short ballad. Vocals are perfect. Good lyrics, I like the connection with Two Out of Three.

Love You Out LOud- Sounds like classic Meat--Just updated. I like it, really like the begining.

Man Of Steel- Perfect Duet for Meat and Pearl. I love the song just wish Pearl had more vocals. To me the lyrics kinda fit Meat and Pearls "situation" when she says "I loved you from the start now you can't tear my world apart". Wish Pearl toured with Meat and did it live. very emotional I bet to record.

Testify-Great song, with just enough gospel in it. really lovet he live version.Performed with so much emotion.

Tear Me Down-I like the song, it is perfect for Meat, kinda the story of his life. Good vocals.

You're Right I Was Wrong- I love this song. Meat sings it with so much emotion, and vocals are perfect. Would like to hear it live.

Because of You- A great Pop song, could be a successful single. I like it Very well written.

Do It- Well it sure is different for Meat, but I like it, I liked it after seeing it live. I don't know how that changed my mind but it did!

Forever Young-A classic song, sung by a classic and timeless vocalist. Meat sings it better in my opinion than any before him. The emotion is what puts the song over so much. Wish i could have heard him sing it live.

Mercury Blues-Perfect old school rock song. The vocals are great. A fun song.

[Pudding]

I know I'm probably going to get shot down here but what the hell.

I think CHSIB is a very mediocre album with only 2 decent songs on it CHSIB and DIST and both of those has an annoying stop half way through. No doubt Meat had a few dozen demo's to choose from and if these were the best of the bunch then I'd hate to think what the others sounded like.

Pud :twisted:

[AndyK]

I know I'm probably going to get shot down here but what the hell.

I think CHSIB is a very mediocre album with only 2 decent songs on it CHSIB and DIST and both of those has an annoying stop half way through. No doubt Meat had a few dozen demo's to choose from and if these were the best of the bunch then I'd hate to think what the others sounded like.

Pud :twisted:


Load ...... Aim ...... Fire..... :mrgreen:

I must admit Pud, that when I first bought the album last year my initial reaction was similar to yours, but since then it's really grown on me, seeing some of the songs performed live has obviously helped to make the cd versions sound better I think.

I now think that there are only 2 mediocre songs on the album (YRIWW and Why Isn't That Enough). Of the tracks that didn't make it onto the album that I've heard Decadent Wish should IMO have been included, and Unsaid should have remained Unsung ;)

Andy

[Pudding]

No doubt if I'd have seen them live then they might have had more appeal to me but as it is I'm not overly struck. However I will be seeing Meat play in Christchurch in March with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and who knows perhaps a few more songs will grow on me. But saying that I'm hoping he does more Steinman tunes than anything else, although CHSIB and DIST would probably sound excellent with a full blown orchestra.

Pud:o]

[Kathy]

For me a big part of CHSIB's appeal is the fundamental theme of a man exposing all of his feelings to the women in his life. Such raw honesty — and Meat's mature voice and talent express it so perfectly, in every single song. So I'm halfway to loving it on the strength of that alone.

But I love the music, too. I agree "You're Right, I Was Wrong" might not stand alone as a single, but to me it fits in the album, as a sad song, but a little matter-of-fact, right where it is. Decadent Wish is one of my favorites and I wish it were on there. Where would it go? It would almost have to be first, wouldn't it.

I still think of this record as a unit — I always listen to it all the way through, like a book I can't put down. It still makes me smile, still turns me on, rarely makes me cry anymore but that's OK - it still makes me feel.

Now it's my turn to be shot down, because I'm wondering if this emotional man-singing-to-a- woman aspect generally appeals more to women than to men. Don't get mad at me for buying into stereotypes, I'm just wondering.
-Kathy

[Pudding]

Now it's my turn to be shot down, because I'm wondering if this emotional man-singing-to-a- woman aspect generally appeals more to women than to men. Don't get mad at me for buying into stereotypes, I'm just wondering.
-Kathy

You might have a point there. Women would probably get in-tune with the album as a whole more than men would because most men just listen and analyze a song at a time, where as women will probably try and find some underlying theme (like love) and therefor judge the album as a complete story.

For me I judge each song on its own merit and feel that Meat could have picked some better songs.

Pud:o]

[Vickip]

For me a big part of CHSIB's appeal is the fundamental theme of a man exposing all of his feelings to the women in his life. Such raw honesty — and Meat's mature voice and talent express it so perfectly, in every single song. So I'm halfway to loving it on the strength of that alone.

But I love the music, too. I agree "You're Right, I Was Wrong" might not stand alone as a single, but to me it fits in the album, as a sad song, but a little matter-of-fact, right where it is. Decadent Wish is one of my favorites and I wish it were on there. Where would it go? It would almost have to be first, wouldn't it.

I still think of this record as a unit — I always listen to it all the way through, like a book I can't put down. It still makes me smile, still turns me on, rarely makes me cry anymore but that's OK - it still makes me feel.

Now it's my turn to be shot down, because I'm wondering if this emotional man-singing-to-a- woman aspect generally appeals more to women than to men. Don't get mad at me for buying into stereotypes, I'm just wondering.
-Kathy

I feel exactly the same way Kathy .... this record is like a puzzle, and you have to look at how all of the pieces fit together as a whole.

Vicki

[Bart]

i also think same. I listen always the whole album. Like a story. I like the concept idea of it. I dunno what you mean that it appeals more to women than to men. i mean, a man is singing it, isn't it?

[LostSoul]

My PERSONAL review:

Music: a mix of pop/rock songs with a few ballads.

Lyrics: a story line well represented but with some lows and highs. Love the fact that the whole album is an unit. Each and every song finds its own place. Meat's emotional personal involvement on it is obvious!

Vocals: Meat's best for more than a decade!!!!!!!


- CHSIB: well written, treats one topic in a very intelligent way but don't like that much the music.

- DIST: love the constant rhythm changes. That song finds its real emotional way live, I'm affraid. Though it's one of my favorites. :up:

- Why Isn't That Enough: a sweet ballad. I like it a lot but I wish it could be rawer - only the piano for example without all these parasite noises surrounding it. Love the vocals.

- Love You Out Loud: love it. Love the arrangements and specially these 5 keyboard notes after the first chorus. :up:

- MOS: my favorite. A beautiful ballad, very passionate. Love the music and the lyrics. The arrangements are very basic but it works! :up:

- Intermezzo: the link between part one and part two...

- Testify:love the music and the lyrics, this song is a big metaphor!!! I don't like that much the gospel part, it spoils a bit the song though it fits the topic! Live that song is awesome! One of my favorites! :up:

- Tear Me Down: ................... I like it but I'd rather to hear it live! it's linked to Testify and Forever Young...

- YWRIWW: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..... seriously, I love the vocals but I don't like the lyrics! Diane Warren has a mission: make you cry! but she misses it everytime! it's always full of pathos!!!!! :down:

- Because Of You: that's the more flagrant example of a studio song! too pop! At some parts Meat is forcing his vocals on it. :down:

- Do it!: very funny song! it rocks! a different sound for Meat! love it! :up:

- Forever Young: simply beautiful! I wish I could hear it live! :up:

- Mercury Blues: another funny song but with a rock and roll beat! very cool!


Patricia
... verdict: love it! 8)

[LostSoul]

You might have a point there. Women would probably get in-tune with the album as a whole more than men would because most men just listen and analyze a song at a time, where as women will probably try and find some underlying theme (like love) and therefor judge the album as a complete story.

For me I judge each song on its own merit and feel that Meat could have picked some better songs.

Pud:o]
Considering the whole album as a unit doesn't prevent one from judging a song... what kind of prejudice is that?


Patricia
... :roll:

[Pudding]

Considering the whole album as a unit doesn't prevent one from judging a song... what kind of prejudice is that?


Patricia
... :roll:

I don't get it? how's it prejudice? and to what?

Pud :twisted:

[Kathy]

I dunno what you mean that it appeals more to women than to men. i mean, a man is singing it, isn't it?

You're right; I knew it was a mistake to say that. But I did anyway didn't I :lol:
I wasn't really thinking of basic differences between men and women anyway, but rather regional cultural male-female differences.I can say something about "men" to my next door neighbor and she'll have the same frame of reference as me, but I'd hesitate to say the same thing to someone from another country, or even the other side of this one. What I was referring to was the sort of men (not uncommon here) who can be emotional themselves, but who really DON'T want to hear OTHER men being emotional. I realize that probably sounds a little stone-age to many of you.

The only reason I "went there" in the first place is that CHSIB, for me, has a HUGE emotional impact. It's hard for me to understand how anyone else could fail to feel the same way.
-Kathy

[LostSoul]

Considering the whole album as a unit doesn't prevent one from judging a song... what kind of prejudice is that?


Patricia
... :roll:

I don't get it? how's it prejudice? and to what?

Pud :twisted:
I was talking about the fact that you can be a woman (or a man) and listen to the album as a whole (or not) and be able to judge a song!


Patricia
... maybe blind, but not deaf! :twisted:

[Pudding]

I was talking about the fact that you can be a woman (or a man) and listen to the album as a whole (or not) and be able to judge a song!


Patricia
... maybe blind, but not deaf! :twisted:

I don't think I said anything different did I? I said "Women would probably get in-tune with the album as a whole more than men would because most men just listen and analyze a song at a time". That doesn't mean women would 'get it' as an album and men wouldn't, nor does it say women can't judge an individual song just men can.

Obviously you're trying to pick or create faults with a statement I made when all I was doing was stating the truth.

Pud :twisted:

[LostSoul]

Maybe I missunderstood... :roll:


Patricia
... 8)

[meat loaf is my god]

CHSIBM i Think is a ok album ith some good songs it like Did I Say That and Forever Young (iT WAS GR8 WHEN HE DID IT LIVE AT THE NEC) Some of the songs dont do much 4 me but i have to keep listing to it becuse the more u listen to it the more it grows on you. (And ive been asked to sing forever young in my end of year colege show) Over all a good album with some grate songs and a grate voice :D

[RSG]

PURE GOLD = CHSIB :D