63. Left In The Dark

White of High · 23 Mar 2003, 22:39

This is the START OUT OF HELL & ARRIVE TO HEAVEN topic.
Let's Go to Rock 'n' Roll!!!!!!!

Left In The Dark (9)

What a song? When I listened this album at first time this song attracts the attention of me. (Meat! The hope is being. You know what about I say)
After it became one of my best song in the album. I think you know I hold better Jim's version and you know why. About that later!
What a fantastic emotions. What a love! Great!!!

My score: 9

Average: 8.93 (178.5/20)

Michel · 23 Mar 2003, 22:44

An amazing song, just the best of the album. Such a great powerfull ballad. Meat has just the right voice for this song. Jim's version from this song is absolutely not bad, but Meat's version is so much better.

My score: 9

Garrett · 24 Mar 2003, 16:16

Incredible!!

10/10

**The Flying Mouse** · 02 Apr 2003, 19:44

A very sad song full of emotion.
The guy knows but he doesn't want to know.
The lyrics are great and Meat's voice is really powerful.
One of my favourite songs on the album.
9/10 On your mind.

Bren · 20 Jun 2003, 21:33

This is my second favourite Meat Loaf song,For Crying Out Loud ,being my favourite,
Left In The Dark, has really good,powerful lyrics.There is just so much power and emotion in this song,it's amazing.Ilove it.
10/10

Jayd · 20 Jun 2003, 21:37

Very emotional song and is really good, not the best on the album but is a lot better than Jim's version. 8/10

Rushour · 21 Jun 2003, 03:16

Welcome To The neighbourhood is a really great album, and this song is sooooooooooooo beautiful, i like to listen to it when i go to bed, then i can sleep very well afterwards, but i always listen to ML songs, when i go to bed, i always fall asleep with my headset on. i really can't fell asleep anymore without listening to Meat Loaf. You know it's like an addiction, OH MY GOD: I'M ADDICTED TO MEAT LOAF!!!!

Rushour

Sue K · 21 Jun 2003, 11:32

OH!!!

a song to DIE for...

10/10

tink...XO

badger · 03 Jul 2003, 00:40

This song is simply stunning. The emotion is just amazing and...

Sorry, I have just written about 5 different versions of what I want to say but I can't put into words what I want!

Simply Meat performs this stong in such a greta way you can understand every emotion he is going though.

I really and truly love this album so much, the whole concept of it is great and this song is possibly the best on there.

A thoroughly deserved emotional:

9/10

Louise · 04 Jul 2003, 15:36

Meat sings this song with so much passion and emotion. Much better than the Barbra Streisand version too. (At least I think it was her who did a cover of it)

Bart · 04 Jul 2003, 16:26

I like the backing vocals on Barbara Streisand's version.

Jim's song is, in fact, the best version. They have to put meat's voice on Jim's version with the backing vocals from Barbara.

Meat: 8/10
Jim: 5/10 (voice)
Barbara: 6/10

Testify · 04 Jul 2003, 16:37

i like this song very much!!

9/10

PanicLord · 26 Jul 2003, 11:54

I'm going to split my review here into two parts so that I can cover Jim's Version and Meat's.

Jim's: 1/10 (I'm in a generous mood!)

I have never heard such appalling singing on any studio album (even Will Young is better!). The music itself is ok but nothing special, and the song falls completely flat. It was actually quite embarassing listening to this - I usually love Steinsongs because they tell stories, and you often either wish you were the singer (e.g. Paradise) or really empathise with them (e.g. Gonna Love Her For Both Of Us - My fav Meat song!). In this case I just wanted him to stop whining and go away.

Meat's: 8.5/10

This is more like it! Meat sings this fantastically, and it becomes one of the best songs on the album (IMHO still the best non Steinman album). The emotions are intense, the music is great, and Meat's singing is superb. I just wish the ending was screamed out a bit longer, like Gonna.

mariella · 26 Jul 2003, 13:03

Superb!

For me, on the same level, as FCOL and Heaven.

10/10

Mariella

Wild_Honey · 27 Jul 2003, 00:37

I don't listen to it very often. but I like it. 8/10

Evan · 29 Jul 2003, 21:46

"Left In The Dark" is a song that displays the ultimate form of jealousy. My problem with Meat's version is that Steinman didn't produce and as a result most of the character in the song's jealousy was overlooked. Now with Jimmy's version...all I can say is wow! I'm willing to admit that Jim's voice takes a bit of getting use to but once you learn to appreciate it "Left In The Dark" quickly becomes your favorite song on the "Bad For Good" album. If I listen to Jim's version of this song actually alone in the dark it just gives me chills. Nothing can replace the way that you feel when you hear Jimmy hit the chorus, I just love Jim Steinman's voice, what can I say, crucify me if you must.

Jim's Version
10/10

Meat's Version
5/10

Also, I much prefer the great orchestra sounds on Jim's version, rather then the heavy guitars on Meat's version.
However, I've heard from Smeghead that Meat Loaf does put on a great live version of this song.

evil nickname · 29 Jul 2003, 23:02

For this review (as it seems to be turned into a double review) I've listened to Jim's and Meat's version back to back... since the lyrics are (almost) the same, all I can say is that they are fab. Jealousy and desperation. As for the music (arrangement):

JIM:
Great spoken intro, soft piano intro, and Jim starts singing. After a while the orchestra slowly starts, and the drummer joins in. Song goes on, nice interlude after the first chorus... the orchestration is faboulous.

MEAT:
No spoken intro, and the song goes starts much the same way as Jim's version. The after-chorus interlude is dominated by synthesized strings and guitars. I have the overall feeling that Meat's version is a bit 'heavier' than Jim's. The spoken question at the end "who made the very first move?" seems completly out of place...

I'd have to say that I prefer Jim's version, mainly because of the orchestra. It gives more 'depth' and 'richness' to the sound.... Note that in Jim's version there is no guitar to be heared, while Meat's version sometimes seem to drown in them.

As for the singing: obviously Meat is quite a different singer than Jim. It would be ridiculous to compare them to each other. I find it hard to decide which does it better.
I've seen Meat do "Left in the Dark" in Rotterdam in '96, and until that moment, I didn't really like the song (hadn't heard Jim's version yet), but that performance changed my opinion of the song. The whole setting, Meat singing, siting on a chair, lamp next to him, seemed to capture the emotion of the song better than the album version.
Jim's performance is more raw, not as polished as Meat's, and maybe therefore the desperation and jealousy is better displayed.

Anyhow, musically and lyrically there's nothing wrong with Left in the Dark. You can argue who performs it better -- but for me, it's a tie. So score:

Meat: 8/10
Jim: 8/10

Quigmo · 17 Sep 2003, 04:32

This is another of those songs that I always wanted to here with Meats voice after JS's Bad for Good. I had no idea this song could be pulled up to this level. It hit me as very juvinal on BFG. Meat definatly found the mature emotion this song needed.
9/10
BFG version 1/10

Gez · 03 Nov 2003, 17:28

10/10. Love this one...and even the Steinman version is ok!

RSG · 27 Nov 2003, 03:42

Woah, I don't have an opinion to this song yet? I do now.

Amazing song, I like the power in this song. I like it, I love it, I can't get enough of it (like all meat songs, lol) but this is amazing.

10 / 10

probably could have been better with Steinman's production, but it still worked out well.

rockfenris2005 · 29 Nov 2003, 09:37

Apparently it escaped "Bat Out of Hell" - and even forced someone to cut their wrists (after listening to the demo). I don't like the WTTN version - matter of fact, I totally despise WTTN - but the Jim version is truly astounding. It should be in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, as the Phantom's betrayal song when Christine falls in love with Raoul.

Lauren · 29 Nov 2003, 23:53

Fantastic 9/10

black dog · 30 Nov 2003, 00:21

I love this song.

You can imagine yourself waiting for someone to return home knowing that they have been cheating on you. That's the sort of song I like. One you can relate to.

martha_mae · 02 Dec 2003, 02:02

Great song, very good lyrics

10/10

LostSoul · 28 Dec 2003, 14:44

I love that song. It's the best for me equal to "Original Sin" on the WTTN album!
And performed live it reaches another level!

I don't like Jim's version, it's rougher and strident! can't stand it!
Jim's a composer... not a performer!

9/10 on the album
11/10 live!

23 Mar 2003, 22:39	#1
White of High Nature's Siegfried Join Date: 27.05.2002 Location: Budapest, Hungary Posts: 2,930	63. Left In The Dark This is the START OUT OF HELL & ARRIVE TO HEAVEN topic. Let's Go to Rock 'n' Roll!!!!!!! Left In The Dark (9) What a song? When I listened this album at first time this song attracts the attention of me. (Meat! The hope is being. You know what about I say) After it became one of my best song in the album. I think you know I hold better Jim's version and you know why. About that later! What a fantastic emotions. What a love! Great!!! My score: 9 Average: 8.93 (178.5/20)

23 Mar 2003, 22:44	#2
Michel Mega Loafer Join Date: 14.04.2002 Location: Stadskanaal, The Netherlands Posts: 1,631	An amazing song, just the best of the album. Such a great powerfull ballad. Meat has just the right voice for this song. Jim's version from this song is absolutely not bad, but Meat's version is so much better. My score: 9

24 Mar 2003, 16:16	#3
Garrett Super Loafer Join Date: 30.05.2002 Location: In the room at the top Posts: 291	Incredible!! 10/10

02 Apr 2003, 19:44	#4
The Flying Mouse Armed ba$tard and Jo's other half. Join Date: 06.08.2002 Location: In the middle of nowhere near the end of the line. Posts: 16,104	A very sad song full of emotion. The guy knows but he doesn't want to know. The lyrics are great and Meat's voice is really powerful. One of my favourite songs on the album. 9/10 On your mind.

20 Jun 2003, 21:33	#5
Bren The Bat Join Date: 23.03.2003 Location: Roosting on a Silver-Black Phantom Bike. Posts: 10,017	This is my second favourite Meat Loaf song,For Crying Out Loud ,being my favourite, Left In The Dark, has really good,powerful lyrics.There is just so much power and emotion in this song,it's amazing.Ilove it. 10/10

20 Jun 2003, 21:37	#6
Jayd If I could bust into hell....... I would Join Date: 13.06.2003 Location: Montclair, New Jersey Posts: 1,312	Very emotional song and is really good, not the best on the album but is a lot better than Jim's version. 8/10

21 Jun 2003, 03:16	#7
Rushour Junior Loafer Join Date: 20.06.2003 Location: Graz/Austria Posts: 30	Welcome To The neighbourhood is a really great album, and this song is sooooooooooooo beautiful, i like to listen to it when i go to bed, then i can sleep very well afterwards, but i always listen to ML songs, when i go to bed, i always fall asleep with my headset on. i really can't fell asleep anymore without listening to Meat Loaf. You know it's like an addiction, OH MY GOD: I'M ADDICTED TO MEAT LOAF!!!! Rushour

21 Jun 2003, 11:32	#8
Sue K Mega Loafer Join Date: 20.04.2003 Posts: 13,041	OH!!! a song to DIE for... 10/10 tink...XO

03 Jul 2003, 00:40	#9
badger Super Loafer Join Date: 23.10.2002 Location: Chelmsford, Essex Posts: 511	This song is simply stunning. The emotion is just amazing and... Sorry, I have just written about 5 different versions of what I want to say but I can't put into words what I want! Simply Meat performs this stong in such a greta way you can understand every emotion he is going though. I really and truly love this album so much, the whole concept of it is great and this song is possibly the best on there. A thoroughly deserved emotional: 9/10

04 Jul 2003, 15:36	#10
Louise Super Loafer Join Date: 23.04.2003 Location: East Yorkshire, UK Posts: 235	Meat sings this song with so much passion and emotion. Much better than the Barbra Streisand version too. (At least I think it was her who did a cover of it)

04 Jul 2003, 16:26	#11
Bart Bald Mega Loafer Join Date: 06.03.2003 Location: Holland, but I prefer Greece Posts: 2,243	I like the backing vocals on Barbara Streisand's version. Jim's song is, in fact, the best version. They have to put meat's voice on Jim's version with the backing vocals from Barbara. Meat: 8/10 Jim: 5/10 (voice) Barbara: 6/10

04 Jul 2003, 16:37	#12
Testify ragamuffin Join Date: 21.05.2003 Location: xxx daydreaming xxx Posts: 5,023	i like this song very much!! 9/10

26 Jul 2003, 11:54	#13
PanicLord Mega Loafer Join Date: 18.06.2003 Location: At The End Of The Line Posts: 2,652	I'm going to split my review here into two parts so that I can cover Jim's Version and Meat's. Jim's: 1/10 (I'm in a generous mood!) I have never heard such appalling singing on any studio album (even Will Young is better!). The music itself is ok but nothing special, and the song falls completely flat. It was actually quite embarassing listening to this - I usually love Steinsongs because they tell stories, and you often either wish you were the singer (e.g. Paradise) or really empathise with them (e.g. Gonna Love Her For Both Of Us - My fav Meat song!). In this case I just wanted him to stop whining and go away. Meat's: 8.5/10 This is more like it! Meat sings this fantastically, and it becomes one of the best songs on the album (IMHO still the best non Steinman album). The emotions are intense, the music is great, and Meat's singing is superb. I just wish the ending was screamed out a bit longer, like Gonna.

26 Jul 2003, 13:03	#14
mariella Mega Loafer Join Date: 04.02.2003 Location: Holland Posts: 4,063	Superb! For me, on the same level, as FCOL and Heaven. 10/10 Mariella

27 Jul 2003, 00:37	#15
Wild_Honey Super Loafer Join Date: 23.03.2003 Location: Windeck, Germany Posts: 606	I don't listen to it very often. but I like it. 8/10

29 Jul 2003, 21:46	#16
Evan Super Loafer Join Date: 03.07.2003 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 216	"Left In The Dark" is a song that displays the ultimate form of jealousy. My problem with Meat's version is that Steinman didn't produce and as a result most of the character in the song's jealousy was overlooked. Now with Jimmy's version...all I can say is wow! I'm willing to admit that Jim's voice takes a bit of getting use to but once you learn to appreciate it "Left In The Dark" quickly becomes your favorite song on the "Bad For Good" album. If I listen to Jim's version of this song actually alone in the dark it just gives me chills. Nothing can replace the way that you feel when you hear Jimmy hit the chorus, I just love Jim Steinman's voice, what can I say, crucify me if you must. Jim's Version 10/10 Meat's Version 5/10 Also, I much prefer the great orchestra sounds on Jim's version, rather then the heavy guitars on Meat's version. However, I've heard from Smeghead that Meat Loaf does put on a great live version of this song.

29 Jul 2003, 23:02	#17
evil nickname Guest Join Date: 19.04.2003 Posts: 2,238	For this review (as it seems to be turned into a double review) I've listened to Jim's and Meat's version back to back... since the lyrics are (almost) the same, all I can say is that they are fab. Jealousy and desperation. As for the music (arrangement): JIM: Great spoken intro, soft piano intro, and Jim starts singing. After a while the orchestra slowly starts, and the drummer joins in. Song goes on, nice interlude after the first chorus... the orchestration is faboulous. MEAT: No spoken intro, and the song goes starts much the same way as Jim's version. The after-chorus interlude is dominated by synthesized strings and guitars. I have the overall feeling that Meat's version is a bit 'heavier' than Jim's. The spoken question at the end "who made the very first move?" seems completly out of place... I'd have to say that I prefer Jim's version, mainly because of the orchestra. It gives more 'depth' and 'richness' to the sound.... Note that in Jim's version there is no guitar to be heared, while Meat's version sometimes seem to drown in them. As for the singing: obviously Meat is quite a different singer than Jim. It would be ridiculous to compare them to each other. I find it hard to decide which does it better. I've seen Meat do "Left in the Dark" in Rotterdam in '96, and until that moment, I didn't really like the song (hadn't heard Jim's version yet), but that performance changed my opinion of the song. The whole setting, Meat singing, siting on a chair, lamp next to him, seemed to capture the emotion of the song better than the album version. Jim's performance is more raw, not as polished as Meat's, and maybe therefore the desperation and jealousy is better displayed. Anyhow, musically and lyrically there's nothing wrong with Left in the Dark. You can argue who performs it better -- but for me, it's a tie. So score: Meat: 8/10 Jim: 8/10

17 Sep 2003, 04:32	#18
Quigmo Senior Loafer Join Date: 08.08.2003 Location: Nor Cal USA Posts: 111	This is another of those songs that I always wanted to here with Meats voice after JS's Bad for Good. I had no idea this song could be pulled up to this level. It hit me as very juvinal on BFG. Meat definatly found the mature emotion this song needed. 9/10 BFG version 1/10

03 Nov 2003, 17:28	#19
Gez Knicker thief Join Date: 17.04.2003 Location: auch...not on the fence Posts: 5,633	10/10. Love this one...and even the Steinman version is ok!

27 Nov 2003, 03:42	#20
RSG Mega Loafer Join Date: 27.07.2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,296	Woah, I don't have an opinion to this song yet? I do now. Amazing song, I like the power in this song. I like it, I love it, I can't get enough of it (like all meat songs, lol) but this is amazing. 10 / 10 probably could have been better with Steinman's production, but it still worked out well.

29 Nov 2003, 09:37	#21
rockfenris2005 Mega Loafer Join Date: 16.02.2003 Location: Posts: 2,217	Apparently it escaped "Bat Out of Hell" - and even forced someone to cut their wrists (after listening to the demo). I don't like the WTTN version - matter of fact, I totally despise WTTN - but the Jim version is truly astounding. It should be in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, as the Phantom's betrayal song when Christine falls in love with Raoul.

29 Nov 2003, 23:53	#22
Lauren Super Loafer Join Date: 19.11.2003 Location: Rotherham, UK Posts: 224	Fantastic 9/10

30 Nov 2003, 00:21	#23
black dog Mega Loafer Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,667	I love this song. You can imagine yourself waiting for someone to return home knowing that they have been cheating on you. That's the sort of song I like. One you can relate to.

02 Dec 2003, 02:02	#24
martha_mae Senior Loafer Join Date: 29.04.2003 Location: In the graveyard of the universe.... Posts: 122	Great song, very good lyrics 10/10

28 Dec 2003, 14:44	#25
LostSoul Got metal? Join Date: 06.11.2003 Location: Switzerland Posts: 2,109	I love that song. It's the best for me equal to "Original Sin" on the WTTN album! And performed live it reaches another level! I don't like Jim's version, it's rougher and strident! can't stand it! Jim's a composer... not a performer! 9/10 on the album 11/10 live!