Couldn't Have Said It Better - album review

Kathy · 04 Oct 2003, 17:46

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 · 04 Oct 2003, 19:57

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 · 04 Oct 2003, 20:07

Lady B,

that was your grandmother who said that, right?

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

xxx

Mariella

shadow1000001 · 04 Oct 2003, 21:30

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

Maria

Vickip · 04 Oct 2003, 21:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadow1000001

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

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 · 04 Oct 2003, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariella

Lady B,

that was your grandmother who said that, right?

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.

Now back to album reviews.

Kathy · 05 Oct 2003, 07:13

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

Vickip · 05 Oct 2003, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathy

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 · 07 Oct 2003, 16:34

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 · 07 Oct 2003, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

Excellent !!!
Thank you very much

Vicki

meatmymainman · 07 Oct 2003, 19:42

good review. thanks

i love CHSIB.

BostonCPA · 27 Oct 2003, 01:48

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.

Vickip · 27 Oct 2003, 02:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

And I'm still waiting for mine too

Beautiful review .... thanks for sharing it with us :)
Vicki

kaz · 12 Nov 2003, 15:24

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 · 12 Nov 2003, 21:27

I love this album!!!!

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

Even though I waited 8 years for it, all I can say is, it's worth the wait

!!!

kaz · 13 Nov 2003, 10:44

well worth the wait!

BillyPhatu · 23 Nov 2003, 22:10

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!

Cpl Mickey · 26 Nov 2003, 14:26

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

Vickip · 26 Nov 2003, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cpl Mickey

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 · 26 Nov 2003, 17:40

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.

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.

MasterEngineer · 26 Nov 2003, 17:50

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** · 26 Nov 2003, 18:28

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

.
That's all that matters

lmurphy · 28 Nov 2003, 16:47

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 · 23 Jan 2004, 22:28

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.

MichaelHarrison · 24 Jan 2004, 08:30

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.

04 Oct 2003, 17:46	#1
Kathy Super Loafer Join Date: 02.10.2003 Location: Columbus, Ohio USA Posts: 610	Couldn't Have Said It Better - album review 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.

27 Oct 2003, 01:48	#12
BostonCPA Loafer Join Date: 23.10.2003 Location: Florida/MGM Posts: 99	Not sure how to put it into words myself. 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.

04 Oct 2003, 19:57	#2
Lady B Super Loafer Join Date: 06.02.2003 Location: Colorado ~ USA Posts: 334	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

04 Oct 2003, 20:07	#3
mariella Mega Loafer Join Date: 04.02.2003 Location: Holland Posts: 4,063	Lady B, that was your grandmother who said that, right? Kathy, to me it is also a 'story'. Thank you for this wonderful review. Love this album! xxx Mariella

04 Oct 2003, 21:30	#4
shadow1000001 Mega Loafer Join Date: 10.07.2003 Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,580	Kathy, That is a perfect review. I feel the same way Maria

05 Oct 2003, 07:13	#7
Kathy Super Loafer Join Date: 02.10.2003 Location: Columbus, Ohio USA Posts: 610	Thanks for your kind words! I looked at Amazon.com and they've already got a dozen reviews.

07 Oct 2003, 16:34	#9
Kathy Super Loafer Join Date: 02.10.2003 Location: Columbus, Ohio USA Posts: 610	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.

07 Oct 2003, 19:42	#11
meatmymainman Rookie Join Date: 14.07.2003 Location: Meatyland USA Posts: 18	good review. thanks i love CHSIB.

12 Nov 2003, 15:24	#14
kaz Super Loafer Join Date: 12.11.2003 Location: Birmingham, England Posts: 243	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.

12 Nov 2003, 21:27	#15
Woman of Steel Super Loafer Join Date: 07.11.2003 Location: In a prison that he thought was a home... Posts: 249	I love this album!!!! 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 Even though I waited 8 years for it, all I can say is, it's worth the wait !!!

13 Nov 2003, 10:44	#16
kaz Super Loafer Join Date: 12.11.2003 Location: Birmingham, England Posts: 243	well worth the wait!

23 Nov 2003, 22:10	#17
BillyPhatu Loafer Join Date: 02.11.2003 Location: Dagenham, Essex Posts: 92	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!

26 Nov 2003, 14:26	#18
Cpl Mickey Mega Loafer Join Date: 15.09.2003 Location: Maidstone. England Posts: 1,378	CHSIB is such an awesome album the mixture of ballads and rock etc are mind blowing.

26 Nov 2003, 17:40	#20
Skeleton Mega Loafer Join Date: 13.10.2003 Location: Grinning, Ducking & Running Posts: 3,668	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. 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.

26 Nov 2003, 17:50	#21
MasterEngineer Senior Loafer Join Date: 03.10.2003 Location: ...ask CC ;-) Posts: 141	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

26 Nov 2003, 18:28	#22
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	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 . That's all that matters

28 Nov 2003, 16:47	#23
lmurphy Rookie Join Date: 28.11.2003 Location: Grimsby Posts: 3	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.

23 Jan 2004, 22:28	#24
Chaos Loafer Join Date: 03.12.2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 56	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.

24 Jan 2004, 08:30	#25
MichaelHarrison Junior Loafer Join Date: 09.02.2003 Location: USA Posts: 26	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.