Customer Reviews

Couldn't Have Said It Better

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This CD is outstanding, ranking up with other Meat Loaf classics such as Bat Out of Hell (1 and 2) and Welcome to the Neighborhood. (OK, it's even better than WTTN). I purchased it in April when it was originally released in the UK, and it has not left my CD player since. It includes the drama filled ballads we've come to expect from ML (Couldn't Have Said it Better, Why Isn't that Enough, Did I Say That, etc), as well as a touch of gospel (Testify), rocking Broadway (Tear Me Down from Hedwig and the Angry Inch), hard rock (Love You Out Loud) , classic covers (a version of Forever Young that puts Dylan and Rod Stewart to shame), even a bit of rockabilly (Mercury Blues). This is an outstanding album, I would strongly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed ML's previous work. Heck, I'd recommend it to anyone who just plain likes good music. Meat Loaf delivers- this CD rocks!

I read in an interview that Meat Loaf originally thought this was going to be his last CD. Well, if that was true, he clearly saved the best for last !!

To me every song on the CD is perfect in it's own special way ... from the powerful duet Couldn't Have Said It Better (which clearly showcases the strong talents of Patti Russo as well as Meat), to the fun hard rocking tracks that you can't help singing along to : Do It, Testify, Tear Me Down & Love You Out Loud, to the slower, superb ballads Why Isn't That Enough and Forever Young. There's definitely something for everybody's taste ....

But if I have to choose my favorite song, it would be Did I Say That. Meat brings such a level of emotion to the song that I still get goosebumps every time I listen to it ... yes, it's sad, but powerful and truly overwhelming at the same time. It's one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching songs I've ever heard .. a true Meat Loaf classic :))

And Meat if you read this ... you said this CD is the best work you've done since Bat ..... well sir, I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself :))) Well done and congratulations !!!

Trust me - I don't think we'll see you becoming a decorator :))

Vicki Pearson

Meat Loaf's latest musical adventure may not portray him at his once high entertainment, operatic best (ie: 'Bat Out Of Hell 1 + 2'), but it still contains enough vibrancy and energy to claim it something very worthwhile for those fans that have been waiting way too long for something new from the big Texan. Marvin Lee Aday has brought to the fore on this new album of 12 (if you count the hidden track - and we ALL should) songs a feeling of musical passion that is so long been missing from the sulky, broody, young bands of today's weak charts. His long-time collaborator Jim Steinman is noticeably absent from this project, but those influences aside, songs like the opening powerhaus title track, the apologetic "Did I Say That" and the maturing-man song "Man Of Steel" all ensure that his absence isn't too cried upon. Faring way better song wise than his last outing in '95 with 'Welcome To The Neighborhood,' Meat Loaf has kept with his strength of voice, his trailing lyrical empathy, and provided us a work of pure rock art that should tide us over nicely until the '05 release of 'Bat Out Of Hell III: The Final Conflict.' Thoughts or comments - exclusivemagazine@flash.net

This album is pretty good but it doesn't compare favorably to Mr. Loaf's work with Jim Steinman. As a unique and inspired songwriter, Mr. Steinman was even able to bring life to Air Supply, and his dramatic work with Meat Loaf in the '70s thrilled millions. Without Jim, there is just nothing remarkable about Couldn't Have Said It Better. I did enjoy the way this over-the-top, operatic rocker gets all soft and tender on several songs including "You're Right, I Was Wrong." He does the extremes really well on all his albums. Being from Texas, I also liked "Tear Me Down," with its female spoken interlude that claims "...everything from Texas is big, larger than life and none bigger than little Marvin Aday." (Aday is Meat Loaf's real name.) The CD isn't bad to listen to, there's just nothing on it that will stand the test of time. Look back in 5 or 10 years and see if I'm not right.

By the way, just as Loaf isn't the same without Steinman, the reverse is also true. (Although I would say Steinmen's solo album Bad For Good was better than Couldn't Have Said It Better.)

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.

Unlike some of the reviewers, I wouldn't say "Couldn't Have Said It Better" is not greater than "Bat Out Of Hell" (1 or 2) but it is certainly a worthy album (better than most of the dreck put out these days). The songs are rocking and driving when they need to be, a soulfully haunting when they need to be. That is the true power of Meat Loaf! The man has two great styles to draw upon. Theatrical? Sure. Dramatic? Of course. I wouldn't expect any less from the man.

A good album to add to your collection. 12 songs (including the hidden track) plus two music videos for the regular price of a CD? I'll take it!

I've been listening to this CD since it was originally released in the UK - many, many months before it was unleashed in the US - and yet, to this day, I am still mesmerised by this recording - from the 'beyond emotional' opening of "Couldn't Have Said It Better" through to the (eventual) closing orchestral harmonies of "Forever Young" (here Meat delivers the definitive version of the Dylan classic) his voice booming and soaring like a tornado, it has never sounded so powerful.

Some highlights: The opening two tracks ("Couldn't Have Said It Better" and "Did I Say That?") by James Michael with Nikki Sixx are easily amongst Meat Loaf's greatest recordings and majestically thunder towards the same place where Steinman is found (but there will NEVER be any substitute for Jim). "Love You Out Loud" is an upbeat, driving, rock anthem and the showcase for Producer Peter Mokrans reworking to include 'new' and stylish sound adlibs (although I don't necessarily agree with a lot of them). "Man Of Steel" (with its almost psychedelic spoken intro) starts slow and builds into a fiery, tear-jerking duet with Meat's daughter, Pearl; her voice is really something - raunchy and totally perfect here (her presence all too short). "Intermezzo" is a beautiful Penny Whistle interlude that weaves a peaceful, reflective magic into the entire recording. "Testify" is where gospel meets rock and one of the most uplifting songs I've ever heard (The lyrics are WOW!) Here, Meat delivers the fastest vocals since his performance of "Whatever Happened To Saturday Night" on "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." "Tear Me Down" is taken from the "Hedwig & The Angry Inch" movie/show - but Meat has turned it into his own epic, rock song - and for the man himself it is somewhat autobiographical - a spit in the face to everyone who has ever attacked him throughout his career. The spoken part performed by Giselda Vatcky is too kewel for words! "You're Right, I Was Wrong" written by Diane Warren is a very simple song - but to hear Meat sing those simple lyrics... well, the words courageous, noble and yet again, very beautiful don't begin to describe the emotions.

The leading female vocal by Patti Russo adds more to the entire recording than she will ever be given credit for. There's no diva out-there to compare her vocal abilities to - she is out-there, on a limb and deserves to be recognised as THE ultimate diva! If there is any justice in this world Miss Russo will be handed a solo recording deal.

What might niggle: Songs feel over produced, with 'effects' such as vocal fading to echo being used too often (only Steinman can pull-off extreme production!) In my humble opinion, Meat performing with only piano accompaniment is equally as spectacular as all the production wizardly in the world. Credit to Meat for trying something different by recording the Rap endorsed "Do It!" but for me its the one that spoils the entire album as it's the only track I have to skip (maybe it's a grower?) But then I think why wasn't "Decadent Wish" (a B-side from the "Did I Say That?" single) used here instead of this "Do It!"? "Decadent Wish" is a really great, modern rock song and, all and all, more fitting for the album. Even at 50+ minutes, the album still feels short and that niggles because I think that Meat should have recorded the Stephen Trask song, "Origin Of Love" (also from "Hedwig...") - it is crying out for Meat Loaf. Oh, and I also think the ever present and very beautiful backing singers deserved more credit. Why is the "Intermezzo" joined onto "Man Of Steel" and not a separate track? Why is the bonus track joined onto "Forever Young"? Im sorry to disappoint, but if like me you were expecting an epic 10 minute version of "Forever Young" (as the sleeve notes might suggest), you will be disappointed to learn that this includes a 4 or 5 minute silent gap before the bonus track kicks in. I still say Meats "Forever Young" is the definitive one, only because of his awesome vocal delivery. The arrangements sound plastic and it's another track that sounds over produced (Is it just me who believes that Meat Loaf + just Piano = something that little more special?) Don't buy this for the bonus disk. Sure the videos of Meat are great, but it's just a horrible reminder of how half heartedly the record label dealt with this album; the design is as dull as an academic website and quite frankly, it's embarrassing, especially when you see what record labels do with Flash for other artist's bonus material. And where's all the nice artwork we are used too?

To conclude: Meat has surrounded himself with some of the best songwriters and musicians in the business (most of whom are old friends who have been with him throughout - which says something fantastic about the Meat Loaf camp...) It's a pity, going by the trash I hear played around college, that people won't give this album a chance because they'll think, "Err... Meat Loaf?" Also, please don't pre-judge just because it isn't Jim Steinman. Sure we miss Jimmy, but why not judge this album for what it is, instead of what it isn't; and it IS easily one of the most awesome albums that you will ever hear - soaring up there (and at moments going further...) than the legendary "Bat Out Of Hell" and "Bat Out Of Hell II" albums (Although I do adore "The Neighbourhood" and think that as an album, it's a tough act to follow... and Im undecided if "Couldn't Have Said It Better" lives up to "The Neighbourhood" when all is said and done) However, this album still has everything of the camp ness, the grandeur, the slammin' rock n roll, the bucket loads of fun and just the sheer over-the-topness you'd expect from Meat Loaf!

The lacking of something in parts and annoying production aside - at its core, this is very real and I can not recommend it enough to.

Sorry about the obvious title to the review.

If you're a fan of Meatloaf like I am, you were thrilled to see his new album "Couldn't Have Said It Better" hit the shelves this past spring. If you're a fan of Meatloaf like I am, you plucked the album up and took that sucker home. And if you're a fan of Meatloaf like I am, you noticed one integral part of this new album that set it apart from his later classics. The cover was missing four little words: "Songs by Jim Steinman".
When I noticed this, I frowned, threw the CD in the stereo, and as it loaded up I checked the insert. As the first strains of the album's title song swelled, I began to realize that something here was very, very wrong. Jim Steinman appears once in the insert as a person Meatloaf would like to thank. The songs themselves are written by a number of people, including Jo Davidson, Nikki Sixx, Bob Dylan and James Michael. While the songs themselves are actually quite appropriately written or arranged for Meatloaf's appropriate feel (many of the songs contain Jim Steinman's signature-style piano riffs and the heavy use of falsetto backup singers), something just doesn't quite fit.
Maybe part of the problem is the photography of Meatloaf inside. Here we do not find our expected overweight prince of darkness a la 1977. Mister Meat is neatly trimmed and decked out in fine suits, leaning against vintage cars, squinting at us from under shady streetlights. To me, these pictures summed up the album:
"That's Meatloaf. Yeah, no doubt about that. But it's not the Meatloaf I know."
The album is not bad- let me get that out of the way. With grand tracks like "Man of Steel" and "Couldn't Have Said It Better" and the fun, gospel feel of "Testify", it's hard to just put the album down and groan in disbelief. But with cliche, sappy tunes like "Did I Say That" and "You're Right, I Was Wrong" it gets easier. An interesting choice of songs is Meatloaf's rendition of Stephen Trask's "Tear Me Down", a song featured in the cult hit Hedwig and the Angry Inch. However, the original song was sung by a transsexual East German comparing herself to the Berlin Wall. Meat's Texan rendition of it, to say the least, leaves something to be desired.
Meatloaf's still got one hell of a voice, though. His astonishing vocals continue to bring tears to the eyes of chubby singers everywhere. Meatloaf is rock and roll icon. Bat Out of Hell is one of the greatest rock albums of all time, and this great man will never cease to be cool. But such an icon could do better than this. Whatever bad blood Meatloaf and Steinman might have had in the past, I think the two need to get back together, tout de suite. Then we might have another rocker on our hands.
The bottom line: He could, in fact, have said it better.

1- Couldn't Have Said It Better- 4/5
2- Did I Say That- 2/5
3- Why Isn't That Enough- 3/5
4- Love You Out Loud- 3/5
5- Man of Steel- 5/5 (#1 song of the album)
6- Testify- 4/5
7- Tear Me Down- 3/5
8- You're Right, I was Wrong- 1/5
9- Because Of You- 3/5
10- Do It!- 2/5
11- Forever Young- 3/5

Sure, this isn't Bat out of Hell, that was a record that only comes along once in anyone's career. It's defining. But CHSIB is in parts an amazing record. Songwriter James Michael's contributions to this record are lyrically and musically on par with Steinman - yes, i said it, some may argue but we're in the twenty first century now and Meat needs some new blood - and Meat sings Michael's songs (#1,2,4&5) with so much emotion, that they make you want to cry and laugh and swell up like the big guy. Love You Out Loud is my favorite, you can almost feel the intensity and the pain. Great musicians need great writers, i think the Meat /Michael collaboration is the 21st Century Bat.

Meat Loaf returns after a 8 year recording hiatus with his best work since 1977. The title track Couldn't Have Said it Better is like the Meat Loaf of old, the song of the year in my books. Also the emotionaly charged Did I Say That and Why Isn't That Enough show a much matured Meat still vocally perfect only more somber. Then there's the great song's like You're Right I Was Wrong and Love You Out Lous that make this record solid all around no filler at all. Meat Loaf also has a duet with daughter Pearl that starts simple and ends with everything thrown in. Meat Loaf's closes the record with a message to his fans with the Bob Dylan cover Forever Young.

He just Couldn't Have Said It Better!!!!!!