Among the most popular albums ever recorded were Meatloaf's two Bat Out Of Hell albums. The second album was released 16 years after the original Bat Out Of Hell.  Both albums had phenomenal sales. The original album, from 1977, sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. And, remember, it was not as popular as part II, the 1993 release.

Reviews of the albums have gone from "brilliant", to "the best albums in history",  to "the fare of over-sexed teenage boys". With songs like "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" one understands where those latter critics are coming from. A fact about the recordings --  they are like listening to a Broadway show soundtrack. These are not mere disjointed songs. There is a theme and Meatloaf's voice, and the backup singers, sound like part of a Broadway show. It seems like actions should go with the words and music.

The mastermind behind the hit songs and the Bat Out Of Hell albums is a man named Jim Steinman.

"Meat" and Steinman worked together in N.Y.C. in musical theater. Both of these men became famous as a result of their collaboration. Steinman, as a writer, and also as a sometime producer, was so well-respected that, after the Meatloaf was cooling off or between sessions with the Meatloaf, his skills were sought out by other big name artists -- Streisand, Manilow, Air Supply.

Yes my crabby Active Rain friends, it is time for another Twin-Pick. Last time my assistants and I were rudely criticized in public and at this site as having submitted a contest that was not worthy of your testing your memory glands and your skills of analysis.  Universally, as in as a mob, you said it was too darn easy. That is a challenge to the universe.

This time, with the help of my obnoxious assistants, we will see if we can make it harder on you. Remember, with Twin-Pick, everytime, if you get it right then you see the original artist perform the original song. Get it wrong, and you will be flogged and humiliated in public by my rude assistants. Do not ask me if you are right or wrong, simply click below and computer science will tell you if you are a winner or another of life's biggest losers.

Question: Of the Hot 100 charting songs that were written by Jim Steinman,  Meatloaf's "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I won't Do That)" is far and away his biggest success. However, Steinman has written and/or produced many songs that have become giants. Of the songs below, which one written by Steinman was #1 on the charts for four weeks in 1983 and is the second biggest hit of his career? Click away those of you who are Active Rain music snobs.

 A. We Don't Need Another Hero -- Tina Turner

B. Werewolves of London -- Warren Zevon

C. Mandy -- Barry Manilow

D. Total Eclipse of the Heart -- Bonnie Tyler

E. Knights In White Satin -- The Moody Blues

F. Evergreen -- Barbra Streisand

For more "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections