Meat Loaf, usually in collaboration with Jim Steinman, wrote the kind of rock n’ roll that Bruce Springsteen might conceive if trading New Jersey for Bayreuth and trying to register for the Richard Wagner Festival. Meat Loaf produced over-the-top odes to rebels on winged bikes and is one of the most important rock artists of all time.

Here’s a look, and a listen, to the 10 best songs by Meat Loaf.

The 10 Greatest Songs by Meat Loaf

10. “All Revved Up with No Place to Go”

Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman both came from the world of musicals. These were songs designed for the stage. There was always a natural theatricality to their music and its presentation. Few, however, understood how this could be translated to a rock n’ roll context.

Of all the songs on the eventual platinum seller, “All Revved Up with No Place to Go” is the most rocking, and the best example of the sheer power of Meat Loaf’s vocals. It’s an often underrated gem.

9. “It’s Coming Back to Me Now”

Sure, they tried it a third time. But most rock artists would do the same thing. Surely, Meat Loaf hoped that “Bat Out of Hell” could be developed into something of a music franchise.

He also had Jim Steinman writing “It’s Coming Back to Me Now,” which is likely why this is easily the best song on the album.

And while the rest of the record has less of Steinmann than fans wanted, and quite a bit of Desmond Child, this is one of the last great Meat Loaf/Jim Steinman collabs.

8. “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul”

Had Meat Loaf not released “Bat Out of Hell,” he’d still hold cult status for being part of the original Broadway cast of “The Rocky Horror Show.” Michael Lee Adley, aka Meat Loaf, brings his already wide vocal range and larger-than-life personality to “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul,” a song about the sins of the past. His place in pop culture was already set.

7. “Not a Dry Eye in the House”

Meat Loaf could always sing. This was true in the artist’s wilderness years as well as in the post “Anything for Love” era of success.

Frankly, “Not a Dry Eye in the House” will please the true believers. This is a Diane Warren composition. And while it’s a little sappy in places, Meat Loaf’s performance sells the song.

6. “Rock and Roll Dreams Come True”

Fate had a soft spot for Meat Loaf and Steinman’s friendship. Famously, the duo was set to record a follow-up to “Bat Out of Hell” back in the 1970s. Meat Loaf’s illness, depression, and lawyer wrangling prevented that from happening.

“Rock and Roll Dreams Come True” became, out of necessity, Jim Steinman’s single off of a highly underrated record that you should seek out.

When the duo reunited in the 1990s, Steinman re-entrusted the song to his singer friend. It was given a makeover and was part of a hit album.

5. “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth”

“Bat Out of Hell” was an odd exercise in writing romantic music. However, all of the songs certainly belong to that utopia of incredible heroes and burning love affairs.

“You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth” was the closest the album came to a pop hit. It bore a strong resemblance to Bruce Springsteen‘s “Born to Run” album, even featuring some of the same personnel. It’s a great love song.

4. “Dead Ringer for Love”

Meat Loaf’s non-Steinman written albums are as ignored now as they were upon their release. But they’re not terrible. And, indeed, against speculation, Meat Loaf tries his best to retain the energy of the debut.

Sure, “Dead Ringer for Love” mimics “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and features Cher instead of Ellen Foley. But the two actor-musicians have good chemistry, and this is still one really fun tune.

3. “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”

Meat Loaf and Steinman’s careers had advanced very differently since they’d split up in the 1970s. While the former struggled being reduced to playing small clubs, Steinman had written big hits for the likes of Bonnie Tyler and Air Supply.

But their reunion was a gift for both parties. Steinman provided the singer with a dramatic power ballad on par with their early material, and something to make up for giving “Total Eclipse of the Heart” to Tyler.

Almost miraculously, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” started climbing up the charts. It eventually became one of the biggest hits of the 1990s and made “Bat Out of Hell II” a colossal success.

And although you’ve heard it practically a million times, you may still appreciate it for the finesse of the writing and performance.

2. “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”

Releasing “Bat Out of Hell” was one thing. But what Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman really wanted was a show. Daringly, they set out to perform that theatrical production all across the U.S. Audiences, frequently, were either stunned or hostile.

But, in an ideal world, “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” this mini-opera dedicated to teenage lust, would’ve been the high point of the performance. Fortunately, future audiences give it the appreciation it deserves.

1. “Bat Out of Hell”

Jim Steinman set out to write the ultimate car crash song. This niche had been a marvellously successful one in the 1950s, through songs by Roy Orbison or the likes of “Last Kiss,” “The Leader of the Pack,” and others.

Nobody, other than Bruce Springsteen, was doing them in 1977. And nobody, certainly, brought such a sense of theatricality to songs as Meat Loaf and Steinman.

A true rock epic if there ever was one, “Bat Out of Hell” charges straight out of the gate. And, just when the listener thinks that the song is about to die down, it rises again, finding a new musical peak on which to tread.

“Bat Out of Hell” is the shining moment of Meat Loaf and Steinman’s impressive careers. It is one of the greatest songs ever recorded.