Released in 1977, Meat Loaf's second studio album Bat Out Of Hell has sold almost fifty million copies since its initial release, making it one of the best-selling albums in the history of recorded music. Not only that, the album is regularly regarded as one of the best albums of all time, and its status in rock music really can't be understated. The reason for the album's immense success is largely down to songwriter Jim Steinman. Steinman's ability to write descriptive and striking images is unparalleled, and his talent for incorporating these into a compelling narrative is incredible. There's a dramatic flair to Steinman's songs that is as sincere as it is cheesy, making even the most sweeping and grandiose statements somehow compelling. You've only to look at the cover of the album to get a sense for how utterly cinematic it all is. In terms of a filmic adaptation, think a combination of Grease and The Rocky Horror Picture Show... love and sex meets the bizarre and slightly frightening.
