Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell

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"Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell" is the sixth studio album by American rock singer Meat Loaf and the second installment in the "Bat Out of Hell" trilogy. Written and produced by Jim Steinman, the album was released on September 14, 1993, by MCA Records in North America and Virgin Records internationally. It followed the 1977 album "Bat Out of Hell" and preceded the trilogy's final installment, "Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose" (2006). The album achieved significant commercial succe, reaching number one on album charts in the United State, the United Kingdom, Canada, and several other countrie. It has sold more than 14 million copies worldwide. Its lead single, "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)", became an international hit and reached number one in 28 countrie. The origins of the project date back to the late 1970, when Steinman began developing a follow-up to "Bat Out of Hell", initially under the working title "Renegade Angel". He described the intended sequel as a continuation of the themes and style of the original album, with a greater emphasis on epic and operatic element. Plans for the project were delayed by various circumstance, including Meat Loaf's vocal problems and the loss of song materials during a theft following a 1978 concert in Toronto. Unable to record the planned sequel at the time, Steinman incorporated some of the material into his 1981 solo album "Bad for Good". Several songs from that album later appeared on "Bat Out of Hell II". Additional material originated from Steinman's 1989 project with the female vocal group Pandora's Box, whose album "Original Sin" included songs later re-recorded for "Bat Out of Hell II". By the early 1990, Meat Loaf and Steinman reunited after a period marked by financial, legal, and professional dispute. Recording sessions took place at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles and The Power Station in New York City. Many musicians associated with the original "Bat Out of Hell" album returned for the project, including keyboardist Roy Bittan and backing vocalists Todd Rundgren, Ellen Foley, Rory Dodd, and Kasim Sulton. Steven Rinkoff served as associate producer alongside Bittan. Production was characterized by lengthy recording and mixing session, partly due to the extended running times of the song. Discussions also arose regarding the commercial viability of releasing long tracks as single, particularly "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)". The album's lead single features vocals by Lorraine Crosby, an English singer who recorded guide vocals during the session. Her performance was retained for the final version, although she was credited under the name "Mr. Loud" in the album note. Musically, the album combines elements of rock opera, hard rock, power ballad, and theatrical rock. Many songs are characterized by elaborate arrangement, extended duration, and cinematic storytelling. The opening track, "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)", runs approximately twelve minutes in its album version and incorporates both rock and ballad element. The song's lyrics have generated discussion regarding the meaning of the phrase "that", which refers to actions described in preceding verse. Other notable tracks include "Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back", which presents a series of disillusioned observations through metaphor; "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through", which emphasizes the comforting role of rock music; and "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are", a narrative song exploring memory, lo, and personal trauma. The album also includes "Wasted Youth", a spoken-word piece adapted from material previously released on "Bad for Good", as well as "Good Girls Go to Heaven (Bad Girls Go Everywhere)" and "Lost Boys and Golden Girls", the latter drawing inspiration from the story of Peter Pan. The album's cover art was created by fantasy and science fiction illustrator Michael Whelan. Designed to evoke the imagery of the original "Bat Out of Hell" cover, it depicts a motorcyclist flying toward a giant bat perched atop New York City's Chrysler Building. The artwork and visual themes were intended to provide continuity with the original album and were also used as part of the marketing campaign. Three songs were released as single. "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" became the album's most successful release, topping charts worldwide. "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through" reached the top 15 in several major market, while "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are" achieved more moderate chart succe. "Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back" also received radio airplay and charted on rock-oriented ranking. Music videos for the album's principal singles were directed by filmmaker Michael Bay. The video for "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" drew inspiration from "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Phantom of the Opera". The video for "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through" featured a young Angelina Jolie, while "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are" starred Robert Patrick and incorporated visual motifs later associated with Bay's feature film. Critical reception was mixed. Several music publications praised the album's ambition, theatricality, and adherence to the style established by the original "Bat Out of Hell". Some reviewers described it as a successful continuation of Steinman and Meat Loaf's operatic rock approach. Other critics were less favorable, citing the album's length, grandiose production, and lyrical style as excessive. Retrospective assessments have generally been more positive, with some commentators highlighting its distinctive blend of humor, drama, and rock spectacle. .

via Last.fm

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