Many Meat Loaf albums are underrated, as we compare his output too often to Bat Out Of Hell, but Hang Cool Teddy Bear is more than a simple cash-in on the legacy, for there are some extraordinary songs to be heard. Yes, there are a couple of songs that I don’t feel suit Meat Loaf’s vocal style, but if you give it a chance, Hang Cool Teddy Bear is a great rock album that is worthy of the Meat Loaf moniker. Of course, Meat Loaf is more than a singular entity and the lineup of collaborators in this 2010 release is impressive, although, no music is featured from Meat Loaf’s long-time collaborator, Jim Steinman.
As for the recording, mix, and mastering of Hang Cool Teddy Bear, it’s LOUD! That isn’t necessarily a bad thing for it works well with the style of the album, but you’ll likely find yourself turning the volume down and listening at lower levels to prevent listener fatigue. Thankfully, even though the album is dynamically compromised, it hasn’t been compressed to the extent that elements, such as cymbals, are crunching unnaturally. In that regard, Ted Jensen did an admirable job mastering the album to modern standards.
Similarly commendable is Boris Vallejo’s cover art. There’s just something about fantasy artwork that works so well for album covers. Naturally, while the music is the most important aspect, pictures can tell a thousand words and in this case, you can take from the artwork what you want. All I know is that this would look awesome on a vinyl-sized canvas.
Peace On Earth isn’t the greatest tune to launch the album on, for the introduction is somewhat pointless and the tempo is a little too upbeat for Meat Loaf. Also of note is Meat Loaf’s lyrical style that appears to be a merging of himself, Lou Reed, and Johnny Cash. Does it work? I’m not sure it does, but you grow to accept it as it also makes an appearance on Living On The Outside. Regardless, while I’d suggest that the verses are a little chaotic, I thoroughly enjoy the delivery of the chorus.
Living On The Outside, similarly to Peace On Earth, has a great chorus but a somewhat inconsistent verse structure. Nevertheless, Living On The Outside is catchy, with a solid rhythm, and some killer guitar licks.
Los Angeloser should have opened Hang Cool Teddy Bear. An utterly brilliant and witty tune! You’ll be head-bopping and toe-tapping from the very first note and its literal meaning is reminiscent, in my mind, of Alice Cooper’s Lost In America. The combination of James Michael and Meat Loaf has struck again and I don’t know about you, but I would love to see these two collaborate on a future record in the same way as Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf collaborated.
Despite being the first single from Hang Cool Teddy Bear, Los Angeloser failed to gain traction in the charts; a shame considering it is arguably the best song on the album and most certainly should be in Meat Loaf’s career highlight reel. However, one can’t help but wonder if the quirky music video played a role in its lacklustre success with the only redeeming factor being Meat Loaf’s role as the preacher. Alas, we’ll never know!
If I Can't Have You (feat. Kara DioGuardi and Hugh Laurie) had the potential to be another I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won‘t Do That), albeit with a faster tempo. The dynamic range, however, is a little shallow resulting in a smaller and more compressed soundstage that hides not only the backing vocals but Hugh Laurie’s piano elements throughout much of the song. DioGuardi’s vocal, however, is simply gorgeous and spot on.
Love Is Not Real/Next Time You Stab Me In The Back has an enjoyable backbeat and overall rhythm, but it is Brian May and Steve Vai's intermingling guitar solo that makes this song truly memorable.
Like A Rose is one of the best songs on Hang Cool Teddy Bear and is one of my all-time favourite Meat Loaf tracks. In part, it’s due to Jack Black’s involvement but the tip of the hat to the Beastie Boys takes Like A Rose to another level. If there was one aspect that I’d change, it would be the mix. The guitar is simply too concealed and if it was more forward in the mix, and turned up by a few decibels, Like A Rose would be a guaranteed rock anthem.
Song Of Madness is one tune that you’ll want to pump the volume on. Not only is Steve Vai’s guitar work masterful but Meat Loaf pushes his vocals beautifully, ensuring his signature smooth highs and guttural lows are prominent throughout. But, that bass tracking, by Chris Chaney, is what dreams are made of. A killer heavy metal-inspired tune!
Did You Ever Love Somebody slows the album down a little, but this isn’t your usual Meat Loaf ballad. It sounds, from a vocal perspective, like a demo as Meat Loaf’s full range isn’t on display here but that is also, strangely, part of its appeal. Did You Ever Love Somebody, however, could have been a masterpiece if a little more spit and polish had been applied. That introduction and gradual build, though, is magical.
California Isn't Big Enough (Hey There Girl) is a rock song, with 80s synth elements, amongst a cascade of other styles, resulting in a compelling, yet confusing, composition. I enjoy the chorus, but as with a couple of other songs on Hang Cool Teddy Bear the chorus is where this song shines.
Running Away From Me is a classic B-side. It was never going to be a hit, but I like it.
Let's Be In Love isn't a bad song, but is made significantly better thanks to Patti Russo. Again, Meat Loaf's vocal presence feels lacklustre, especially in the quiet passages, but given the love song styling it could be suggested that his vocal is intentionally vulnerable. Nevertheless, in comparison, Russo's Vocal takes the song to another level and it’s just disappointing that Russo doesn’t enter the mix until around the midway point of the song.
If It Rains is a great song but I would love to hear it with a slightly faster tempo and a little more edginess.
Elvis In Vegas is a great closer but as good as Meat Loaf performs it, I’d love to hear Jon Bon Jovi record it as he co-wrote it with Desmond Child and Billy Falcon. A great song, regardless.
Hang Cool Teddy Bear is likely no one’s first choice when listening to Meat Loaf, but it is underrated and is deserving of more attention as there is some thoroughly enjoyable music to be heard here. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, I hope this review convinces you to give it a chance. Give it a few plays, particularly in the background, and you may be surprised just how much the entire album grows on you.