The 80s weren't kind to Meat Loaf, as the theatrically bombastic style of Bat Out Of Hell (1977) had long been forgotten amongst most music lovers other than the most dedicated of fans. It’s a shame, for as incredible as his opus, in collaboration with Jim Steinman, is, to ignore the spectacular Bad Attitude, this album, and his other 80s output is to snub some of the most incredible music in all of recorded music history. Undoubtedly, many will disagree with my opinion here, but take a listen to this material, distanced from the Bat Out Of Hell recordings, and I’ve no doubt you’ll find Blind Before I Stop, Meat Loaf’s fifth studio release, to be a compelling and fascinating album; even if its purpose had only been to meet contractual obligations.
While fans may have been longing for more of Meat Loaf’s interpretations of Steinman’s epic compositions, Blind Before I Stop explores new sounds in the shifting musical landscape of the 80s and does so with genuine intensity, emotional resonance, and stylistic choices that are perfectly aligned with the era. Yes, it is a slightly different Meat Loaf than one seeking the hits will generally gravitate towards, but the only downfall of this release is in its substandard album artwork. Even the alternate US release cover art fails to impress. Seriously, if you’re working at a record label, and have a recording artist of the calibre of Meat Loaf in your lineup, and you decide that artwork such as this is adequate, you deserve to be fired. Thankfully, most of the cover art throughout Meat Loaf’s career is in line with expectations, but don’t let a cover determine the music contained within, for doing so is to miss out on some exceptional music.
As for the recording, mixing, and mastering of the record, it’s Meat Loaf. Longtime fans will immediately understand that statement, and just as The Rolling Stones have a sound, so does Meat Loaf. It’s not audiophile, by any means, yet it is uniquely his own. As for the Lossless Apple Music stream, a CD-quality counterpart, it’s pleasing with no major issues to report. Could it do with a remaster? Yes. Is it of the era? Absolutely. The 80’s thinness does plague the stream, but I’ll take that over a hot mastering whereby the entire soundstage is brickwalled to hell and back.
Despite the lack of popularity, Blind Before I Stop has been reissued in recent years on CD and Vinyl. As I haven’t heard either of these releases, I can’t comment on sound quality or if the mastering is the same as that delivered via the stream. Regardless, it’s a win for fans who prefer to own their music, and the reproduced cover art does look exceptional.
Execution Day is a fantastic opener, especially for those of us who appreciate a more ominous and brooding atmosphere. Meat Loaf’s familiar theatrical styling is present as the tension slowly builds via the verses, before launching into a thunderous chorus with an indicative 80s vibe.
Rock 'N' Roll Mercenaries is a killer tune, but the vocal aspects throughout the introduction seem a little unnecessary. Perhaps it’s just me, but I can’t help but wonder if Jonathan Wolff was influenced by this tune when it came to writing the Seinfeld theme song. Nevertheless, Rock 'N' Roll Mercenaries is a bombastic 80s tune where the guitars wail, drums boom, and synthesised elements shimmer, thereby allowing Meat Loaf and John Parr to stand out on this solid duet.
Getting Away With Murder has a funky rhythm that’s firmly ensconced in the synth era. It is, however, a B-side, at best, but when that catchy chorus enters the mix, the song takes on a life of its own. Yes, it’s a leaner and groove-driven sound that may seem a little out of place, but the more you listen to the record, the more you’ll appreciate Getting Away With Murder.
One More Kiss (Night of the Soft Parade) is a slower-paced synth-pop number that is thoroughly enjoyable. It would be accurate, however, to say that even though this is an exceptional ballad, it lacks the emotional punch that is most commonly found in Meat Loaf’s most well-known rock ballads. It’s still an admirable performance, but this is one song that I would have loved to have seen Meat Loaf re-record, for there’s a hit here; this particular version, however, plays more like a demo.
Blind Before I Stop flows seamlessly from the previous song and is one of the best songs on the album. Meat Loaf gives a spirited, and memorable, performance on this title track as the hard rock synth-driven characteristics work perfectly for Meat Loaf’s overall style and attitude.
Burning Down is another slow burner, with some killer guitar licks, that is severely underrated from a musical perspective. Yes, Meat Loaf could have delivered his vocals with more finesse, but that doesn’t take away from just how thoroughly enjoyable Burning Down can be.
Standing On The Outside is a lovely, mellow tune. The chorus and backing vocal harmonies work exceptionally well, and the only way the song could have gotten better would have been if Meat Loaf had put a little more gusto into his vocal recording. Still, it remains highly compelling and is a core reason why Blind Before I Stop is a top-tier album performance, as it is the culmination of songs, rather than a few standouts, that make it so enjoyable.
Masculine has a quirky introduction, but it’s the song’s peppiness, driven by rock and roll stylings and a touch of synth, that ensures the one thing this song isn’t is boring. Add to that some exceptional guitar licks, and the culmination ensures that I’m toe-tapping and head-bopping involuntarily to the overall rhythm.
Man And A Woman is a solid album-only tune that strips back most traditional musical elements, in favour of synths, to produce a song that doesn’t quite reach the emotional levels Meat Loaf was capable of.
Special Girl is a bubbly uptempo pop-rock number with a radio-friendly feel to it. While it was never going to top the charts, Special Girl most certainly could have been a mid-tier performer, but it failed to chart successfully, most likely due to a lack of interest and radio-play at the time, especially considering it was the album’s fourth and final single.
Rock 'N' Roll Hero is a gritty rocker with punchy guitars and is a song that is more in line with the expectations of longtime Meat Loaf fans. The energetic no-nonsense approach is the ideal ending to the album and will encourage you to spin the record again or enjoy the other landmark releases in Meat Loaf’s impressive discography.
Blind Before I Stop may not be the definitive Meat Loaf album, but for fans willing to look past the bombastic theatrical style of his most renowned releases, there’s a thoroughly pleasing album to explore and appreciate. As such, Blind Before I Stop is a hidden gem; one worthy of every music lover’s collection, especially those with more than a casual interest in Meat Loaf.