The lone break in the Steinman-written ending of so-called Bat out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose is the dramatic power ballad “What about Love,” featuring co-lead vocals by Patti Russo. It’s perhaps the most nakedly Steinman-copying song on the album, but it actually does a decent job. It’s a dramatic power ballad that…

After “In the Land of the Pig, the Butcher Is King,” Meat Loaf follows up with a forgettable little interlude named “Monstro” and then “Alive,” which is another strong bit of power pop balladry that’s a bit heavier and a bit less dramatic than the others but works really well. It wouldn’t sound terribly out…

After the two Steinman songs, Meat Loaf first revisits Diane Warren, who wrote his one non-Steinman US hit, “I’d Lie for You (And That’s the Truth)” in 1995. Her song, “Cry over Me,” is one of the best on the album. Like “Blind as a Bat,” it’s an enormous but very poppy feel, sort of…