Meat Loaf "Hang Cool Teddy Bear" CD Review

You're never too young or too old to rock 'n' roll. At age 62, singer Meat Loaf (his real name is Marvin Lee Aday) is a testament to that fact. Being the original 'big man' of rock (weighing over 300 pounds back in the 1970's - but more importantly known for his powerhouse vocal style) Meat broke the mold of the 'pretty boy' rock artist. His popularity and astounding album sales are resounding high points on an already stellar resume. His first album, and most successful to date, the original "Bat Out Of Hell," remains one of the largest selling albums of all time. The "Bat," trilogy (includes "Bat 2: Back Into Hell," and "Bat 3: The Monster Is Loose,") is his benchmark and rock legacy. Add to that his formidable acting career (The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Fight Club, Crazy In Alabama, etc) and what you have before you is a double threat in the entertainment industry. Meat Loaf is not just another pretty face in this generation of forgettable computer generated music and American Idol.

His eleventh studio album "Hang Cool Teddy Bear," may not be another installment in the "Bat Out Of Hell," extravaganza but it rocks well on its own. The concept of the CD is based on a short story by Kilian Kerwin about a fictional wounded soldier. All the songs represent his visions of his life; not of his past life but rather his possible future lives, an interesting idea that could either fall flat or soar in the world of rock. So in Meat's case, did he sink or swim with his latest release?Green Day's 'American Idiot,' producer Rob Cavallo brought out the best there is to offer rock wise on the release. The concept doesn't overshadow or downplay the individual songs. The writers include Justin Hawkins, Rick Brantley, Jon Bon Jovi and Tommy Henriksen. Each brings their own style to the party that is "Teddy Bear." Guest players include Kara DioGuardi (songwriter and judge on American Idol) and Hugh Laurie (actor from the TV show "House," on piano) on the song "If I Can't Have You." "Like A Rose," features Jack Black on backing vocals. "Love Is Not Real/Next Time You Stab Me in The Back," features two guitar legends Brian May (Queen) and Steve Vai. So much for the name dropping. On to the tunes.

The first track sets the tone of the CD, a heavy dose of metal titled "Peace On Earth." The hook pretty much tells it all, "I don't want peace on earth / I just wanna go home." There are no over the top Jim Steinman overtures on "Bear." This CD marks the fourth studio release Loaf has released without any songs written by former collaborator Steinman. Admittedly I am a huge fan of Steinman's style of writing and production. There is no guess work in hearing a Steinman song. You just know he penned it from the beginning notes to the crescendo end. Instead what you'll find here is a solid rock record that doesn't fall back on its laurels.

The songs that standout for me are "Did You Ever Love Somebody," (yeah I'm a sucker for a power ballad that just tears at the heartstrings); "Did you ever lay your head down / On the shoulder of a good friend / And then had to look away somehow / Had to hid the way you felt for them / Have you ever prayed the day would come / You'd hear them say they'd felt it too / Have you ever loved somebody / Who never knew."

"If It Rains," is another poignant moment on the cd. "Well, I'm looking at the man in the broken glass / There's a crack where is heart was beating last." "Elvis In Vegas," is a great coming of age tune about a teenager's first trip to Vegas and seeing The King. A biting "Like A Rose," comes off a bit tongue in cheek but doesn't pull any punches. I'm sure we all know or have known 'young ladies' such as these. "She's kinda like a rose / She'll cut you on your thumb / She'll kick you when you're low / And f**k you when she's done / The b***h is like a rose / And let me tell you son / That every time you think you've got control / Sh-sh-she got it." OUCH! I felt that one.

Meat's voice is still a powerhouse that he uses with conviction song after song. The answer to the original question I proposed; "Hang Cool Teddy Bear," definitely swims. The hardcore Meat fans won't be disappointed. It's a departure, yes. But the man and is undeniable energy and essence is still very much in tact. I can't wait to see this tour on the road.