Album Review of Meat Loaf's Final Studio Work, "Braver Than We Are."
"Braver Than We Are," released in 2016, stands as Meat Loaf's thirteenth and final studio album before his passing in 2022. The album reunites Meat Loaf with the grandiose songwriting of Jim Steinman, marking their first full collaboration since "Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell" in 1993. This collection of songs delves deep into themes of love, mortality, and nostalgia, wrapped in the signature operatic rock style that defined much of Meat Loaf's career. The album serves not only as a testament to their enduring partnership but also as a reflection on the passage of time and the courage it takes to face life's final chapters.
Opening the album with a theatrical flair, "Who Needs the Young" is a sardonic take on aging and youth. Originally written by Steinman in the 1970s, the song's vintage origins are evident in its cabaret-style arrangement, reminiscent of Brecht-Weill compositions. The track features a mix of vaudeville and rock elements, creating a pastiche that critiques society's obsession with youth.
Meat Loaf's vocal delivery is filled with irony and a touch of bitterness, capturing the character of an older individual dismissing the follies of the young. The lyrics are laden with witty wordplay and sarcastic observations, highlighting generational tensions. Musically, the song employs unconventional chord progressions and time signatures, showcasing Steinman's penchant for complex compositions.
Historically, this song reflects the era in which it was written—a time when youth culture was in full swing, and the older generations felt increasingly alienated. In the context of the album, it sets the stage for a journey through reflections on life, love, and legacy. It doesn’t work well though outside its original theatrical place in the musical “The Dream Engine,” though. Sorry Jim, but this one is sort of a dud on arrival deal.
"Going All the Way (A Song in 6 Movements)” is an epic track that spans over eleven minutes and is structured as a mini-rock opera. Featuring guest vocals from Ellen Foley and Karla DeVito—both of whom have significant histories with Meat Loaf—the song is a multi-layered exploration of love, ambition, and the passage of time. The inclusion of these vocalists adds a nostalgic layer, harking back to their collaborations on the original "Bat Out of Hell" album and live performances. This is probably one of the greatest songs that Steinman has ever written. Complex, nuanced, and chaotic, it’s the perfect note for Meat Loaf to sign off on.
Musically, the song is divided into six distinct movements, each with its own mood and tempo, yet seamlessly connected. The composition showcases Steinman's mastery of blending classical influences with rock music, utilizing orchestral arrangements, soaring melodies, and dynamic shifts. The interplay between the vocalists creates a narrative dialogue, adding depth to the storytelling. It’s utterly Steingasmic, is what it is.
Thematically, the song delves into the complexities of relationships and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, touching on regrets and unfulfilled desires. The grand scale of the composition mirrors the enormity of the emotions being expressed. This song began life as a rock musical number in Steinman and Polanski’s Tanz Der Vampire, and it shows its rock-operatic beating, bleeding heart right on its bare chest. The drums are pounding, the piano melodies and choral harmonies fantastic, and all around, it’s juts plain greatness distilled.
Culturally, the song resonates with fans familiar with Meat Loaf's and Steinman's previous works, serving as both a homage and a continuation of their legacy. The elaborate structure and emotional intensity exemplify the duo's contribution to the rock opera genre.
"Speaking in Tongues" shifts the album's tone to a more contemporary rock sound while retaining the dramatic essence characteristic of Meat Loaf's music. Featuring Stacy Michelle as a duet partner, the song explores themes of communication breakdown and the mystique of unspoken emotions. Its most famous and dirty-minded lyric, “ . . . An erection of the heart . . . “ could be said to summarize Steinman’s entire compositional scope.
The track opens with a haunting piano melody that builds into a powerful chorus. The instrumentation includes electric guitars, synths, and layered backing vocals, creating a rich sonic landscape. Meat Loaf and Michelle's vocal chemistry adds a dynamic tension, enhancing the song's emotional impact.
Lyrically, the song uses the metaphor of "speaking in tongues" to illustrate the complexities of understanding one another in a relationship. The phrase evokes images of ecstatic, incomprehensible speech, suggesting both the intensity and confusion that can accompany deep emotional connections.
From a musicological perspective, the song incorporates elements of gospel and blues, evident in its chord progressions and vocal stylings. This fusion of genres adds depth and authenticity to the performance.
Contextually, "Speaking in Tongues" reflects on the challenges of communication in an increasingly disconnected world, a theme that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Originally performed by Bonnie Tyler and Todd Rundgren in the 1980s, this song finds new life in Meat Loaf's rendition with Stacy Michelle. The track is a quintessential Steinman power ballad, featuring grandiose arrangements and emotionally charged vocals.
The song begins with a delicate piano intro before escalating into a full-blown rock anthem. The instrumentation includes dramatic drum fills, soaring guitar solos, and lush orchestral elements. Meat Loaf and Michelle deliver impassioned performances, capturing the song's blend of romantic yearning and resigned acceptance.
The lyrics portray a tumultuous relationship, acknowledging the difficulties inherent in love while affirming a commitment to endure. Lines like "Somebody's gotta stay when the things get hard" encapsulate the song's central message.
Historically, the song's revival on this album serves as a bridge between different eras of Steinman's songwriting career. It highlights the timeless nature of his compositions and their adaptability to different vocalists and contexts.
Culturally, the song taps into the universal experience of navigating complex relationships, making it relatable across generations.
"Souvenirs" is a reflective ballad that delves into themes of memory, loss, and the remnants of past experiences. The song has a melancholic tone, underscored by a gentle piano melody and subtle string arrangements.
Meat Loaf's vocal delivery is subdued yet emotionally resonant, conveying a sense of nostalgia and introspection. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, emphasizing the personal nature of the song.
The lyrics contemplate the tangible and intangible souvenirs collected over a lifetime—the physical objects and the emotional imprints left behind by significant moments and relationships. There's a bittersweet recognition of the passage of time and the inevitability of change.
From a musicological standpoint, "Souvenirs" employs minimalist instrumentation, contrasting with the album's more bombastic tracks. This choice accentuates the song's intimate atmosphere.
Contextually, the song serves as a moment of quiet contemplation within the album, offering a pause amidst the larger-than-life narratives.
This track returns to a more upbeat tempo, blending rock elements with pop sensibilities. "Only When I Feel" explores the dualities of emotion and the complexities of allowing oneself to be vulnerable.
The song features driving guitar riffs, energetic drum patterns, and catchy hooks. Meat Loaf's vocals are robust, showcasing his ability to convey strength and sensitivity simultaneously.
Lyrically, the song discusses the reluctance to open up emotionally except in specific circumstances. It touches on themes of self-protection, fear of intimacy, and the longing for genuine connection.
Musically, the track incorporates classic rock influences, with nods to the styles of the 1970s and 1980s. The arrangement is tight and polished, reflecting contemporary production values while honoring traditional rock foundations.
Culturally, "Only When I Feel" resonates with listeners who grapple with similar emotional barriers, making it a relatable and engaging piece.
"More" is a cover of The Sisters of Mercy's song, reinterpreted through Meat Loaf's distinctive style. The track maintains the gothic rock elements of the original while infusing it with a theatrical flair.
The song opens with atmospheric synths and a driving bass line, building tension before launching into the powerful chorus. Meat Loaf's vocals are commanding, conveying a sense of urgency and desire.
The lyrics express an insatiable craving for experiences, emotions, and connections—a yearning that can never be fully satisfied. This theme aligns with the album's exploration of ambition and the human tendency to seek fulfillment beyond reach.
From a musicological perspective, "More" blends rock and electronic elements, creating a soundscape that is both dark and expansive. The production utilizes reverb and layering to enhance the song's immersive quality.
Historically, covering a song from the gothic rock genre highlights Meat Loaf's versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
"Godz" is one of the album's more enigmatic tracks, featuring abstract lyrics and a heavy, pulsating rhythm. The song delves into themes of power, destiny, and the human desire to transcend limitations.
The instrumentation is bold and aggressive, with distorted guitars, emphatic drumming, and anthemic choruses. Meat Loaf's vocal performance is intense, matching the song's thematic weight.
Lyrically, "Godz" references mythological and divine imagery, suggesting a confrontation with forces beyond human control. The song grapples with the concept of playing god or challenging the established order.
Musically, the track incorporates elements of hard rock and metal, showcasing a darker edge within the album. The use of minor keys and dissonant chords adds to the song's ominous atmosphere.
Contextually, "Godz" reflects on the broader human condition and the consequences of hubris, tying into historical narratives of myth and legend.
"Skull of Your Country" revisits themes from previous collaborations between Meat Loaf and Steinman, combining narrative storytelling with theatrical rock. The song is a dramatic piece that employs vivid imagery and metaphor.
The arrangement features orchestral elements, choir-like backing vocals, and dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity. Meat Loaf delivers a passionate performance, navigating the song's emotional peaks and valleys.
The lyrics are poetic and allegorical, potentially referencing lost love, sacrifice, and the remnants of past glory. The "skull" serves as a powerful symbol of mortality and the enduring impact of one's homeland or heritage.
From a musicological standpoint, the song's complexity lies in its structure and layering. The shifts between soft, introspective passages and explosive choruses create a sense of journey and transformation.
Culturally, the song may resonate with listeners who have experienced displacement or a profound connection to their roots.
Closing the album is "Train of Love," a soulful track that blends elements of gospel, blues, and rock. The song serves as a hopeful and uplifting conclusion, emphasizing themes of redemption and the enduring power of love.
The instrumentation includes organ melodies, harmonica accents, and a steady rhythm section. Meat Loaf's vocals are warm and expressive, conveying a sense of comfort and optimism.
Lyrically, "Train of Love" uses the metaphor of a train journey to represent life's travels and the connections made along the way. The song encourages embracing love as a guiding force.
Musically, the track's simplicity contrasts with the album's more elaborate compositions, offering a straightforward and heartfelt message.
Contextually, ending the album with this song provides closure and balance, leaving listeners with a sense of resolution and positivity.
"Braver Than We Are" is an album steeped in reflection, both personal and artistic. The collaboration between Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman brings together decades of shared history, culminating in a work that honors their past while exploring new territories.
From a musicological perspective, the album showcases a fusion of genres and styles, ranging from rock opera and power ballads to gothic rock and blues. The arrangements are intricate, and the production values are high, emphasizing the dramatic flair that fans have come to expect.
Historically, the album serves as a capstone to Meat Loaf's career, encapsulating the themes and motifs that have defined his work. The inclusion of previously unreleased Steinman compositions adds a layer of historical significance, unearthing songs that span multiple decades.
Culturally, the album resonates with listeners who appreciate grand narratives and emotional depth in music. It speaks to universal experiences of love, aging, ambition, and self-reflection.
Contextually, "Braver Than We Are" exists within a landscape where music consumption has shifted towards singles and streaming. Releasing a cohesive album with interconnected themes is a testament to the artists' commitment to the album as an art form.
The album's title itself suggests a challenge to both the artists and the audience—to be braver in facing life's uncertainties and to embrace the courage required to pursue one's passions fully.
In conclusion, "Braver Than We Are" is a multifaceted work that invites in-depth exploration. It stands as a meaningful addition to Meat Loaf's discography and a testament to the enduring creative partnership with Jim Steinman. The album offers a rich tapestry of musical styles and thematic content, encouraging listeners to engage with it on multiple levels and appreciate the artistry involved in its creation.