OK, I love Jim Steinman's songs; I love it when Meat Loaf sings Jim Steinman's songs; But let me ask you this: Isn't the wrong guy doing the VH1 'storytelling' here? I mean, Steinman wrote nearly every song represented on this album, at least the ones worth having. How does that qualify Mr. Loaf to tell the tales behind the tunes! Michael Jackson recorded "Come Together" by the Beatles, but he doesn't run around telling people what John Lennon wrote it about! Ok, thanks for letting me get that off of my chest. Ahem. Now, this album sounds MUCH better than the tv special did. The band is good, and the song selection is basically pretty cool, with one obvious stinker inclusion being the song Diane Warren ripped off of Steinman, "I'd Lie For You, And That's the Truth." I can't see why Meat would record such a blatant stolen vehicle. A lovely version of "Heaven Can Wait" is performed here, and is probably the standout track from the vocal point. Meat sounds pretty good here. His voice, which a friend of mine described recently as an extremely melodic cough, has seen better days; HOWEVER, he still sounds pretty darn good; better than many of today's pop 'singers'; he just doesn't sound as good as he used to. His personality is intact though, and shines brightly on the monologues introducing each song. He tells some amusing anecdotes and then pretty much delivers the goods throughout most of the disc. He sounds especially good on "Hot Summer Nights", seeming to fill each note with sincere emotion. He evokes thoughts of Meat Loaf past with a rousing, if quick, rendition of "All Revved Up". We all probably could've done without the silly antics during "Paradise By the Dashboard Lights", but overall the album as a whole is worth a good listen or two, certainly entertaining, and probably a must own for huge Meat Loaf fans. Steinman fans will probably not be as pleased. He was rumored to be scheduled to appear on the show, but for whatever reason, pulled out. That may have added more luster to an already pretty cool album. WARNING: If you don't really like Meat Loaf, YOU WILL HATE THIS ALBUM.

I approached this CD as a moderate, not die-hard, fan of Meat Loaf's, and I have to say that I was impressed with it overall. Before I get into the flaws, let me sing its praises.

Nothing is more useless than a live album that replicates the studio versions of all the songs. What's the point? A live album is supposed to (1) capture the energy of a live show, and (2) allow the performer to showcase a different interpretation of the song. While this CD may not succeed on the first count, it certainly does on the second. "You Took The Words" and "I'd Do Anything For Love" are interesting variations of the original. Meat's voice is still extremely expressive and (for the most part) strong, and he can still rock on songs like "All Revved Up" and "Bat Out Of Hell." In fact, the up-tempo songs outshine the ballads throughout the disc.

Unfortunately, there are some near-fatal flaws on this CD. The stories interspersed throughout are only faintly interesting the first time through, and they quickly become annoying. On the fourth and fifth playing, you will find yourself hitting the SKIP button pretty frequently to get to the music. Of course, this is a flaw more of the whole "Storytellers" series than of just Meat Loaf, but it's worth mentioning. Secondly, some of the cuts are simply weak. This version of "Two Out Of Three" is awful, mawkish ooze -- not even remotely as powerful as the original. And Meat's version of Warren Zevon's brilliant "Lawyers, Guns & Money" will make you cringe. Still, it's a solid CD overall and worth owning.

This album is a truly unique experience. Meat Loaf is a truly unique experience. Storytellers demonstrates Meats phenomenal voice - maturing like a fine wine. Storytellers demonstates Meats charismatic and highly entertaining personality. Storytellers demonstates a man used to selling out arenas, giving his spectaculars, unusually, to a small up close audience. Storytellers ROCKS!! Okay Yes, it is not all there is to Meat Loaf, it is however, a delightful taste. For those who continue to down the guy, then you will never understand or appreciate, and I can only feel sorry for you (it must be like living in a house with no doors or windows?) Meat - your what matters to us, not what others think. Just please keep on entertaining!!

I wasn't too fond of Meat Loaf's Storytellers on VH1, despite admittedly, being a hardcore Loaf/Jim Steinman fan myself. The album fails to truly capture the spirit of Meat Loaf live (and I must say, objectivley, this man gives one of the greatest live shows you'll ever see.).

His voice isn't in the best form, but Meat Loaf still remains a consumnate performer, giving his all on every track, and never failing to insert a humorous anecdote between songs. Some of the songs are a bit too low-key for me (Especially Hot Summer Night, any shred of energy that the original version had is killed with this syrupy-sweet take on it). This album definitley has it's moments, though. Bat out of Hell especially. Meat Loaf, for some reason or another, can give a horrible performance for an entire show and still make Bat out of Hell sound perfect. The cover of Warren Zevon's 'Lawyers, guns, and Money', while a bit hammed up, is funny and well-executed, and it's a real killer live, in person.

The slower songs like Heaven Can Wait and Two out of Three drip with emotion, and while sometimes Meat can't keep up with the faster paced rockers (Bat out of Hell aside) he still gives it his all, as he always has. My main question was 'Where is 'A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste'? .. it was on the TV show... just not here. Also, sadly absent is Jim Steinman, the man who wrote about every song here, and deserved his chance in the spotlight that he never receives.

All in all, Storytellers is a fine album that will satisfy fans, but it won't convert anyone. The new remake of 'Is Nothing Sacred?' (from the Best of Album) is fantastic, and definitley worth hearing. Pick it up if you're a fan, leave it alone if you're not.

Storytellers is the type of show that is cool to experience live or see on TV. However, it TRANSLATES HORRIBLY TO CD. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't Meat Loaf. His songs especially don't fit this format. Jim Steinman's (what a shame he wasn't there for this show) epic compositions can't be cut down to absurdly short lengths like they are here, it just isn't right. However, the song that are fully intact (Bat, Heaven Can Wait, etc. and the new track Is Nothing Sacred?) are all killer. A hardcore fan of Meat Loaf will get this cd for those songs and for the hilarous (during the first listen anyway) stories that precede the songs. But if you're not a big Meat Loaf fan then you should spring for the Live Around The World album.