Michael Lee Aday, better known as Meat Loaf, is one of the rare American artists to take over the rock scene with his operatic singing voice. His album trilogy, "Bat Out of Hell," is one of the best-selling series with more than 50 million copies sold worldwide.
Bringing his signature theatrics into the mainstream music scene, Meat Loaf has released a number of hit songs in collaboration with female artists. Here are three of 3 duets from Meat Loaf, the singer, with female singers.
"I Would Do Anything For Love" with Lorraine Crosby
This 1993 power ballad remains one of the signature hits from the singer, Meat Loaf. It was released in multiple versions - a 12-minute album version, a 7:48 music video, and the 5:13 single version played on the radio. One of the reasons for the song's lasting fame lies in its title, and subsequent line. "I would do anything for love, but I won't do that." The ambiguity of what Meat Loaf won't do has sparked debates, from infidelity to a depraved sexual act.
Halfway through the song, a female voice can be heard. It was later identified as Lorraine Crosby. She also reportedly sings in the music video, with Dana Patrick lip synching over her vocals. It remains the one and only chart-topper for Meat Loaf, the singer.
"It's All Coming Back to Me Now" with Marion Raven
Released in 2006, it was former half of the M2M, Marion Raven, who appeared in this favorite from the singer Meat Loaf. In the behind-the-scenes video for the "Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose," Meat Loaf has said that he has always envisioned the Jim Steinman-penned hit.
Marion Raven's soft vocals complements Meat Loaf's in this haunting music video. While it shares some visual similarities with Celine Dion's MV for the same track, the presence of both Aday and Raven further drives the story of romance as they exchange verses. As fellow collaborators, Marion Raven joined Meat Loaf's 2007 Europe tour, promoting her own album "Set Me Free."
While it did not chart in the US, it topped the VG-lista singles chart in Raven's native Norway. It has also broken through the top 10 in the UK, Scotland, and Germany.
"Paradise by the Dashboard Light" first with Ellen Foley
Together with "I Would Do Anything for Love," this choice duet piece with Meat Loaf, the singer, first appeared in the first "Bat Out of Hell" album back in 1977. It was also an epic rock ballad, running for 8:28 on the album and 5:32 on its singles version. In its original recording, Meat Loaf sang with singer-actress Ellen Foley on the track.
Its unique three-part structure has made it a unique staple for rock radio stations across the US. However, during the release of its music video, and the following live performance, Karla DeVito would take over for Foley's parts. In Meat Loaf's last live performances of the track, guest vocalist Patti Russo sang the female parts.
Upon its release, "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" enjoyed moderate success. It managed to climb up to the 39th spot in the Billboard Hot 100. In Belgium, it was poised to dominate the single charts, only blocked from the top spot by the Village People's "Y.M.C.A."
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