"If It Ain't Broke, Break It" by Meat Loaf

One of the most successful artists to pioneer theatrical rock is none other than Michael Lee Aday, better known as Meat Loaf, a nickname given to him by a football coach. His unique style and voice was getting noticed early in his career, as he was cast in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and was invited to sing most of the tracks on the 1976 Ted Nugent record, "Free-For-All."

Meat Loaf's big break arrived with his epic 1977 record, "Bat Out Of Hell." It became one of the biggest selling albums of all-time and produced three top 40 hits that are now staples of classic rock: "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" (#11), "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" (#39), and "You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth" (#39). His follow-up record was delayed four years thanks to a vocal injury, and after "I'm Gonna Love Her For Both Of Us" stalled at #84 in 1981, it appeared Meat Loaf was toast.

Enter one of music's most unlikely comebacks: in 1993, Meat Loaf scored his biggest hit with "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)." The song, which had everyone guessing what he wouldn't do, stayed at #1 for a ridiculous five weeks and earned the Loaf a well-deserved Grammy. The song came from his 7th album, and second in the "Bat Out of Hell" trilogy. The success helped keep Meat Loaf on the charts until 1996, when "Not A Dry Eye In The House" stalled at #82.

There were high hopes in 2006 that the third installment of the "Bat Out Of Hell" trilogy would make people hungry for Meat Loaf once again. The record still has the epic (in other words, overly long), soaring ballads one would expect, but it also rocks harder than its predecessors. It failed to reignite his chart career, but there are some worthy cuts like "If It Ain't Broke, Break It."