Released in 1977 during the height of disco fever and punk rock, Bat Out of Hell is an ambitious debut album that bucked the trend and confounded critics. With the help of several hit singles, it struck a chord with record buyers and became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Benefitting from a combination of catchy melodies, anthemic rock, dazzling musicianship, inventive choral work and audacious narratives, the songs have a universal appeal that has stood the test of time. The memorable hooks and high production values also signposted the power ballads and arena rock style of the 1980s. This book examines the individual songs that make up Bat Out of Hell, along with the album's conception, recording, reception, subsequent tour, and legacy. It also traces the backstory of its creators, Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, and their work – together and apart – that followed in the album's wake. This includes two successors, released in 1993 and 2006 respectively, and Bat Out of Hell: The Musical which premiered in 2017.