Bat Out of Hellis the second album and major-label debut by Americanrock musicianMeat Loaf, as well as being his first collaboration with composerJim Steinman, released in October 1977 on Cleveland International/Epic Records. It is one of thebest-selling albumsin the history of recorded music, having sold over 43 million copies worldwide.Rolling Stonemagazine ranked it at number 343 on itslist of the 500 greatest albums of all timein 2003. Its musical style is influenced by Steinman's appreciation of Richard Wagner, Phil Spector, Bruce Springsteen and The Who. Bat Out of Hell has been certified by the Recording Industry Association of America as a platinum album, fourteen times over. The album went on to become one of the most influential and iconic albums of all time and its songs have remained classic rock staples. This album's title also became the title for two more Meat Loaf albums. Steinman produced the 1993 album, Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell. Desmond Child produced the 2006 album, Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose.