Everyone knows the hits from Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, but are those the only tasty morsels from Meat Loaf?

Those are just the appetizers, insists uber-fan Sherrie Williams of Largo. "If you go to Meat Loaf's show at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall this Friday," she says, "you may hear one or two of these gems if you hit a lucky night on the set list."

TOP 5 MOST UNDERRATED MEAT LOAF SONGS:
(Commentary by the Sher-meister herself)

5. COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF (2003): The title track from the most recent non-Bat out of Hell studio album features frequent Meat Loaf partner Patti Russo in a bombastic duet. "I will take your body language and hold it against you tonight." [Listen]

4. TESTIFY (2003): This gospel- and blues-tinged tale of a strung-out trucker who finds redemption at a roadside revival features audio clips from the 1986 Ralph Macchio film Crossroads. That's a sure sign of quality for '80s Nation, but this song will get you on your feet even without the benefit of the Karate Kid's blessing. "Could you be the salvation 'cause I never felt like this before. And, could you lend me your hand because I'm falling back on the floor." [Listen]

3. I'D LIE FOR YOU (AND THAT'S THE TRUTH) (1995): I've always thought of this song as a lesser-known companion to the monster hit I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That). It also features Patti Russo and is unfailingly lush, romantic and drama soaked -- everything a great Meat Loaf song should be. "I'd lie for you and that's the truth. Move mountains if you want me to. I'd walk across the fire for you. I'd walk on the wild for you. If you'd just believe in me." [Listen]

2. BAD FOR GOOD (2006): This is a Jim Steinman penned song that didn't appear on a Meat Loaf album until 2006's Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose, but it has been performed by Meat Loaf across three decades. Classic Steinman lyrics, soaring guitars -- this song is quintessential Meat Loaf. (Plus, it's my ringtone on my cell phone so that should count for something, right?) "And you think that I'll be bad for just a little while. But I know that I'll be bad for good." [Listen]

1. OUT OF THE FRYING PAN (AND INTO THE FIRE) (1993): This song is big and brash, just like Meat Loaf himself. It begins with a stuttering guitar solo, then simmers to a sensual, scorching climax. When preformed live, this song often includes pyro effects and is a highlight of the concert. It was released in 1993, but has been a staple of Meat Loaf's lives shows since the early '80s. "It's never been this hot and I've never been so bored, and breathing is just no fun anymore. And then I saw you like a summer dream and you're the answer to every prayer that I ever said." [Listen]

[Check out excerpts from my interview with Meat Loaf here. Or listen to the entire interview, along with music clips, here.]

[Photo by Getty Images]