Suggested by @Louisa in tribute.
1977
A masterpiece that was rejected time and again by record labels, then went on to become one of the biggest records of all time. Over 43 million units sold, certified 14X platinum, the biggest selling album in Australian history, over 522 weeks on the UK album charts as of 2019.
Bat Out Of Hell made a superstar out of its singer and a respected and in-demand songwriter/producer of its writer and conceptualizer. Produced by Todd Rundgren and featuring members of the E Street Band, this album became a behemoth that launched a trilogy and sustained a long career.
My first impression of this album was that every song could be taking place within the world of Springsteen's Jungleland.
Long live Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman.