Bad For Good by Jim Steinman, released on Epic Records, 1981, including 45rpm single Rock 'n' Roll Dreams Come Through; blue vinyl limited edition, value £60

THIS is an album first inspired by the JM Barrie story Peter Pan, writes MICHAEL BROOKS. Steinman always said "It's always been my favourite story, based on the concept of the Lost Boys and Golden Girls who never grow up, who are going to be young forever and that's about a perfect image of rock 'n' roll that I can think of." Steinman is one of the greatest lyricists in rock history, he captures the essence of rock music, the beauty, tragedy, passion, the anguish and puts it into words that crystallise and resonate in the hearts and minds of his listeners.

This was going to be another collaboration with the Pavorotti of rock and power ballads, Meatloaf (Marvin Lee Aday) that never took place. Hoping to emulate the success of Bat Out Of Hell, Steinman became tired of waiting for Meatloaf to return to the recording studio. He was touring extensively, then developed a throat infection finally succumbing to nervous exhaustion; in desperation Steinman recorded the album himself. It is a masterful, magnificent piece of overblown Wagnerian bombastic orchestral rock, 61 minutes long that can only be described as a timeless masterpiece.

Some of the songs, Surf's Up, Left In The Dark, and Rock 'n' Roll Dreams Come Through ended up on Bat Out Of Hell 2 released in 1993. A nod of acknowledgement has to be given to demo vocalist Rory Dodd who features on lead vocals on all these three songs. Steinman went on to write and produce the album Faster Than The Speed Of Night recorded by Bonnie Tyler and contributed to the soundtrack of the Walter Hill film Streets Of Fire, including the Bat Out Of Hell musical. This album is one from my own personal collection. I cannot believe that it is now 38 years old, it is almost frightening to wonder where the time has gone, and so quickly? With an iconic album image representing an alternate universe designed by Richard Corben who illustrated the Bat Out Of Hell album, this has to be one of the greatest albums of the eighties. I strongly recommend readers to search this one out on their music providers. Jim Steinman songs are always full of life's wisdom describing our emotions and turmoils of unrequited love. This music will take you back to another time, another place. It will remind you of the time you first fell in love.

Finally, readers sometimes query the value I put on records? In my defence, I say, do not value them by the monetary worth, but by what the songs and music mean to you.