Recording artists often express themselves through their music. But rock legend Meat Loaf says his latest release, Hell in a Handbasket, is his most personal yet.

"It's really the first record I've ever put out about how I feel about life and how I feel about what's going on at the moment," he says of his twelfth studio album, released today. 

Hell in a Handbasket, produced by Paul Crook, features the singer's longtime ensemble,The Neverland Express, and includes a cover of "California Dreamin' " with Patti Russo, a guest spot from rapper Chuck D, and vocals from country crooner Trace Adkins and Meat Loaf's Celebrity Apprentice teammates Lil Jon and Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath.

Meat Loaf's megahit 1977 breakout record Bat Out of Hell has sold more than 43 million copies to date.

The musician is excited about getting his new material out. 

"Making this album was a great experience and I hope my fans enjoy hearing it as much as I did making it," he says.

Meat Loaf will perform the album's first single, "The Giving Tree," tomorrow night on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

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