Mandatory Fun
by Weird Al Yankovic
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jul 15, 2014
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 69
  3. Negative: 6 out of 69
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  1. Pelelovesball
    May 4, 2020
    9
    This is the only album by my favorite artist that I’ve listened to all the songs. I like all weird al albums but this is my favorite
  2. Recon97
    Oct 3, 2017
    9
    I've always been a fan of Weird Al. This is my favorite album from him so far. As much as I liked his previous projects, I wanted some parodies of songs that I knew. This album granted that wish. Great production on his original songs, and great lyrics poking fun at (mostly.) good artists. 9/10
  3. Danm95VFF
    Apr 18, 2016
    8
    Weird Al albums tend to be a a bit patchy; his work is more digestible song-by-song. However, he really hit a mark of relevancy and cohesiveness with this release. All of the parodies are very current for the time period and are among his most well-written funniest songs. A massive improvement over Alpocalypse, which was more of a collection of half previously released songs and half newWeird Al albums tend to be a a bit patchy; his work is more digestible song-by-song. However, he really hit a mark of relevancy and cohesiveness with this release. All of the parodies are very current for the time period and are among his most well-written funniest songs. A massive improvement over Alpocalypse, which was more of a collection of half previously released songs and half new songs that weren't all that relevant either.… Expand
  4. Soldier23
    May 3, 2015
    10
    This is my favorite comedy album of all time. Weird Al delivers excellent hits such as "Word Crimes" and "Foil". My ratings for each song are:

    1. Handy (9.75) 2. Lame Claim To Fame (8) 3. Foil (10) 4. Sports Song (9.50) 5. Word Crimes (10) 6. My Own Eyes (7.75) 7. NOW That's What I Call Polka (10) 8. Mission Statement (7.5) 9. Inactive (8.75) 10. First World Problems (8) 11.    This is my favorite comedy album of all time. Weird Al delivers excellent hits such as "Word Crimes" and "Foil". My ratings for each song are:

    1. Handy (9.75)
    2. Lame Claim To Fame (8)
    3. Foil (10)
    4. Sports Song (9.50)
    5. Word Crimes (10)
    6. My Own Eyes (7.75)
    7. NOW That's What I Call Polka (10)
    8. Mission Statement (7.5)
    9. Inactive (8.75)
    10. First World Problems (8)
    11. Tacky (10)
    12. Jackson Park Express (6.75)

    Overall, I love this album and Weird Al. I also recommend this to everyone who likes comedy.    … Expand
  5. BaganLeleo
    Mar 15, 2015
    10
    The songs on this album are better than the originals, whether Al's giving us grammar lessons with "Word Crimes" or delivering a business plan in "Mission Statement" or making fun of all hit songs in "Now THAT"S what I call Polka" I guarantee that you will be replaying this album many a times
  6. official_jrizz
    Sep 14, 2014
    10
    Certainly Al's best in recent times. I'm a huge Al fan, and I have almost everything he's ever put out, but "Word Crimes" and "Sports Songs" are the first classics he's put out since Poodle Hat ("Ode to a Superhero" and "eBay"). The comedy aspect plus Weird Al's both musical and writing talent makes Mandatory Fun an instant classic and a must-have.
  7. Mstango
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    I can hardly believe what I'm hearing! Weird Al does it again only betterer. Weird Al's Mandatory Fun is easily Weird Al's best Album since his last!
  8. PyongyangMayor
    Aug 17, 2014
    9
    This is an amazing album. Maybe not the best album he's done (Alapalooza & Running with Scissors are pretty damn good too) but this album is still awesome. BUY IT!
  9. dante_finn
    Jul 31, 2014
    8
    How could you not hate this album. These songs have rythm,and dome funky and funny chants. Another cool thing I also like about this album is that he likes to expirement with diffeeent types of songs but once in a while he might mess up just a tiny little bit. His beats are also funny and corny in a good way that has an emphasis. Overall Wierd Al Yankovic has had a succsesful return.
  10. cogo40
    Jul 21, 2014
    10
    This album certainly is better than his previous effort, Alpocalypse. The parodies are much stronger, and the originals don't feel like half finished ideas. His parodies make the original songs more tolerable. This album was a great first listen, and any fan of mainstream would enjoy a new twist on their favorite songs. Go listen to it.
  11. twaddle
    Jul 20, 2014
    7
    All the original tunes are great however the songs chosen to be parodied leave a little to be desired. This isn't Mr. Yankovic's fault since the popular music of today is truly god-awful. I just wish he would have parodied a few rock songs or at least a few artists that are actually good.
  12. rodericrinehart
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. The best album ever from Weird Al, who is a truly unique entertainer. It is full of great songs with a few absolute masterpieces. He is as good in video as he is in audio. A genius.
  13. SirKirbyThe4th
    Jul 18, 2014
    9
    Weird al does it again! That's basically all I have to say..... its good, its great! Especially highly inactive, or whatever that song is called. The last one was too long. But that's it. Listen to it. :D
  14. TheGamingSofa
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    It's astounding to see just how timeless Weird Al truly is. Mandatory Fun is probably one of his best albums he's ever released. The songs offer an intelligent and witty view on quotidian things such as mere foil. It's classic Al at his finest. He keeps the music interesting and hilarious without forcing any lyrics or tropes upon you.
  15. hawk97
    Jul 16, 2014
    10
    Wow, there are some great songs on this album. I am definitely going to buy this.

    Foil is amazingly hilarious. It starts as another song about food.... and then makes an unexpected turn
  16. Darsidion
    Jul 16, 2014
    10
    The songs are catchy and more importantly, FUN!

    If this really is Weird Al's last full album, then he went out with a bang!

    A must have for any fan!
  17. Comrade_Critic
    Jul 15, 2014
    10
    The Vicar of Yanks has done it again! "Handy" just might be the song of the summer. Al's take on Lorde's hit Royals is equally hilarious. A definite buy for fans of funny music.
  18. JacksReviews
    Jul 15, 2014
    10
    Possibly his best work since 'Even Worse', Weird Al forays against a plethora of genres for his latest album, from rap with his parody of Izzy Azalea's "Fancy" ("Handy") to indie-rock, lampooning Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive" ("Inactive"). "Word Crimes", a parody of Robin Thicke's pop-hit "Blurred Lines" stands out particularly for dismissing the controversial, arguably sexist tone of thePossibly his best work since 'Even Worse', Weird Al forays against a plethora of genres for his latest album, from rap with his parody of Izzy Azalea's "Fancy" ("Handy") to indie-rock, lampooning Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive" ("Inactive"). "Word Crimes", a parody of Robin Thicke's pop-hit "Blurred Lines" stands out particularly for dismissing the controversial, arguably sexist tone of the original to promote a light-hearted message of literary education, particularly relevant in our world of internet acronyms and emoticons.

    Al consistently exhibits his magnificent ability to pinpoint elements of popular culture, moreso than his previous records; it feels less disjointed than the likes of the forgettable 'Alpocalypse' or even 'Alapalooza', a record truly suited for the social networking age. Even the album art is worth a giggle. 5*    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. PopMatters
    Jul 24, 2014
    60
    Mandatory Fun is not his best album (even if it, by far, has his most well-conceived meticulous promotional launch), but it is still very fun, virtually every parody being completely on point and capable of holding up to at least a few replays.
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  2. AllMusic
    Jul 21, 2014
    80
    Wonders never cease on Mandatory Fun, and neither do the laughs.
    Read full review
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jul 18, 2014
    70
    It’s impossible to predict which of today’s hit songs will become tomorrow’s classics, but at least Mandatory Fun, Weird Al’s 14th studio album, delivers on the laughs.
    Read full review
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